Tai Kwun 大館

Tai Kwun is located at 10 Hollywood Road, Central. It was established 181 years ago and was listed as a declared monuments. Now, it is revitalised as a Centre for Heritage and Arts, providing different historic and art exhibitions for public.

Tai Kwun is formed by 3 buildings, including the Victoria Prison, Former Central Magistracy and Former Central Police Station, which are unique. At the begining, because of the high criminal rate in Hong Kong, Chief Magistrate Captain William Caine decided to built Victoria prision and Magistracy. Nevertheless, in 1864, the Victoria Prison was full, so the goal was moved to the Stonecutters Island. At that time, Central Police Station was then moved to vacant prison site. However, the goal in Stonecutters Island was not suitable for the construction of prison. Hence, in 1866, the Victoria Prison and Magistracy moved back to Central and formed a Central Police Station Compound with magistracy, prison and police station. In 1995, Hong Kong government announced Tai Kwun as a declared monument as Tai Kwun has witnessed the development of Hong Kong's criminal and justice system since the early days of British colonial rule. Although Tai Kwun ended its operation during 2003 to 2006, Hong Kong government and The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced a revitalisation paln in 2008. After revitalizing for 10 years, it was reopened in 2018 as a hub combining historical meaning and art creation.