Prison's new lease of life

Hong Kong complex which used to house the colonial prison is now a space for eateries and art

(Top, from left) Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex (above) are now open to the public.
Prison cells (above), a mock mug shot wall and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex are now open to the public. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
(Top, from left) Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex (above) are now open to the public.
Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall (above) and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex are now open to the public. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
(Top, from left) Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex (above) are now open to the public.
Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall and other interiors (above) at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex are now open to the public. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
(Top, from left) Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex (above) are now open to the public.
Prison cells, a mock mug shot wall and other interiors at Hong Kong's Tai Kwun complex (above) are now open to the public. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Updated
Jun 02, 2018, 05:25 AM
Published
Jun 02, 2018, 05:00 AM
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HONG KONG • Former Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh was among those locked up in the Hong Kong prison in the 1930s.

On Tuesday, the space housing the colonial prison and police station was unlocked for a new purpose, welcoming the public into sunny courtyards and art spaces as the city tries to undo its reputation for prioritising development over heritage.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 02, 2018, with the headline Prison's new lease of life. Subscribe

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