7 Museums to Visit in Hong Kong

Most people wonder whether Hong Kong is a City, a Country or a territory. Guess it is everything put together - home to 7 million people it functions very much like one large city. Governed by China under the principle of "one country, two systems", wherein it remains a part of China and yet enjoys the autonomy of a country. Given the growing need for space and trade Hong Kong is comprised of several island alongside expanded areas called the New Territories. The language spoken in Hong Kong is predominantly Cantonese or the language common to the Canton region. Thanks to the rich history, arts and culture of the region, the city has several Museums that show case every aspect of Hong Kong down the ages.

HK Heritage Discovery Centre (Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon): Free, Closed : Thu

A five minute walk from Kowloon Park, this museum is right in the centre of the park. It is devoted to describing the arts and history of Hong Kong besides describing the various dynasties that ruled , the artefacts from the respective periods and fascinating bits on the everyday life of the common people. Predictably the kids were a wary that they would have to endure a lot of "boring stuff" of history. But once inside they refused to budge till it was closing time. The Museum covered nearly 6000 years of history, with many interactive exhibits such as a mock Archeological digging site where children can attempt to find artefacts etc. The exhibition on the Great Silk Road and discussions on how Hong Kong emerged as an important trading post were equally engaging. This museum is only a stone's throw from the interesting eateries and shopping on Nathan Road.

HK Science Museum (2 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East): HK$20 / Free: Wed, Closed : Thu

This museum is four floors of interactive fun which should take 5 hours at the least to cover. Experiments like the one using Liquid Nitrogen or the balls dropping from the ceiling, or the mirrors to create illusions were so cool. The construction play and car workshop added the quotient of role play. The other exhibits on health, radio and light were also engaging. Clearly the museum is over-run by kids and school groups on Wednesdays and so its better visited on other days.

Hong Kong Museum of History (100 Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui East): Free, Closed : Tue

Quite a comprehensive museum on Hong Kong's history covering aspects from geology to early people who inhabited the islands. This museum has covered the history of various periods : the Pre-Colonial Dynasties, Colonial, the Opium Wars, the Japanese Occupation and the Modern. The temporary special exhibits are accessible for a fee of HK$10. The exhibit on Hong Kong city history was very interesting, with live replicas of homes from the early 1900s and a tram from the time. One can also dress up in traditional costumes and take photos at special booths. Also on display were the documents of agreements signed during and after the opium wars leading upto the ceding Hong Kong to England on a 99 year lease.

HK Museum of Art (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon): Closed for renovation

Currently under renovation till mid-2019, the Hong Kong Museum of Art features over 15,000 objects of art ranging from antique bronzes, porcelain, calligraphy, to paintings of historical import. It has also several thematic exhibits that change from time to time. The HK Museum of Art has also another branch located at Hong Kong Park devoted to Tea Ware (The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware).

Hong Kong Heritage Museum (1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, New Territories): Free, Closed : Tue

Located in Sha Tin, this is further away from the CBD. In a way it is also far from the busy crowds and only a short walk away from the MTR (metro system). A rather large-sized museum, it has special exhibits devoted to the Chinese Opera and film /literary heroes like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Louis Cha. More recently, the exhibit on the legendary martial art icon Bruce Lee has been a big draw. The Chinese art exhibit has been carefully curated and includes the private collections of art and antiques from the various Chinese dynasties. The museum has a nice coffee shop at the basement besides play areas for the kids and an exhibit on toys with interactive activities for kids.

HK Museum of Coastal Defence (175 Tung Hei Road. Shau Kei Wan): Free, Closed : Tuesdays

This Museum is located in a picturesque old ramparts on the hilltop overlooking the narrow strait between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Many miss seeing this wonderful museum. It has 10 rooms that summarize the importance of Hong Kong's coastal defense, dwelling into the history of the fort, the opium wars and conflicts with Japan from a defense point of view. The chain of events are sequentially presented with detailed descriptions. The outdoor exhibits displayed at various viewing points include Canons, Military vehicles and Artillery (including an unexploded torpedo displayed at the waterfront). Once you are done with the exhibits, its a good idea to walk around and capture the views before heading to the cafe.

HK Railway Museum (113 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po Market, Tai Po, NT): Free, Closed : Tuesdays

This is an open air museum with a number of old rail carriages and a restored locomotive displayed in what was once Tai Po Market Station. One can experience what it was like to travel in various classes in one of the decommissioned carriages. The building has all the semblances of an old railway station including a ticket office with an original station master's working desk and other such memorabilia. The display of the old signalling system is quite intriguing. There are a couple of model trains that kids can try playing with. Though small, this museum offers numerous photo opportunities for visitors.

There are several more museums within easy reach of tourists, but these are the most popular for a rushed trip.