The Best Museums in Hong Kong (and 2 You Can Skip)

ByDeborah Rogers Hours Categories Things to Do
A woman looking at a painting on a wall.

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If you’re wandering around Hong Kong and itching to soak up some culture, the city’s museums are the perfect little getaway from all the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just on the hunt for something unique, there’s a museum for you.

I’ve been to all the ones worth visiting, and below I share my favorites along with a few that are better left off your itinerary (because I know you want to make the most of your time in Hong Kong). So, grab your map and let’s dive into some of the best spots to explore, plus an overlooked gem you might not have heard about.

Hong Kong Museum of Art – Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture

People walk into the entrance of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. There is large glass signage theat says HKMOA. The building is contemporary and there are palm trees next to it.

Located right on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is a lovely and interesting museum if you’re keen to explore both local and international art. It’s not just about traditional Chinese works either. There’s a great mix of modern art and incredible harbour views to take in while you’re there. I really enjoyed my time wandering the different floors and checking out the exhibits.

This is far from a stuffy, old-fashioned art history museum. The last time I visited, there were loads of fascinating exhibitions, like the Fuyan Xuan Collection of Snuff Bottles (490 tiny, intricate bottles) and the Shopping in Canton exhibition, which explores 18th and 19th-century merchant life and China trade art. They even had visiting collections from the likes of Cézanne and Renoir. Seriously impressive stuff.

  • A well lit display of glass snuff bottles. They are red, yellow, blue, green and purple.
  • A group of people sitting in chairs looking out a window at Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong.
  • A visitor closely observes a vibrant cloisonné enamel bowl displayed at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. The large, round vessel is adorned with colorful Buddhist emblems, intricate floral patterns, and detailed motifs of parrots and temples, showcased under glass with soft lighting. Informational plaques in English and Chinese describe the piece’s cultural and artistic significance.

Each floor has something different to discover, so it’s a beautiful space for a wander. And if you make it to the top, there’s a lovely restaurant with uninterrupted views of the Hong Kong skyline and promenade.

Even if you don’t fancy a meal, you can just sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows and give your feet a rest while soaking in the harbour view. Don’t skip the gift shop either (located downstairs); it’s worth a look for unique souvenirs.

Because the Hong Kong Museum of Art is located right on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, it can get a bit crowded, so if you want a more peaceful experience, try to avoid weekends.

📍 Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesdays, Fridays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Closed on Thursdays.
Cost: Free
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit E). From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk along Salisbury Road, past the Clock Tower. The museum is right next to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Several of Hong Kong’s best museums are clustered along the harbour — I map them all out in my Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood guide if you want to see them on foot.

M+ – My Personal Favourite

People walking around a reception area in a large building called the M+. There is an escalator in the background.

Out of all the museums in Hong Kong, M+ is hands down my favorite.

It’s definitely on my list of the best things to do in Hong Kong.

M+ is Hong Kong’s big swing at a world-class contemporary art museum and, honestly, they’ve nailed it. If you’re into bold architecture, video installations, or thought-provoking design, this place is a must. It’s slick without being sterile, and the exhibits actually make you stop and think.

The name M+ stands for “Museum and more”. That’s certainly right, it’s a lot more than a museum; in my mind M+ is much more a gallery than a museum. The way it blends art with technology makes it stand out, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Room after room, I found something that sparked my interest.

  • A man standing in a hallway with a digital projection of a man under water.
  • A black and white shirt jacket with a Mao's face on it.
  • A red painting of a woman with her eyes closed.

I didn’t expect to be so captivated, but it was fantastic, especially because you get a glimpse into Chinese culture from a different perspective. Some of the art takes a playful, almost irreverent jab at old Chinese propaganda. It’s an eye-opener and, at times, very comical.

The M+ building itself is a work of art. I spent a good two hours wandering through the galleries, and I could’ve easily stayed longer. The museum is located in West Kowloon, making it the perfect spot for a cultural afternoon followed by a stroll along the promenade. It’s also a great place in Hong Kong for photos.

✅ TOP TIP: Go in the late afternoon and time your visit with sunset. Watching the sun dip behind the skyline and seeing the lights come on across the harbour from the West Kowloon Promenade is absolutely stunning. It’s one of those moments where Hong Kong truly takes your breath away.

Oh, and don’t miss the gift shop. It’s my favourite shop in all of Hong Kong. You’ll find some truly unique pieces that are perfect for bringing a little bit of Hong Kong’s contemporary art scene home with you.

📍 Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Fridays: 10.00 AM – 22.00 PM, *Saturday: 10 AM –8PM during summer extension. Closed on Mondays.
Cost: General Admission: HK$190. Concessions (Students and seniors): HK$100 Check the official M+ website for the most up-to-date prices.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station (Exit E4 or E5). From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the West Kowloon Cultural District, and there are plenty of signs to guide you. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi or hop on one of the free shuttle buses that service the area.

Hong Kong Palace Museum – Skip It

A building with a large square and a red door. It is raining. The building is called The Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Situated right next to M+, the Hong Kong Palace Museum certainly looks grand from the outside, but I’d recommend skipping it unless you’re really into Chinese imperial history.

While the architecture is impressive, the exhibits, mostly porcelain and archaeological finds, didn’t really stand out for me. Unless you have a deep interest in this particular period, there are far better museums to explore in Hong Kong.

From time-to-time, the museum hosts special exhibitions like the one I saw on French dresses, which was more interesting, but you’ll have to pay extra for these events, and the price can be steep.

Heads up: This is a major stop for coach tours from mainland China, so it often gets crowded, and you’ll likely have to queue. If you do decide to visit, aim for a weekday to avoid the weekend rush.

📍 Cost: General Admission: HKD $50
Special Exhibitions: Prices vary, but can go up to HKD $120 or more depending on the exhibit.
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays)
How to get there: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station (Exit E4 or E5), and from there, it’s a short walk to the West Kowloon Cultural District, where the museum is located right next to M+.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum – An Overlooked Gem

A walkway with a sign and green iron railings. It is the entrance to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is one of those spots that not many people seem to know about, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. Tucked away at Pier 8 near Central, this museum delves into Hong Kong’s fascinating maritime history, with displays on shipwrecks, trade routes, and nautical navigation.

I almost skipped this one myself, despite all the years I’ve been travelling to Hong Kong, simply because I had never heard of it. When I arrived, the lady at reception explained that the museum used to be housed at Murray House in Stanley before moving to Pier 8, and due to its modest marketing budget, it often flies under the radar.

But trust me, it’s worth a visit. The displays beautifully capture Hong Kong’s maritime history and its significance as a global port city.

  • A girl standing in front of an interactive display inside the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.
  • A detailed model of a traditional Chinese dragon boat is displayed at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. The boat features a fierce dragon head at the bow, with an intricately decorated hull in blue wave patterns and an elaborate multi-tiered pagoda structure on top. The display sits on a carved wooden base, with museum signage and brochures visible nearby.
  • A boy in a blue shirt and black shorts looks through a large public telescope inside the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, facing the harbor through tall glass windows. Other visitors are also using telescopes or admiring the viewA boy in a blue shirt and black shorts looks through a large public telescope inside the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, facing the harbor through tall glass windows. Other visitors are also using telescopes or admiring the view.

What makes it even better is that the museum is incredibly quiet, even on weekends, so you can wander around at your own pace without crowds. It’s a great spot to take a break from wandering Central, and it offers fantastic views of Victoria Harbour. They even have telescopes to get a closer look at the harbour.

Make sure to head upstairs to Café 8. Not only do they serve great coffee, but the café is run by a charitable organization for young people with learning disabilities. It also sometimes hosts art exhibitions, so your visit supports a good cause.

📍 Cost: Adults: HKD $30, Seniors/Children: HKD $15
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays
How to get there: Take the MTR to Central Station (Exit A) or Hong Kong Station (Exit A2), then walk for 10–15 minutes to Pier 8, located next to the Central Ferry Piers. Alternatively, if you’re arriving by the iconic Star Ferry, the museum is right next to the pier.

The Hong Kong History Museum – Interesting look at reunification

Entrance to the Hong Kong Museum of History on a sunny day, with banners promoting a special exhibit on the Xia and Shang dynasties. Several visitors walk toward the entrance, some using umbrellas for shade, and large images of ancient Chinese bronzeware decorate the outer display panels.

I used to be disappointed by what happened to the Hong Kong History Museum after its old “Hong Kong Story” exhibition closed; it felt like the heart of the place had gone. But I went back recently, and it’s time to change my verdict. The museum has completely reinvented itself, and while it’s definitely taken a new direction, it’s well worth visiting again.

About a third of the new displays focus on reunification with Mainland China. There’s a strong emphasis on progress, patriotism, and unity, with sections covering the 2019 protests, the national security law, and China’s rise as a global power. It’s fascinating to see how that narrative is presented: polished, confident, and unmistakably designed to make visitors feel proud of the nation’s achievements.

  • Visitors walk through an exhibit at the Hong Kong History Museum, featuring illuminated panels with historical photos and text in Chinese and English. A large red display on the right showcases the Hong Kong regional flag with a white bauhinia flower.
  • A couple stands in front of a display at the Hong Kong History Museum, viewing a collection of vintage posters, newspapers, and photographs that highlight Hong Kong’s pop culture and entertainment history. Illuminated panels on the wall showcase scenes from local films, advertisements, and street life.
  • A large painting displayed at the Hong Kong History Museum shows Mao Zedong reading the founding proclamation of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, from Tiananmen Gate. He is surrounded by key figures of the Communist Party, with vibrant red lanterns, ceremonial decorations, and crowds waving flags in the background.

What surprised me was how balanced it actually felt. Alongside the more political sections, there’s still plenty about Hong Kong’s own identity, with its unique culture, history, and place in the world. The curators haven’t erased Hong Kong’s individuality; they’ve reframed it within the bigger national story. As a Westerner, I found it both thought-provoking and surprisingly measured. It could have been much heavier-handed than it was.

Walking out, I caught myself feeling a little envious of that sense of nationhood — even if it’s state-directed — because it’s powerful to see a country so sure of its story. Whether you agree with the politics or not, this new version of the museum offers a fascinating window into modern China’s perspective, and into how Hong Kong fits within it. Definitely worth putting back on your itinerary.

📍 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10 AM – 7 PM
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays)
Cost: Free
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit B2). From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk along Chatham Road South. Alternatively, take the MTR to Hung Hom Station and walk about 10 minutes from there.

The Hong Kong Space Museum – Skip It

Exterior of the Hong Kong Space Museum featuring its iconic white, dome-shaped structure with a tiled surface, glistening under a sunny sky. The foreground includes a cobblestone plaza with trees, benches, and people walking near nearby modern buildings.

The Hong Kong Space Museum is located next to the Hong Kong Museum of Art along Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. I’m sorry to say that I think the good old Space Museum has definitely had its day.

While the round and strange-looking building itself is a bit of a Hong Kong icon, the inside feels very dated, with exhibits that don’t seem particularly up-to-date or engaging. I took a quick look around and ended up walking out shortly after. It’s not the kind of place I’d recommend for first-timers, especially with the large groups of school children that frequent the museum.

If you’re into space museums, you might find it underwhelming compared to others around the world. Personally, I’d say skip this one. It feels more like a relic from the past than a must-see attraction.

📍 Opening Hours: Monday and Wednesday – Friday: 1 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10 AM – 9 PM
Closed on Tuesday (except public holidays). Check the official website for latest opening hours.
Cost: Exhibition halls: HK$10 standard admission; HK$5 concession. Space Theatre shows: HK$40 for stalls or HK$30 for front stalls. Concession tickets are HK$20 or HK$15. Free admission on Wednesdays
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit B2) or Hung Hom Station. It’s about a 10-minute walk from either.

Other Museums Worth a Mention (but I haven’t been to)

  • Hong Kong Heritage Museum: Located in Sha Tin, this museum covers everything from local traditions to pop culture. How to get there: Take the MTR to Che Kung Temple Station (Exit A), then it’s a 10-minute walk following the signs.
  • Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum: This museum, dedicated to the revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen, is a small but impactful stop in the Mid-Levels. How to get there: Take the MTR to Sheung Wan Station (Exit E2), then hop on the Mid-Levels escalator or walk up the hill to the museum. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hong Kong Museums

Hong Kong’s museum scene is small compared to other international cities. But with so much else to see and do in the city that’s not really surprising. Your time is precious, so my advice is to be selective about which ones you decide to visit.

My recommendations are the M+, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Maritime Museum. These spots offer a fantastic glimpse into the city’s rich culture, history, and what’s on the horizon for Hong Kong.

Curious to explore more?

If you’re in the mood to pair your museum time with a bit more exploring, here’s a few more guides to help you keep going:

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Deborah Rogers is the creator of Hong Kong Made Easy, a travel site focused on helping first-time visitors.

She has over 45 years of experience with Hong Kong: she grew up there and returns frequently as a visitor. This long-term connection gives her a practical understanding of how Hong Kong works and what matters most for visitors.

Her work focuses on the decisions that shape a trip—where to stay, how to get around, and what to prioritise—based on what she has personally tested over many years.

She also helps travellers use Hong Kong as a starting point for a wider Asia trip, with nearby destinations like Shanghai and Japan just a short flight away.

Everything she shares is based on real experience—what she’s done, tested, and would genuinely recommend today.