Opening hours
Monday10:30, 15:30
Tuesday10:30, 15:30
Wednesday10:30, 15:30
Thursday10:30, 15:30
Friday10:30, 15:30
Saturday10:30, 12:30 (Third Saturday of each month)
SundayClosed
Public Holiday Closed
Fee
Free admission
Suggested time for visit
1 hour
Remarks
Booking via its official website at least three days in advance is required. Barrier-free access can be pre-arranged. Visitors with special needs should contact the tour office in advance to ensure additional assistance is available the day of the tour.
Located on Tai Po Road in Sham Shui Po, the North Kowloon Magistracy is built in the neoclassical architectural style which is grand yet simplistic in style and matches its function as a law court. Built in 1960, the building stopped its function as a magistrate court in 2005 and was accorded Grade 2 historic building. Soon after this the building was converted into the Hong Kong campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Guided tours are available every week. In the 45-minute tour, visitors are able to visit the halls on the first two floors, the main courtroom and the detention cells. The original stone pillars on the façade as well as the staircases outside the door that form a hexagon are preserved. The interior, after a facelift, still oozes the solemnness of the judiciary, while the display of student’s artworks adds a breath of fresh air to the old building.
Visitors are required to book the tour online. There are very few timeslots available during weekdays (twice a day, in English and Cantonese respectively). One tour is available on the third Saturday of each month. All on a first come, first served basis. Each group is limited to 15 people and please arrive at the security room for registration 15 minutes before the tour begins.