The open corridors
Shops in old flats.
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PMQ is an arts and design venue on the site of the old Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, between Aberdeen, Staunton and Shing Wong streets. It holds small shops, studios and exhibitions by local designers, and suits anyone who enjoys browsing for unusual gifts. The site was originally the grounds of Queen's College, which moved to Hollywood Road in 1889 and was among the largest schools in the city. After damage in the Second World War it became quarters for married policemen, with the buildings finished in 1951. After nearly 15 years of disuse it reopened in 2014 under its present name, following a renovation costing HK$577 million. It consists of two long parallel blocks with open corridors looking onto a central court under a glass canopy. The small flats have become shops and studios showing clothes, jewellery and crafts. There is a small garden up top, old stone walls stand at the edges, and exhibitions and events change through the year. It is 300 m in a straight line from the Jamia Mosque, close to the Mid-Levels escalators and Hollywood Road. Most shops open around midday, so do not come too early. Take your time climbing the floors and look up the exhibition programme before you visit. You will find cafes and restaurants, so ask about halal food if you need it.
Shops in old flats.
A glass canopy and shows.
Stone at the site's edges.
35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Tai KwunA historic compound in the heart of Central that was the city's main police head4 minutes walk4.3
Jamia MosqueThe Jamia Mosque is the oldest mosque in Hong Kong, in the Mid-Levels on Hong Ko4 minutes walk
Central–Mid-Levels EscalatorA chain of covered escalators and walkways climbing the hillside from Central to4 minutes walk4.2
Peak TramA cable-hauled funicular running since 1888, the first of its kind in Asia, clim13 minutes walk4.2
Hong Kong Observation WheelA 60-metre observation wheel on the Central waterfront, opened in 2014, with 42 13 minutes walk4.2Police Married Quarters, the old role of the buildings.
Afternoon is best, as most shops open around midday.