Jockey Club celebrates Tai Kwun’s first anniversary A new heritage landmark for Hong Kong
The Central Police Station compound, now better known as Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts celebrates its first anniversary on Saturday, 25 May 2019. Millions of visitors have taken Tai Kwun to heart in its first year of operations, engaging with its fascinating history, admiring its fine architecture, and enjoying its unique open spaces - making it the most visited heritage site in Hong Kong.
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A heritage conservation and revitalisation project led by The Hong Kong Jockey Club in partnership with the Government of the HKSAR, Tai Kwun is an architectural gem, a cultural hub and a vital piece of Hong Kong history. With history dating back over 170 years, Tai Kwun has come alive with heritage and art exhibitions, musical performances, film shows, docent tours and other activities throughout the year.
Its first anniversary is being celebrated with the opening of “Tai Kwun 101” heritage exhibition and a spectacular performance by the Hong Kong Police Force.
Commenting on Tai Kwun’s first year of operations, Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman Dr Anthony W K Chow said it had more than lived up to its purpose as a vibrant and vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural and artistic life.
“Since opening, Tai Kwun has mounted an active programme of exhibitions, events and performances,” Dr Chow said.
“It has collaborated with major arts groups and festivals and given a platform to up-and-coming artists and performers. It has also reached out to the local community, recording and sharing the stories of Central district, and has welcomed citizens from all walks of life.”
The 13,600-square-metre Central Police Station compound consists of three declared monuments, namely the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, a total of 16 heritage buildings.
There are also two new buildings – an international-grade art gallery known as JC Contemporary and an auditorium known as JC Cube.
The restoration of the Central Police Station compound is the product of a strong and close partnership between the Club and the Government. Drawing on world-class expertise and with input from the community, it has established a benchmark for heritage conservation in the city and earned a number of accolades for Hong Kong.
The restoration of the Central Police Station compound, and its revitalisation as Tai Kwun – Centre of Heritage and Arts, has been one of the most complex projects ever undertaken by the Club. Support for the project, as for all of its community initiatives, was made possible through the Club’s unique integrated business model, which encompasses not only charity and community contribution, but world-class racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, and responsible wagering and lottery services. It is through this model that the Club contributes to the betterment of society, delivering economic and social value for the benefit of all.
Expressing special thanks to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR Mrs Carrie Lam, who was a driving force behind the project from the very beginning, the Club also acknowledged the support of the government departments involved, the Antiquities Advisory Board, the Jockey Club Central Police Station Advisory Committee members, and members of the Heritage Working Group and the Art Working Group. The Club would also like to thank the Central and Western District Council and the neighbouring community for their support over the past year.
“Tai Kwun 101” is a thematic exhibition showcasing 101 objects related to the Central Police Station compound and chronicling a variety of stories about work and life in these historic buildings. In addition, an inspiring array of exhibitions and programmes featuring home grown and international artists and performers has been lined up. For example, a contemporary arts exhibition by world famous artist Takashi Murakami will open on 1 June.
The structural excellence achieved at Tai Kwun was recognised by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, which awarded the structural Excellence Award 2019 to Arup, the project engineering consultant. Tai Kwun also received the HKICON Conservation Award 2018 – Interpretation Category from The Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists. The revitalisation of Tai Kwun was named by The Telegraph as one of the largest and most thorough conservation projects in Hong Kong.