Museums in Central (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Racing Museum

Betting on horse racing is a popular pastime here—right up there with property development, shopping and eating—and this museum shows the sport in all its glory. The eight galleries track horse racing in Hong Kong from its beginnings in the 1840s to the high-tech, high-profit enterprise that it is today. All racetrack profits, incidentally, are retained by the government and dispersed among local charities. Trainers, jockeys, winning horses, even racecourse construction, all this and more is covered here. The mini-cinema provides a sense of the action should you miss an actual race. Admission: Free.

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

This off-the-beaten-path gem is worth seeking out for its historical edifice and unusual collection. Housed in the former Old Pathological Institute, the museum charts the development of medical science in Hong Kong and makes a fascinating comparison between traditional Chinese and Western medicine. To find the place, go to the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road, walk up Ladder Street and turn right onto Caine Lane.

The Pottery Workshop Gallery

Part of the Fringe Club complex, recent exhibitions held at this gallery are some of the most talked-about events in Hong Kong. Though you may find the occasional show dedicated to plates and teapots, most stretch the definition of pottery with displays of porcelain shoes and clothing, terracotta foot rests, lamps, pop art and more, making this is a great spot for unique gifts. Pottery classes are held in the studio behind the gallery showroom.

Para/Site Art Space

Fresh and creative presentations can be found here, in a variety of media by up-and-coming artists. They provide an insightful insider's look at life in Hong Kong. A recent multimedia exhibition, for example, featured an exploration by five female artists on the need for love at home.

Museum Annex

Rotating exhibitions, mostly paintings, shown in this stock exchange area. The gallery can be accessed by an escalator bordered by waterfalls and rocks. Book stores, an upscale Shanghai barber and the American Club may be found in the same complex. The museum is located within walking distance of the Central walkways, near the Central Post Office and Central Star Ferry, and the Central Airport Express Terminal.

Goethe-Institut

Located in the Hong Kong Arts Centre, home of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, several theaters and a few cafes with views of Victoria Harbour, this German cultural center holds regular exhibitions highlighting its country's contributions to the arts - a recent exhibition, for example, displayed rare photographs of Bertholt Brecht. The film screenings, featuring both old and new award-winning German language films, are also particularly popular.

Altfield Gallery

Located on a prime floor of a premier Central shopping center, the Altfield Gallery's main business is selling one-off antique Chinese furniture pieces and Southeast Asian sculpture. Its particular specialty, however, is Asian-themed prints and maps, such as the rare, individually hand-colored prints of 1840s Hong Kong restored from copper plates drawn by Lieutenant L.G. Heath of H.M. Iris. What is interesting to note is that these prints are primarily sourced from Europe!

Wattis Fine Art Gallery

This is where you buy the antique prints to go with that Ming altar table you purchased down the road. This gallery specializes in antique maps, most recently showing the ones that reflected the 16th to 19th century discoveries made by explorers Cook, La Perouse, Bougainville and Vancouver.

1A Space

1A Space, located within easy access of the Fortress Hill MTR train station, has become even more alternative than Central's Fringe Club. Nothing more than a warehouse area, artists have been able to acquire cheap studio rents and promote their work either individually or cooperatively. Not everything is for sale, there is a lot of performance art and installation work going on in here, but most pieces will cost a fraction of what you would pay in the upmarket Central galleries.

Schoeni Art Gallery

Located "uphill" from Hollywood Road, near the Central Police Station, Mid-levels Escalator and the incense-filled New Age Shop, this gallery specializes in paintings by Mainland China artists. Expect to see anything from detailed portraiture to more contemporary works, such as a Warhol-style Mao sporting a flower behind his ear, all by internationally known names.

Artist Commune

A funky space in which local artists—both practicing and aspiring—hang out, exhibit and create their work. Known for exhibiting edgy art, this gallery is no place for the squeamish or for those looking for something pretty to match the couch. Shows are erratic, so it is definitely best to call first.

Pao Galleries

A popular venue for creative and art-loving Hong Kong residents, these galleries showcase contemporary work that is not necessarily for sale, and host regular exhibitions of local and international artists. Though most are professional presentations, students' work is also exhibited.