Explore the Five Best Museums in Hong Kong

While shopping and skyscrapers remain top-of-mind for Hong Kong visitors, don’t overlook the city’s museums. The museums in Hong Kong are among the best in the region, offering diverse experiences for all interests.

Below, we proudly present what we believe are five of the best must-visit museums in Hong Kong. There’s something for everyone: we’ve got highbrow art, captivating history, and even interactive fun.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

In a city often perceived as lacking soul, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (official site) offers a compelling look at the cultural past of the city, from a quiet fishing village to a bustling metropolis.

Museum highlights include a series of time tunnels that reconstruct significant periods in the city’s history, reflecting traditional village life, British rule, and contemporary Hong Kong.

This museum is an excellent place to understand what makes Hong Kong so unique and how it became one of the world’s largest cities against all odds.

• How to Get There: MTR to Che Kung Station; location on Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays
• Price: HK$10, free Wednesdays

Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum

As the name implies, the Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum (official site) chronicles the life of China’s revolutionary figure, specifically detailing his connections to Hong Kong.

Recognized as the father of modern China, Sun had significant ties to Hong Kong, including his education here. It was during his time in the city that he began formulating his plans to overthrow the imperial government.

The museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and reconstructed scenes of his life, and is also part of the Sun Yat Sen trail, a tour of historical sites linked to him.

• How to Get There: Buses 3B, 12, 12M, 13, 23, 23A, 23B, 40, 40M and 103 to Caine Road; location on Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 10am-6pm, closed Thursday
• Price: HK$10, free Wednesdays

Hong Kong Science Museum

A fantastic option for families, the Hong Kong Science Museum (official site) features nearly 500 exhibits, two-thirds of which are hands-on activities.

Popular attractions include the motion, sound, and light rooms, where visitors can experiment with sound, motion, and even participate in bubble races.

This museum offers an engaging educational experience, and with its interactive features, you may have even more fun here than at Hong Kong Disneyland!

• How to Get There: MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui; location on Google Maps
• Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat and Sun 10am-9pm, closed Thursday.
• Price: HK$20, free Wednesdays

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

Somewhat off the beaten path, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence (official site) is one of the city’s most underrated cultural institutions.

The allure here lies in its stunning setting, located within the beautifully preserved 100-year-old Lei Yue Mun fort. The exhibits offer a solid selection of uniforms, maps, and weaponry that chart Hong Kong’s military evolution from the early Ming period through British rule and the arrival of the PLA.

Perhaps the most captivating display focuses on the lesser-known Battle for Hong Kong, a brutal conflict during World War II involving Japanese forces.

• How to Get There: MTR to Shau Kei Wan; location on Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, closed Thursday
• Price: HK$10, free Wednesdays

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Boasting one of the finest collections of Chinese Art globally, featuring a rotating collection of nearly 15,000 items, the Hong Kong Museum of Art (official site) is arguably the most acclaimed museum in the city.

The collection of Chinese antiques is especially noteworthy, encompassing traditional ceramics, exquisite glassware, Mandarin costumes, and intricate bamboo carvings.

Additionally, the museum houses captivating exhibitions of Chinese fine art, an extensive collection of calligraphy, and a remarkable segment showcasing Hong Kong Art spanning over a century.

• How to Get There: MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui; location on Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 10am-6pm, closed Thursday
• Price: HK$10, free Wednesdays