It is true that Hong Kong is known as a city of commercial activity and money; nevertheless, the city also has a thriving arts scene and a rich cultural legacy, both of which are showcased at a number of museums located across the city.
For a day of cultural discovery, these museums are some of the finest places to visit. Whether you want to learn more about the ways people lived during the ancient Chinese dynasties or you want to get acquainted with the works of emerging local artists, these museums are some of the best places to visit.
If you are seeking for a cultural fix but are unsure of where to begin, you may want to consider paying a visit to the best museums in Hong Kong. Whether you are interested in learning about the interesting history of the city, discovering modern art, or expanding your knowledge of jellyfish, there is a wide variety of local organizations that are experts in a variety of disciplines. A few of the more noteworthy ones are included here for you to enjoy.
The best museums in Hong Kong you don’t want to miss this year
There are a great number of museums in Hong Kong, although they are not all located in close proximity to one another. This means that using public transit is going to be the most efficient method to go between museums as well as anywhere else in the city. The subway system in Hong Kong is known as the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), and it extends all the way to the border with Shenzhen, which is located on the mainland of China. It covers all of the important districts and locations of Hong Kong.
In addition to being contemporary, quick, and simple to operate, the MTR network consists of 11 lines that span 98 stops. In addition to being useful for transit, the Octopus Card can also be used at a wide variety of establishments, including restaurants, activities, and a large number of companies located across Hong Kong and China.
Here is a list of the best 5 museums in Hong Kong that you should not miss.
Hong Kong Museum of History
The Hong Kong Museum of History is often considered to be among the most visited museums in Hong Kong, and there is a solid reason for this. The museum is devoted to the history and culture of Hong Kong, and its displays cover a wide range of historical periods, from ancient beginnings to the present day. It is comprised of eight galleries, each of which focuses on a distinct time period in the history of Hong Kong.
The exhibitions are organized in chronological order, beginning with ancient periods and ending with the present day. A significant number of the exhibits are interactive and state-of-the-art, and there are several chances to get your hands dirty.
One piece that stands out as especially significant is the one that discusses the interesting Opium Wars, which were an important part of Hong Kong’s ancient history. In addition to that, there is a fascinating reconstruction of a street scene from the early 20th century, complete with residences, stores, and storefronts.
M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon Inspirational Exhibitions
In 2016, the M+ Pavilion was established to promote visual cultures in the 20th and 21st centuries via the mediums of art, moving pictures, design, and architecture. It is situated in the center of the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Multiple art shows, both permanent and rotating, are available to the public. The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Ordinance is the governing body for the museum. The museum’s mission is to create a cultural quarter for the city, with the goal of bringing together local and international artists as well as viewers for the purpose of fostering artistic inspiration and celebrating the arts.
The surrounding waterfront promenade is home to a number of amenities, including a well-lit jogging track, a bike rental service, a large number of restaurants that are located on the harbor’s front, and huge green grass. We cordially invite you to visit and spend the entire day taking in the inventive world-class exhibits, performances, and other cultural activities that are in store for you.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Not to be mistaken with the history museum, this museum has more than 5,000 pieces on display and has an amazing collection of Chinese pottery as well as paintings by Chinese artists such as Qi Baishi and Chen Linhai. The museum is not to be confused with the history museum. It is housed in a big, contemporary building that was built to seem like a traditional Chinese hamlet. It has six permanent exhibition galleries in addition to various temporary exhibition rooms. A wide variety of subjects, including Hong Kong’s history, art, and culture, as well as the everyday lives of Hong Kong residents, are shown in the permanent exhibits.
“The Hong Kong Story” is an exhibition that is considered to be one of the centerpieces of the museum. It provides a comprehensive account of the history of Hong Kong, beginning with its primitive beginnings as a fishing hamlet and ending with its development into the contemporary metropolis that it is today. This exhibit, as with many others at the museum, features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and intriguing antiques and historical items, all of which contribute to the show’s overall level of appeal, which is far higher than you may realize. In addition, the museum has a sizable gift store, which is an excellent location to purchase high-quality mementos
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is committed to preserving, collecting, and displaying objects that illustrate the city’s development in seafaring as well as stories about trade and maritime in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. Its mission is to showcase the wonderfully rich maritime history of Hong Kong, which was formerly an island used for fishing.
There are a variety of topics covered in the rotating exhibits that are held at the harborfront museum. These topics range from the history of sea pirates and ancient wrecked ships to marine conservation. There is a lot of intriguing knowledge that visitors may uncover, and they can also have fun with interactive exhibits. While you are there, be sure to stop by the Museum Café for a cup of coffee. This establishment is a supporter of The Nesbitt Centre and employs staff members who have learning difficulties
The Hong Kong Space Museum
One of the greatest museums in Hong Kong for children who are interested in space exploration (or for adults, for that matter) is this particular establishment. The collection of space suits and other equipment that astronauts used during their flights to space is the most interesting thing to see in the museum. At the same time, however, it has an outstanding collection of things that are associated with other parts of space research, such as rockets and satellites.
In addition to more modern designs made by private firms such as SpaceX or Virgin Galactic (which intends to fly commercial trips into outer space), visitors will be able to see models that illustrate how spacecraft appeared when they were put into orbit more than half a century ago.
You should check the schedule before you arrive at the museum since it also contains a planetarium, and the presentations that are exhibited there are free of charge and are shown on a rolling basis throughout the day.
It is possible to get a free audio device in English (or any other language you want) for those programs that are not in English. Some shows are in English, while others are not. In addition, there are performances that are shown in a 3D theater that require an additional cost. Wild fungus, the aurora borealis, and the Voyager space probe are the topics that will be covered in the episodes beginning in the spring of 2023. Tickets for such concerts may be purchased in advance via the website.
Conclusion
It is not necessary for you to be very concerned about the location of your accommodation in Hong Kong since the city’s transit infrastructure is so well thought out. Causeway Bay, which is the location of the city’s Victoria Park, and the Central District, which is home to a large number of luxury hotels, high-end shops, and fine-dining restaurants, are among the most popular neighborhoods for tourists. Tsim Sha Tsui, which is located in the heart of the city and features an abundance of tourist attractions, such as the well-known Victoria Harbour and Avenue of Stars, are also popular destinations for tourists.
