First visit after the recent renovation (Dec 2022). The weather was so fine, and the view from the fortress and ruins was superb! They even got a new cafe with sea view. Must-go if you're around, plus it's free admission. :) And do take the elevator up, then walk your way down the slope.

I have spent many enchanting hours at this place during my years in Hong Kong. I loved their Cafetaria overlooking the channel. Very quiet and absolutely out of the world experience. But the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence is not very well known to the ordinary visitors who are enamoured more by the enchanting natural beauty and equally fascinating shopping experience. The fort in which the museum is located was built by the British in 1887 and intended for the defence of the eastern approaches to Victoria harbour. It overlooks the Lei Yue Mun channel near Shau Kei Wan. It opened on 25th July 2000.The museum consists of three main areas, namely the Reception area, the Redoubt, and the Historical Trail. It is converted from the hundred-year-old Lei Yue Mun Fort. Its historical structure has an extensive outdoor area with the unique architectural design, a strong tensile structure with other traditional building material, which provides a comfort and historical feeling for visitors. The casemates inside the Redoubt were converted into exhibition galleries for permanent displays on the history of Hong Kong's Coastal Defence covering the Ming and Qing period, the British period, the Japanese invasion and the period after the transfer of sovereignty of China.

This museum offers free entry for all visitors. The showrooms are neat & tidy and tell the story of HK. There are many military installations inside & outside where they were built during the 2nd world war. Visitors may need to spend 2 to 3 hrs there.

Museum was very well maintained and staffed. Exhibits were very clear in Chinese and English but there were little to no interactive activities. It's great for those that like to read and learn, for those complaining about a lack of things to play with, they're better off going to Disneyland. Some well preserved equipment from different eras, and best of all, it's peaceful and quiet and FREE.

If you can only visit one museum, visit this one. It's in a beautiful location, easily accessible by public transit with great views of East Hong Kong. The visit will take you about 60-90 minutes. It's very educational on Hong Kong history which I found very interesting. It's also very well divided and explained. There are a few videos, some physical room to visit. Overall one of the best museum I've visited in my life! The special exhibit on War Correspondents was very informative as well. Free on Wednesdays. The place wasn't too crowded but the time we left (1pm). Highly recommend.

It's a bit of the beaten path, meaning you'll have to walk a bit after taking the subway. But that's not a big problem, the signs from the subway will guide you. This place is located at one of the old forts that were built to protect the Hong Kong harbour, which has been somewhat restored. They explain in much greater detail the history of Hong Kong from a warfare and military perspective than the Museum of history does. You will learn about the opium wars, Japanese occupation and the history of not only this fort, but also the history of coastal defense in the region. It is a particularly nice place to go when the weather is nice. There's a small cafeteria that sells small dishes and drinks and it has an outdoor area which is pleasantly quiet and shrouded in trees and bushes (a veranda, nothing fancy). You will get around in a wheelchair or with a stroller if you need that for your kids.

(Translated by Google) They are all ok, and you can be intimidated if you are interested in the British troops in Hong Kong before 1997, but the maintenance is tight. Those who want to go must wait until 2020. (Original) 裏面啲嘢都算ok，對97前嘅駐港英軍有興趣可以去睇吓，但係呢排維修緊，想去嘅人要等到2020年先得

(Translated by Google) It is now closed for renewal and will reopen in 2020. (Original) 現已關閉進行更新工程，將於2020年重開。

(Translated by Google) You come to the museum .... And it is closed .... Until 2020 ..... (Original) Ты приходишь в музей.... А он закрыт....До 2020 года.....

(Translated by Google) The Museeum is a bit out of the way, but the walk is well worth it after the redesign. The entrance fees are very cheap, there is a cafeteria and a good Museeunsshop. The sprawling complex offers great views over the harbor. Technology fans will get their money's worth on the vehicles and defense facilities. The exhibition itself is vivid and appealing to children. (Original) Das Museeum ist etwas abgelegen, der Spaziergang lohnt sich aber sicher nach der Neugestaltung. Die Eintrittspreise sind sehr günstig, es gibt eine Cafeteria und einen guten Museeunsshop. Die weitläufige Anlage bietet tolle Ausichten über den Hafen. Technik Fans kommen an den Fahrzeugen und Verteidigungseinrichtungen auf Ihre Kosten. Die Ausstellung selbst ist Anschaulich und auch für Kinder ansprechend.

Great place to spend a few hours learning about HK's naval history and about the Japanese occupation. Join the guided tour if available, the guides are very knowledgeable. Close to public transport so no reason not to check it out.

An extensive, well presented and highly informative museum capturing the military history of Hong Kong from Chinese Dynasties to British Colonisation, WW2 and to current day. Recent renovation meaning exhibits are very well laid out and easily navigated. Situated within a former coastal defence battery so lots of former artillery positions to explore. On-site parking and cafe available too. Highly recommended. Takes around 3 hours to comprehensively visit.

Very informative, largest military themed Museum in Hong Kong, featuring a British A34 Comet tank, a ferret armored car and some various caliber guns and cannons, just beware it closes at 5pm and it takes at least 4hrs to walk through the whole museum and view all the archives. Do not go on rainy days since it has indoor and outdoor section.

The Museum of Coastal Defence at Shau Kei Wan has recently reopened after being closed for repair and renovations for the past four years. The museum is located within the old Lei Yue Mon Fort and is open from 10am to 6pm daily (summer months) and 10am to 5pm daily (winter months). Entry is free to public. Historically, the Lai Yue Mun fort was built in 1887 to protect the narrow Lei Yue Mun channel and east entry into Victoria Harbour. It was the scene of intense battle during the Japanese invasion in Dec 1941. After the war, it was a training ground for British forces until 1987. In 1993, it was allocated for the site of the future Museum of Coastal Defence, which originally opened to the public in 2000. The museum of coastal defence is accessed by main lobby lift to the 8/F of the old fort Redoubt which is so perfectly suited for hosting this particular museum. These days the Redoubt serves as an indoor and sheltered exhibition gallery with 11 rooms featuring different interesting themed topics including the building of the fort, coastal defence during the earlier Chinese periods, the British Colonial Period and after Hong Kong's return to China. There are several exhibitions related to the Japanese invasion, local resistance fighters as well as general topics such as that of volunteer forces to have served in Hong Kong. The exhibition galleries have been given an impressive make-over with the recent reopening of the museum. All displays are new, modern and clean. There remains a lot of text with the various traditional museum wall and counter displays. However, they have added updated films in some exhibition rooms as well as interactive screens and some multimedia additions to help liven up the experience. The various rooms are jammed packed with things to see and learn about. Allow 10-15 minutes per gallery if you want to visit leisurely. There is a cafe setup with panoramic views at the top level of the redoubt. This is a good place to take a break from viewing various exhibition rooms. Given the vantage point of the cafe, you will be able to view across the Lai Yue Mun Strait and enjoy views of the eastern end of Victoria Harbour as well. Outside of the Redoubt, visitors can enjoy nice walkways with views as well as 24 war relics, memorials and the likes situated amongst the old fort grounds and along the Historical Trail. You'll see military vehicles, anti-aircraft field guns and other armaments, batteries, fort caponiers, drawbridges, search lights and torpedo installations. Allow around 45-60 minutes to enjoy these sights on the Historical Trail at a leisurely pace. Note: There is a downloadable museum guide map available on the museum website that provides a detailed layout of the old fort grounds, the Redoubt exhibition programme as well as the various war relics that you can see along the Historic Trail. This is the same brochure you can pick up in the main lobby (1/F) of the fort when visiting the museum. Note: To visit the museum, the most convenient route is to take the MTR to the Shau Kei Wan Station and walk around 10 minutes to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the Ding Ding Tram to/from the Shau Kai Wan depot with a similar approximately 10 minute walk.

Renovated and reopened in late 2022. The museum is built from a historic fort. Interesting thing is the closing hours are different for summer and winter seasons (around 1 hour before sundown). Considering it was a fort with history (and ghost stories), to make sure visitors are gone 1 hour before sundown kinda makes sense. 😜

(Translated by Google) Haiphong Museum The Lei Yue Mun area controls the eastern entrance of Victoria Harbour and is at the forefront. The British army built barracks in the Sai Wan area (now Chai Wan) on the south bank of the waterway as early as 1844. However, Chai Wan at that time was still uncultivated mountainous woodland. The British army did not adapt to Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer climate, so many soldiers The barracks were abandoned because of the illness, and the outbreak of the disease caused many deaths. In the following forty years, although the Ministry of the Army has repeatedly planned to build a fort at Lei Yue Mun to strengthen the defense of Victoria Harbour, it has not been implemented for a long time. Until 1885, due to the massive expansion of France and Russia in East Asia, in order to defend against the threats of the two countries to Hong Kong, the British army implemented the construction of the Lei Yue Mun Fort on the headland south of the Lei Yue Mun Waterway, as well as the protection of the bunker and barracks of the fort. The defense facilities in Hong Kong became a fortress to defend the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. (Original) 海防博物館 鯉魚門地區控制維多利亞港東面入口，位居要衝。英軍早於1844年便在水道南岸的西灣地區（即現在的柴灣）修築兵營，但當時的柴灣仍是未開墾的山區林地，英軍又不適應香港夏季炎熱潮濕的氣候，所以很多兵員患病，亦曾經爆發疫症導致不少人員病死，該兵營遂被棄置。在其後的四十年間，軍部雖曾多次計劃在鯉魚門興建炮台加強對維多利亞港的防衛，但都遲遲未有落實執行。直至1885年，由於法國及俄羅斯在東亞地區大舉擴張勢力，為防禦兩國對香港的威脅，英軍於是落實在鯉魚門水道南面的岬角修築鯉魚門炮台，以及保護炮台的碉堡及營房，使鯉魚門的防衛設施成為防衛香港島東部的要塞。

A fun outing for an hour or two. Quite a number of nice military displays and a large number of steps outside, particularly to the torpedo room and back. Nice views across to the Kowloon peninsular, especially Devil’s lookout. Easy to get to from the MTR station, and is next to the fish wholesale market.

Museum in closed and not written anywhere clearly on website. Morning wasted. Just banner it clearly on the website... what’s so difficult about it.

(Translated by Google) Maintenance For more than a year, a relative latecomer to reopen in 2020, D Department of the Government of guys just know the food, Wuzuo Ye! ! ! (Original) 維修要超過一年，2020年先至重開，D 政府佬只係識出糧，唔做嘢！！！

Beautiful conserved and structured. Well signed from MTR station. So relatively easy to get to. Both outdoor and indoor exhibitions are well appointed with detailed directions and information on the sides. Very pleasant education trail and display. We didn't plan to stay more than 3 hours but we ended up feeling shortage of time. Recommended.

(Translated by Google) The price is proportional to the food. Acceptable. Specially, there is no other food to choose from, 唉! Sole fishing! Unique! (Original) 價格與食物成正比例 可以接受 特別喺 週邊没有其他食物可以選擇 ， 唉！ 單釣呀 獨一無二！

This museum is closed for renewing the exhibition. It will re-open again in 2020.

Much less known and a bit further than the others museums of Hong Kong, but it is definitely worth a visit. Very well explained, not too much information, not too few. Everything is in English and Cantonese. Very interesting and you will learn about the history of Hong Kong !!

I love to visit all Amazing

(Translated by Google) The Haiphong Museum used to be the British Army's Lei Yue Mun Fortress, and the Lei Yue Men Army Camp on the mountain and the Devil's Hill Fortress on the other side jointly defended the eastern wing of the Victoria Harbour into the strait! During World War II, the Commonwealth Army fought fiercely with the Japanese here! After Hong Kong's resurgence in September 1945, the Lei Yue Mun Barracks was no longer a strategic place, and the British army's main general barracks were used as training grounds and accommodation. In August 1986, the third phase of the Eastern Corridor project was launched to connect Chai Wan to the expressway. Expressways need to pass through the middle of the barracks in order to extend the Eastern Corridor from Shau Kei Wan to Chai Wan. In order to cope with the transfer of Hong Kong ’s sovereignty in 1997, the size of the British army in Hong Kong will be gradually reduced. Therefore, the British army withdrew from the Lei Yue Mun Barracks in 1987 and handed over to the Hong Kong government for planning and development. Among them, barracks buildings, office buildings and Facilities and land such as the training ground were planned as Liyumen Park and Resort and opened for use in 1988. In view of the historical value and architectural features of the Lei Yue Mun Fort, the former Urban Council decided in 1993 to restore it and transform it into a museum with the theme of Hong Kong's military defense history. The entire project cost about 300 million Hong Kong dollars. It was designed and constructed by the Architectural Services Department. Its architectural design won the Silver Award of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Annual Award in 2000, and the Silver Award of Greening the City for Talent. The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence was officially opened to the public on July 25, 2000, and the opening ceremony was officially held on August 31 of the same year. (Original) 海防博物館原為英軍鯉魚門炮台與山上鯉魚門軍營及對岸魔鬼山炮台共同防衛維港東翼入港海峽！二戰期間，英聯邦軍隊曾在此與日軍激戰！ 1945年9月香港重光後，鯉魚門軍營已不再是戰略重地，英軍主要將軍營作為操練場及住宿用途。1986年8月，東區走廊第三期工程展開，目的是要將柴灣連上高速公路，快速公路需要在軍營中間穿過，以便將東區走廊從筲箕灣延伸到柴灣。為配合1997年香港主權移交，駐港英軍的規模將陸續縮減，因此英軍於1987年撤出鯉魚門軍營，將軍營移交給香港政府規劃發展，其中位處東區走廊南面的營房建築、辦公樓和操練場等設施和用地，被規劃為鯉魚門公園及度假村，並於1988年開放使用。 鑑於鯉魚門炮台的歷史價值及建築特色，前市政局於1993年決定將之修復，並改建成一所以香港軍事防衛歷史為主題的博物館。整項計劃耗資約3億港元，由建築署設計及興建，其建築設計曾於2000年榮獲香港建築師學會周年大獎——銀等獎，與及綠化都市顯才華銀等獎——綠化效果。香港海防博物館於2000年7月25日正式開放予市民參觀，同年8月31日正式舉行開幕禮。

A very interesting place to learn about the past. I am interested in those armoured vehicles and cannons that are displayed. 香港海防博物館 is good for a family to visit. The only downside is that it's a bit far from a MTR station. You can also take photos at the top of the tower in 香港海防博物館. The view should be good.

(Translated by Google) The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence is located at 175-177 Tung Hei Road, Tsuen Wan, Eastern District. It covers an area of ​​about 34,200 square metres and is one of the branches of the Hong Kong Museum of History. It is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and is an old Lei Yue Mun Fortress with a history of more than 100 years. Reconstructed. The Lei Yue Mun area controls the eastern entrance of Victoria Harbour. The British Army built a barracks in the West Bay area on the south bank of the waterway (now Chai Wan) as early as 1844, but the Chai Wan was still an uncultivated mountain forest. The British army did not adapt to the hot and humid climate of Hong Kong in summer, so many soldiers The disease has also caused an outbreak of the disease, causing many people to die. The barracks were abandoned. In the next forty years, the military has repeatedly planned to build a fort in Lei Yue Mun to strengthen the defense of Victoria Harbour, but it has not been implemented. Until 1885, due to the massive expansion of France and Russia in East Asia, in order to defend against the threat of Hong Kong to Hong Kong, the British Army implemented the Lei Yue Mun Fort at the southern corner of the Lei Yue Mun Waterway and the bunker and barracks to protect the fort. The defense facilities have become a stronghold to defend the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. (Original) 香港海防博物館位於香港東區筲箕灣東喜道175至177號，全館面積約34,200平方米，是香港歷史博物館分館之一，由康樂及文化事務署管理，是由超過一百年歷史的舊鯉魚門炮台改建而成。鯉魚門地區控制維多利亞港東面入口，位居要衝。英軍早於1844年便在水道南岸的西灣地區（即現在的柴灣）修築兵營，但當時的柴灣仍是未開墾的山區林地，英軍又不適應香港夏季炎熱潮濕的氣候，所以很多兵員患病，亦曾經爆發疫症導致不少人員病死，該兵營遂被棄置。在其後的四十年間，軍部雖曾多次計劃在鯉魚門興建炮台加強對維多利亞港的防衛，但都遲遲未有落實執行。直至1885年，由於法國及俄羅斯在東亞地區大舉擴張勢力，為防禦兩國對香港的威脅，英軍於是落實在鯉魚門水道南面的岬角修築鯉魚門炮台，以及保護炮台的碉堡及營房，使鯉魚門的防衛設施成為防衛香港島東部的要塞。

(Translated by Google) Suitable for a military historical site for a family. (Original) 適合一家來的軍事古跡地。

A nice place to visit, situated at hill top with seaview, just 15 minutes walk from Shau Kei Wan MTR to there. Beautiful scenery around the Museum.

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful historic park (Original) 很優美的古蹟公園

(Translated by Google) Worth a visit (Original) 值得一遊

This is a free museum. When I looked it up orginally I thought it was only the outdoor parts. There is an indoor museum that has rooms that go through the history of Hong Kong. Very educational and just very cool to see. You also look out over the harbor towards Hong Kong Island.

Great museum, good ambiance with lots of historical pieces. Very informative they provide guided tours in Cantonese (check timings for updated info). Free entry! Well worth to go and can easily spend few hours here. They also have cafe and plenty of lift which make it accessible for elderly and disabled.

Really great museum built on top of several bunkers, magazines and batteries showcasing the equipment used in the battle of hong kong, has a outdoor and indoor area, the outdoor section is quite a steep hill with actual renovated batteries and bunkers along the way that you can explore and the indoor section is a museum on top of the hill, can be accessed by elevator that goes to about 3/4 the way up then sidewalks. Note: This museum is wheelchair accessible but is built on a steep hill, so it will be tough. Price: Free

Great, offers free entrance and 3 hours of complimentary parking. It's a well-maintained historical site with engaging exhibits on military history. Don't miss the old military tunnels! Perfect for a quick, educational outing.

Very well done museum regarding Hong Kong's long history of invasions and defensive tactics. There are activities for kids, but the museum is best for adults. All displays are in English and Chinese, the museum is a short walk from the MTR and the entire experience is free.

The sea view from the museum was great.

(Translated by Google) It seems that it is under renovation until 2020 (Original) 2020年まで改修中のようです

(Translated by Google) Local Xiangdao' Hao Lai I've been there before (Original) 本地嚮道'好來以前去過都很好

(Translated by Google) There are exhibitions here, but many people go to one! (Original) 這裏有展覽看，但是很多人去的一！

There's no admission fee and it offers free parking for 3 hours for visitors. It's just got renovated and the exhibits are really new. There's a restaurant at the top floor with an excellent view.

Fantastic museum with a huge amount of detail not only on the Lei Yue Mun fort itself but also the military history of Hong Kong. Well worth a visit!

A superb facility with a fascinating history that is told in a way that visitors of all types can appreciate. So much to see you might well need a second day. A must see museum that has benefited greatly from a superb upgrade and reorganization.

Very large, great for history enthusiasts

Remember the war, good place to go with kids, you can run and play also can learn more about the WW2 History

Need to walk for a while from the MTR station. Nice view and all free.

MCD has just finished a major renovation. The tour guide told us that the tent was broken as a result of Typhoon Mangkhut. The museum has updated some of the content of its exhibition, from naval defense in Qing Dynasty, to the Treaty of Nanjing, Treaty of Beijjng and the subsequent territory expansion treaty that set the historic context of Hong Kong under British rule. There were new exhibits (some replicas and some authentic) to show visitors coastal defense and naval establishments between WW I and WW II. There is a new short film which detailed the landing of Japanese troops on Hong Kong Island and the short resistance by the British and Canadian forces in WW II. The historic trail was interesting and outdoor exhibits are all well maintained. There is a mobile app that allows visitors to collect e-stamps along the trail. You get different souvenirs from the museum if you collected 10, 14, 24 e-stamps. The museum is free for everyone. I wish they could make the trail even more accessible for wheelchair users.

Good to learn more about the history of HK, nice place to go with kids, they can run outside walk around also can learn more about the old war.

Old British fort over looking Lei Yue Mun channel, hosting a fantastic history collection. Built in 1887 this fort was built to stop access to Victoria harbour. It saw action in WW2 initially holding out against the Japanese before finally falling. The site now boasts an impressive history and views all of which can still be seen on site. For example there is a very rare example of a Brennan torpedo and launching area, one of the earliest types of torpedo. There is an impressive array of cannons and AA and other guns from various periods of interesting and in some cases unique designs. You can also visit the Tamar's anchor. All this is set out over a large area you can walk at your leisure. In some of the larger areas of the fort you can view objects from the forts collection. These are in thematic stories such as the forts British origin, WW2, Chinese resistance during the war etc. that are fascinating. There is a shop, toilet and place to eat on site.

can learn more about Hong Kong history. worth spend half day there. it is close to shau kei wan mtr. only 10 to 15 min walk. free entry!!!

(Translated by Google) Testimony of History (Original) 歴史見證

The museum is closed for renovations but it does not state it on the website or on Google maps. There is a small sign on the door saying they will reopen sometime in 2020.

(Translated by Google) Very nice place to park (Original) 非常不錯的一個地方，可以停車

(Translated by Google) So many wild birds (Original) 好多野睇

(Translated by Google) Destroyed by typhoon (Original) 被颱風破壞了

(Translated by Google) Convenient transportation, there are many weapons in the past, good place for holiday (Original) 交通方便，有很多以前兵器睇，是假日好去處

(Translated by Google) Children can learn more about history (Original) 小朋友可多認識歷史

Museum is closed till 2020 but google still showing that it’s open

(Translated by Google) History Museum Opium War Worth Seeing (Original) 歷史博物館 鴉片 戰爭值得一看

(Translated by Google) Arrived at the Haiphong Museum today, but ate behind closed doors. (Original) 今天到了海防博物館，但吃閉門羹。

Interesting outdoor trails, architecture and wartime weapons. indoor exhibition is informative. It’s currently closed for maintenance- check their website for updates before planning your trip

One of the best historical landmark of HK

Very interesting museum

(Translated by Google) I went without checking the HP, but it was written on the sticker in front of the museum that it was closed until 2020. Sorry (Original) HPを確認せずに行ってしまいましたが、現在博物館前の貼り紙には2020年まで閉館と書かれていました。残念

(Translated by Google) Good sightseeing (Original) 观光好

Really interesting place with a lot of history. Worth the visit!

(Translated by Google) The city where heroes grow up, defend Hong Kong! (Original) 英雄成長之城，保衛香港！

Somewhere to go if you have nothing to do.

(Translated by Google) Closed to 2020, do not attempt to go again, I brought the matter to go more than a big fine, go to the Prophet Closed (Original) 閉館到2020，唔好再中去，我見好多人一家大細去，去到先知閉館

(Translated by Google) Understand history (Original) 了解歷史

(Translated by Google) Have a pass to see (Original) 有pass 可以一睇

Great day out at this wonderfully restored museum - and it's free! First time visiting here after living in HK for so many years! Was really impressed by the exhibits, by the main redoubt building itself and the historical war relics walks that are scattered around the whole building. We were the first people to arrive at 9:55am - they open at 10am. But it was pretty busy by 10:30am. As others have said, take the lift to the 8th floor and then walk across the footbridge into the main exhibits in the redoubt. If coming with a baby or young child, there is a place you can leave your stroller in the redoubt area to make it easier to walk around. We brought our carrier as well, which was handy when we were doing the outdoor walks as there are several places with small sets of stairs that aren't suitable for a stroller (pram). Really very interesting and beautiful place, even if you aren't a big fan of military history (which none of us were). There is a cafe on the top floor which is good for a simple coffee or tea and nice spot to feed a baby and look at the view over the harbour. Best itinerary is to look around the indoor exhibits, have a coffee/snack in the cafe, then do some of the outdoor historical walks before heading downhill back to the MTR station.