Exploring the History and Meaning of Victoria Prison at Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun has unveiled two new permanent heritage exhibitions that tell the complex history of the century-old former Victoria Prison through historic photos and recollections of real-life experiences behind bars. “Victoria Prison: B Hall and D Hall”, unveiled in mid-November, bring the building’s past to life through multiple interpretations, and the voices of retired correctional services officers, former inmates and a prison chaplain. The exhibitions also enable visitors to deepen their understanding of Victoria Prison’s design, functionality and evolution.  

Tai Kwun is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and a valuable educational resource for people from all walks of life, who can discover the site’s history and explore how it continues to create meaning to our society. Since its opening in 2018, Tai Kwun has welcomed over 15 million visitors, with many of them visiting the heritage exhibitions and joining its free guided tours.

Tai Kwun is one of the largest heritage revitalisation projects in Hong Kong, and safeguarding public safety has always been the top priority during Tai Kwun’s conservation.  The Married Inspectors’ Quarters (“Block 4”), the only historic building yet to be restored, is no exception.

In December 2022, The Jockey Club CPS Limited (“JCCPS”) submitted a technical update to the Government, revealing that Block 4’s condition was much weaker than anticipated.  Overseas masonry specialists and local engineering experts advised that there is an undue risk of sudden collapse if recovery works are implemented. It is therefore considered that the removal of the unsafe parts of Block 4, under the strictly necessary principle to ensure public safety, is appropriate. 

JCCPS has started  the investigation, removal and associated alteration works of Block 4, which will be carried out in phases subject to the findings of the investigation.  The investigation and associated works at rooftop commenced in mid-November 2023.  JCCPS remains committed to the recovery of Block 4 and intends to retain and preserve the historic fabric with heritage value of Block 4 as much as practicable. A digital archive of the whole building will also be created and kept.

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