Journey into old Hong Kong with a visit to Hong Kong House of Stories, formerly the Wan Chai Livelihood Museum. This one-room museum strives to raise awareness of the territory’s cultures and communities via varied exhibits and workshops. Wanchai’s first hospital was built on this site in the 1870s it later became a temple. In the 1920s the neighborhood was redeveloped into tenement blocks and shop houses. The museum is part of the Blue House, one of few surviving wooden tenement buildings in Hong Kong.
Begin by studying the graceful façade of the Blue House. Its brilliant blue from a recent renovation recalls the original color, which was used by chance, not intentionally. Notable features include the blue color theme and wrought iron balconies. Together with the adjacent Orange House and Yellow House, it forms the Blue House Cluster, which has earned UNESCO Asia-Pacific recognition.
The museum occupies a former ground floor shop house. Browse examples of vintage artifacts, including a cash register, kitchenware, period furniture, radios and a typewriter. A previous exhibition showcased 1980s pop culture via displays of comics, video games and vinyl records. Another looked into the unspoken stories of the house’s residents that can be told from examining objects discarded as trash.
Ask about current movie screenings, which portray themes such as the community lifestyles of the house and the Wan Chai neighborhood. Observe the work of resident artisans and purchase creative handicrafts and souvenirs. Guided tours of the Blue House Cluster delve deeper into the history and development of each of the three houses.
The museum is less than a 10-minute walk from the Wan Chai metro station. It is part of the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Wan Chai Heritage Trail. Stop at other attractions along the trail such as the Hung Shing Temple and Pak Tai Temple.
The Hong Kong House of Stories, previously the Wan Chai Livelihood Museum, is open from Thursday to Tuesday. Admission is free. Tours of the houses take place on Saturday morning by prior reservation. Visit the official website of the Blue House for more information and to reserve your place.
