Museums in Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong has many fascinating museums and several of the most prestigious are within the TST district itself. These world-class cultural institutions offer incredible value, with some completely free admission and others charging minimal entry fees. All are easily accessible by MTR or on foot, making museum-hopping an ideal activity for curious travelers seeking to understand Hong Kong's rich heritage and scientific achievements.
Hong Kong Science Museum - A multi-story comprehensive science museum that serves not only to demonstrate and educate but also to preserve items of scientific interest. Special exhibitions of topical science topics regularly rotate through the building. Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun & holidays 10am-9pm (closed Thursdays). Admission: HK$20 standard, HK$10 concessions, free for full-time students. The museum features interactive exhibits perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.
• Located at Upper Piazza entrance
• Box office closes 1 hour before museum
• Enquiry hotline: 2732 3232
• Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve: close at 5pm
Hong Kong Museum of History - Directly opposite the plaza from the Science Museum, this exceptional institution houses valuable and educational displays chronicling Hong Kong from Neolithic times through to the present day. Admission is completely FREE for permanent exhibitions, making it an unmissable cultural experience. Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun & holidays 10am-7pm (closed Tuesdays). Location: 100 Chatham Road South. Note: "The Hong Kong Story" permanent exhibition is currently under extensive renovation but other exhibits remain open.
Hong Kong Space Museum - Housing the impressive planetarium which features IMAX movies on science topics, this distinctive egg-shaped building was one of the first constructed on land made available when the railway line closed in 1975. Today the standing exhibits include a fascinating mock-up of the Space Shuttle and interactive space exploration displays. Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat-Sun & holidays 10am-9pm (closed Tuesdays). Special astronomy programs run on Sundays 2:30-3:45pm & 4:15-5:30pm (in Cantonese).
Hong Kong Museum of Art - Showcasing not only exquisite Chinese art but also hosting long-term exhibitions featuring masterpieces from around the world, this purpose-built museum on the TST Promenade sits directly next to the Cultural Centre. Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun & holidays 10am-9pm (closed Thursdays). The museum's contemporary galleries span multiple floors, offering everything from traditional calligraphy to modern installations. On Sundays, charming art-related stalls open on the plaza between the museum and Cultural Centre, creating a vibrant cultural marketplace.
The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre - Located in Kowloon Park, this unique museum is visited as much for its historic building—a beautifully preserved Colonial Era barracks block—as for the fascinating heritage displays inside. The centre offers rotating exhibitions on Hong Kong's cultural heritage and provides insight into the city's colonial past. The building's military architecture and peaceful park setting create an atmospheric backdrop for understanding Hong Kong's layered history.