PMQ Hong Kong, the former Police Married Quarters, has been revitalized as a creative hub for design talents. Located in Central near SoHo, PMQ has its unique historical significance.

The story of PMQ Hong Kong

Queen’s College and Police Married Quarters

In 1889, the Central School (later renamed Victoria College and then Queen’s College) was relocated here from Gough Street. This was the first government school in Hong Kong offering Western education at upper primary and secondary levels to the public. This school nurtured many leaders and talents, including a business tycoon, Sir Robert Ho Tung and the Father of Modern China, Dr Sun Yat-sen (you may want to visit his Memorial Park on the waterfront).

The school was severely damaged during the Second World War. It was later demolished and was converted into the Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters — the first dormitory for Chinese rank and file police officers.

PMQ’s shops, restaurants and events

The site was turned into a cultural and creative landmark, PMQ, in 2014. It is also one of the projects of Conserving Central.

There are a number of design studios and shops in PMQ. It houses more than 100 designers and creative entrepreneurs, bringing in various creative gifts, home-made fashion, furnishings and design services. In addition, some chic café and restaurants are opened there for you to relax. Different units are available for holding exhibitions and events. One of the well-known events was PMQ Panda held in 2014. One thousand and six hundred paper pandas were placed in the central courtyard to spread the message of conservation.

Every month, arts-related activities such as galleries, music performances, workshops and design talks are organized there. Sometimes, PMQ invites artists from all over the world to display their works. Other special events are PMQ Christmas Market and PMQ Night Market with live band show, product design and food stall.

PMQ’s Architecture

The PMQ consists of two blocks of seven-storey dormitory (Block A and Block B, named Staunton and Hollywood). The former Central Junior Police Call Clubhouse is revitalized into a restaurant.

A new block named PMQ QUBE, is added to link up the two blocks. It is served as a multi-purpose hall and a stage for creative happenings. It features a rooftop garden PLATEAU on the 4th floor. Other architectural highlights are the anti-UV glass ceiling and the resting areas in the balcony. You can also see precious relics in the underground gallery.

How to get to PMQ Hong Kong

MTR Sheung Wan Station, Exit E1. Turn right to Des Voeux Road Central, then turn right to Gilman’s Bazaar. Go straight towards Queen’s Road Central. Walk along Aberdeen Street for around 7 minutes to reach PMQ.

MTR Central Station Exit C. Walk along Des Voeux Road to the Hang Seng Bank Headquarters, which is linked to the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator. Take the escalator to Staunton Street and turn right. Walk for about three minutes to reach PMQ. The whole walk takes about 15 minutes.

• Address: 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong Island
• Opening hours: 7:00am – 11:00pm
• Website: www.pmq.org.hk

Have you been to PMQ Hong Kong? What are your favourite activities there? Please feel free to leave us comments or contact us if you have any questions.

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