Introduction
Opened to public in 2000, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence (HKMCD) is the city's only military museum. The Museum, with a total area of 34,200 square meters, is converted from the hundred years' old Lyemun Fort on a headland 64 meters above sea level overlooking Lyemun Pass.
The HKMCD reopened to the public from 24 November 2022, after a major revamp. Multimedia elements, innovative presentation methods and a thematic approach are injected in the revamped permanent exhibition and the historical trail of the museum to narrate the unique story of Hong Kong's coastal defence.
The new permanent exhibition in the Redoubt, "The Story of Hong Kong Coastal Defence" consists of 11 galleries, which include the introduction of military presence under successive dynasties, military arrangements, port facilities, history of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, stories of multi-ethnic soldiers who served in Hong Kong as well as the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. HKMCD has provided more content relating to the history of the Japanese invasion of China, the Japanese attack on Hong Kong, the Battle of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-Kowloon Independence Brigade of the East River Column and so on to deepen public awareness of this chapter of Hong Kong's history. 24 checkpoints are set up on the Lyemun Fort Historical Trail, including the Torpedo Station built in a cave on the shore, the Lyemun Redoubt on the hilltop, and batteries and caponiers. Visitors can experience and enjoy the unique beauty of the built structures embedded in the natural scenery, and immerse themselves in the military and historical ambience of this site through walking the Historical Trail.
Click here to learn more about the history of old Lyemun Fort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence?
A: 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong
Q: How do I get there?
A: Visitors can reach the Museum by walk from the Shau Kei Wan MTR Station. In addition, City Bus route No.85 and New World First Bus route No.82X stop outside the Museum. (Plan Your Visit)
Q: How can I access to Museum's reference materials?
A: The Resource Centre on the 2/F, Hong Kong Museum of History provides reference books, periodicals and audio-visual materials on Chinese and Hong Kong military history. (More Info)
Enquiries / appointments 
Q: Are there any activities for the public?
A: We regularly organize a wide range of education and extension activities for the public, details of which may be referred to the quarterly published Hong Kong Museum of History Newsletter or our Education Programmeswebpage.
Q: How can I join the Museum's docent programme?
A: Currently, we have a team of professional docents providing guided tour services for visitors. We will make announcement on our website when new recruitment programme is to be launched.
Q: How can I get the latest Museum news?
A: The quarterly published Hong Kong Museum of History Newsletter or our website.
Enquiries
Q: How can the Public make donations to Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence? How is the selection process of proposed donations?
A: If you would like to make a donation of historical object(s) to Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, you could first let us have the basic information such as your name, contact, description of the proposed donation and images of objects etc. via the following ways:
175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong
(Please specify "Donation of historical object(s)" on the envelope.)
Once we have received the information of the proposed donation, we will table the proposal in Hong Kong Museum of History's regular Programme Committee Meeting and discuss it from criteria ranging from the Museum's Collection Policy, historical significance and research value of the proposed donation to physical condition of the historical objects in the donation, etc. according to our established mechanism. Our staff members will contact the donor as soon as our decision is made.
Assessment Criteria for Acquisition of Collection
- In line with the Museum's Collection Policy
- Historical significance
- Authenticity
- Price
- Physical condition
- Durability
- Rarity
- Display value
- Research value
Donations
Assessment Criteria for Public Programme Proposals
- In line with the Museum's vision, mission and values
- Concept and ideas
- Historical / Cultural merits
- Educational value
- Financial and technical feasibilities
- Public appeal
- Presentation skills
