Joanna James
You may know Hong is famous for food and shopping, but did you know the nation is home to 19 museums, offering one an insight into history, arts, sciences and culture? Listed are the best to explore.
This is a branch of the Museum of History, located in Shau Kei Wan. The museum is located within the former Yei Yue Mun Fort; which is a 100 year old stronghold, built by the British in 1887 and sits along the eastern edge of Hong Kong Harbour. This museum well-chronicles Hong Kong's defence history for the past 600 years, starting from the Ming Dynasty which existed from 1368 to 1644. On display are 400 military artefacts, comprising torpedoes, guns and military uniforms.
This museum is housed within a four-storey building in East Tsim Sha Tsui, which is just 20 minutes by car for guests at Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong. Opened in 1991 the place strives to promote astronomy, science and technology. There you are treated to 6.500sqmtrs of space containing over 500 exhibits; and as many are interactive, kids and adults alike will love a scout of the place.
Well worth leaving the confines of your comfortable Wan Chai suite hotel, Hong Kong Museum of History will prove to be quite fascinating and not just for the culture buff. Established in 1975, the complex is a staggering 17,500 sq. mt. and is one of Hong Kong's most popular museums. Do check out the 'Hong Kong Story' which is by far the most popular exhibit, spread across two floors. The history of Hong Kong starting from the Devonian Period, which was over 400 million years ago, is well recounted within this exhibit. The Hong Kong story demands at least two to four hours of your attention, hence, do plan well and leave enough time to explore the museum thoroughly; you won't be disappointed.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum comprises six special exhibits and six permanent exhibits; spread across a floor area of 7,500sqmtrs. If you love vintage architecture, do take time to explore the building boasting traditional Chinese siheyuan architectural styles. The place is a lovely complex of four buildings, framing a charming vintage courtyard. The permanent exhibit consists of a Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, including an antique bamboo theatre as well as, the T.T. Tsui Gallery. There you can view Chinese crafts such as pottery, bronze ware and ceramics.
The egg-shaped building is Hong Kong's very first planetarium; it is located on the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui and easy to reach from your Wan Chai hotel. The Hong Kong Space Museum is best known for the Stanley Ho Space Theatre; which offers a range of interesting science documentaries screened with the aid of High-Tec 3D OMNIMAX film projector. In addition, one can indulge in a touch of stargazing at the planetarium.
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