Murray House in Hong Kong

Murray House in Hong Kong

Murray House (English: Murray House) is a Victorian-era building in Hong Kong. Originally located in Central, Hong Kong Island, it was later relocated to Stanley. The building currently houses mostly dining establishments. In 2005, the Housing Authority sold off its properties to raise funds, transferring management to the Link REIT.

History

Built in 1844 on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, Murray House was part of the Murray Barracks and primarily served as military barracks for the British garrison in Hong Kong. During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the building was used as the headquarters of the Kempeitai (Japanese military police), featuring multiple prisoner cells and execution grounds. It is reported that over 4,000 people were killed there, making it the site with the highest number of off-hospital deaths apart from hospitals. After World War II, Murray House was used as office space by various Hong Kong government departments. From 1975 to 1982, it served as the headquarters of the Rating and Valuation Department.

In 1982, due to the construction of the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, Murray House had to be demolished. Because of its historical value, the Hong Kong government decided to preserve and relocate the entire structure. Over 3,000 architectural elements were carefully documented and stored.

In 1990, the Housing Authority decided to move Murray House to Stanley. The entire relocation project was completed in 1998, and the building reopened in 1999.

Architectural Features

The building is one of the few remaining examples of classical European Victorian architecture in Hong Kong and is also a Grade I historic building in the city. The three-story Murray House is mainly constructed from massive granite blocks and combines both Eastern and Western architectural elements. It features traditional Chinese tiled sloping roofs as well as classical European Victorian-style circular stone columns, giving it a unique character rooted in Hong Kong’s special historical background.

Transportation Guide

Location: Stanley Main Street, Southern District, Hong Kong

Getting There: Take bus routes 6, 6A, or 260 from Exchange Square Bus Terminus in Central and alight at Stanley Terminal