Our Site
Photo by Michael Moran
Located in the heart of the central business district, Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK) is situated at the Former Explosives Magazine of the British old Victoria Barracks in Hong Kong, a site steeped in history, cultural significance and natural beauty.
Our Center houses a group of four former British military buildings. Part of the old Victoria Barracks, originally built during the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The site was later abandoned in 1980s until it was granted to ASHK by the government of Hong Kong for adaptive reuse.
The site was revitalized with funds generously donated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and other local and international individuals and organizations. Through the vision of internationally acclaimed architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien and careful conservation, this transformed site was successfully opened to the public as a cultural, artistic and intellectual hub in Hong Kong in 2012.
Our Historic Buildings
Starr-Greenberg Building (Former Laboratory)
Built in the 1860s by the British Army for mixing explosives, the old laboratory is a one-floor L-shaped structure consisting of the main building with subsidiary buildings. This Grade I historic building now houses one of the ASHK’s administrative offices and two function rooms, including the Credit Suisse Room and
Lee Quo Wei Room.
Chantal Miller Gallery (Former Magazine A)
Built between 1863 and 1868, this former magazine is among the oldest remaining military buildings from the colonial period in Hong Kong. It is constructed with thick granite wall. This Grade I historic building has been thoughtfully restored and adapted for use as a modern exhibition space of international museum standards.
Miller Theater (Former Magazine B)
Built between 1905 and 1907, this former magazine combined with a lighting passage along the sides and back was used for ammunition storage. Through multiple alterations, this Grade I historic building has now been transformed into a theater equipped with high-quality theatrical facilities that encompass over 100 seats for lectures, performances and film screenings.
GG Block
Built circa late 1940s, GG Block was possibly used by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police. In the 1970s, it was one of the locations of Hong Kong’s “touch-base-policy” during the first wave of mass immigration. It is now a Grade II historic building, and has been conserved and restored as one of ASHK's administrative offices.
Our New Features
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall
Surrounded by natural beauty, this large multi-purpose function hall can accommodate up to 240 people, banquet style, as well as provide space for lectures, seminars and receptions.
Joseph Lau & Josephine Lau Roof Garden
Follow the exterior staircase to the stunning Joseph Lau & Josephine Lau Roof Garden, where you can enjoy the contrasting scenes of lush green foliage and the urban jungle of Admiralty. This open space allows the perfect setting for outdoor events and a leisurely stroll in the afternoon.
Lippo Amphitheater
Situated beneath the Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, and flanked by the GG Block and lush hillside, this all-weather amphitheater is designed for a wide variety of outdoor performances, film screenings, and other interactive programs.
Doubled-decked Bridge
This elbow-shaped bridge connects visitors to our heritage compound. On the upper deck, Yasumoto Bridge, visitors can also enjoy the stunning view of the city's landscape against lush green mountains.
