Hong Kong City Hall (the “City Hall”) located at the Edinburgh Place is the second city hall in Hong Kong. It was officially opened by Governor Sir Robert Black on 2 March 1962. Since its opening, the City Hall which is the first multi-purpose cultural complex for all citizens in Hong Kong, has been a venue for many historical events such as the inauguration ceremonies of five governors of Hong Kong, a cradle for local performers and a testimony for the arts and cultural development of Hong Kong. It also testifies the unprecedented commitment of the Government to enrich the cultural lives and improve the living standards of citizens by creating a hub of cultural activities and municipal services.
The City Hall is an outstanding example of Modernist architecture which adopts a modest design that focuses on fulfilling the functions of the building. It comprises the Low Block, the Memorial Garden and the High Block which are well-connected through a covered walkway. The Low Block houses a concert hall, a theatre and an exhibition gallery while the High Block houses a marriage registry, a public library, and a recital hall. The Memorial Garden and the 12-sided Memorial Shrine located at the centre of garden are dedicated to the soldiers and citizens who sacrificed their lives defending Hong Kong in the Second World War. Located at the harbour front, the architects ensured all facilities, except the enclosed auditoria, have sea views and thus created a sense of unlimited space. The City Hall is a rare and significant example of Modernist architecture, which sets an architectural trend in Hong Kong and has become a landmark design for Hong Kong architecture.
Hong Kong City Hall was declared a monument in 2022.