The 91-year-old Haw Par Mansion in Tai Hang has witnessed many changes in Hong Kong’s history. The mansion and its front garden are all that remain of the estate and theme park. They were built in the 1930s by the Aw family, known for Tiger Balm ointment.
The estate and park are great examples of a mix of architectural styles from that time, often called the Chinese Renaissance style.
From 2019 to 2022, the restored mansion was used by a music school that the Aw family had set up. After it closed, the government looked for someone to care for the protected Grade 1 historic building.
In August 2025, it was announced that the non-profit Foundation for Art and Culture (FAC) would take over the space. It would operate the site starting in the second half of 2026 under a self-financing model to promote arts and culture and to foster international exchanges.
FAC co-founder Arthur de Villepin said the legendary mansion will become a “living space” with cultural programming such as international artist residencies and film screenings, and features such as a bookshop.
