Former Central Magistracy, Central

The former Central Magistracy is one of the oldest surviving law court buildings in Hong Kong.

An earlier and smaller magistracy was probably erected on the same site in 1847 but was demolished in 1912 to make way for the present building. The new Central Magistracy was completed in 1914 and the courts in it opened in April 1915. Closed down in 1979, the building was used temporarily as a High Court annex, and then as offices by the Immigration Department and police force. The office of Immigration Department ceased operation in 2005. The former Central Magistracy, Central Police Station Compound and Victoria Prison Compound have been revitalised as “Tai Kwun-Centre for Heritage and Arts” and opened to the public in 2018.

The front elevation presents a majestic appearance highlighted by a number of distinctive stylistic elements, including the use of the giant order, the Greek key string course and keystone arches. It also features a verandah with six two-storey-high Doric fluted columns supporting a frieze. Above the frieze is an open attic surmounted by a simple entablature with a date stone. The principle elevation, on the east, towers above a high, solid revetment wall. The wall is pierced by six roundels and a recessed central doorway decorated in finely dressed granite. This doorway was the magistrates’ entrance.

The former Central Magistracy, Central Police Station Compound and Victoria Prison Compound form a group of historic buildings, representing law and order in Hong Kong.

The former Central Magistracy was declared a monument in 1995.

Introduction to the Central Police Station Compound