Tai Kwun (大館) Is Showing Our Special History, Culture and Heritage in Hong Kong

Tai Kwun presents a wide range of heritage, contemporary art, performing arts and lifestyle experiences in the restored and revitalised Central Police Station compound, which comprises three Declared Monuments, the former Central Police Station, the Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison.

中區警署建築群是香港法定古蹟，經過活化工程後名為「大館」，提供一系列歷史文物、當代藝術展覽，表演及文娛活動。除了兩座全新的建築物，原有的16 座古蹟也被修復活化，包括前中區警署、前中央裁判司署及域多利監獄。

First we went to a heritage programme called "100 FACES OF TAI KWUN"「大館一百面」 at Duplex Studio, Block 01 in Tai Kwun. “100 Faces of Tai Kwun”, immerses visitors into 100 stories, collected from 100 "kaifongs" (local neighbours) and friends in the past two years, in order to explore the history of the Central Police Station compound as well as the myriad intricate relationships cultivated here in the neighbourhood.

「大館一百面」，讓觀眾從一百位被訪者的故事當中，了解到中區警署建築群的歷史，以及中環街坊或過客對這裡的印象。這些被訪者，除了有前警務人員、前懲教署職員、釋囚、老店店主及中區街坊外，還有攝影師、記者、建築師、歷史學家、導演等等，希望以不同的角度，娓娓道來大館和中環的故事。

They were used to be the neon signs and the signboards outside the dim sum or wonton noodles restaurants in Hong Kong since 60s.

掛在天花板的都是六十年代一般食肆如舊式茶樓、傳統雲吞麵店門外的大型招牌。

This is the menu of our traditional dish in Hong Kong- wonton noodles!

在香港老一代都甚少稱它為雲吞麵，地道的會按份量叫它們為「細蓉」、「中蓉」和「大蓉」。

And also Chinese herb tea! How can we miss this signature drinks we had in Old Hong Kong?

還有涼茶！如果有一點點感冒或是咳嗽，一定要去找涼茶舖喝杯廿四味吧！

From displaying the gong once used in the Central Police Station, to playing a video of the first case heard at the Central Magistracy, to projecting moving silhouettes inside 6 cells of the Victoria Prison, we have deployed a number of ways in our 8 designated heritage storytelling spaces to feature the history, stories, and lives of people inside Tai Kwun. We have also conserved most of the original settings of the site so that you can always find your own way to experience the past and present days of the Central Police Station Compound.

從展示中區警署用作警報的銅鑼、播放中央裁判司署首宗案件的影片，到在域多利監獄投射的剪影，在八個歷史故事空間均以不同的方式，講述建築群的歷史、故事和人物的生活點滴。當中亦保留了大多建築群的原有格局，讓我們能感受和體驗大館今昔的轉變。

There used to be the area for prisoners to take rest and have some sports. The tall wall was for blocking the connection between prisoners and outsiders.

這個戶外地方是供囚犯休息和活動的地方，而那高高的圍牆則是為了阻隔外面與囚犯接觸。

After visiting the old jails in Tai Kwun, we went to Tai Kwun Contemporary, JC Contemporary for the inaugural exhibition. The artistic positions in the exhibition aim to open up insights as well as questions that reimagine and examine the established conventions and norms conditioning how we navigate and give shape to our everyday lives. I took the picture when the staff measured my height and wrote my name and date of visit on the point. I asked what is the meaning of all these. The staff said she doesn't know, and the artist will use the wall full of name and numbers for future use. I would love to see how this art looks like at the end.

我們二人最後到了另一個展覽「賽馬會藝方-大館當代美術館」，其中展出的諸多作品，將與我們置身的社會與公民結構相契合。藝術定位帶來發人深省的見解，使我們對舊俗與常規重新構想檢視。而正是這些舊俗與常規，決定了我們每天的生活形態和行進方向。

Actually there are so many different kinds of exhibitions about art, history and culture of Hong Kong. If you have chance, please come and visit when you are here:)

Hope you enjoy reading it.
Cheers,
Gladys

@gladysmak