Situated in the tranquil grounds of Hong Kong Park and designated a monument in 1989, Flagstaff House was built in an elegant Greek Revival style as part of the former Victoria Barracks. Originally named Headquarters House, it served as the residence and office of the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong from its completion in 1846 until 1978. Today, it is the oldest surviving example of Greek Revival architecture in Hong Kong and is now a museum devoted to teaware.
After its military role ended, the building found a new purpose on 1981, when a donation of approximately 600 pieces of teaware from local businessman and philanthropist Dr. K.S. Lo to the then Urban Council prompted its conversion into the Museum of Tea Ware. Established to collect, display, and study teaware and its related culture, the museum opened to the public in 1984.
Dr Lo’s initial donation forms the core of the museum’s collection, comprising tea utensils and related relics ranging from the Western Zhou dynasty (c. 1046 – 771 B.C.) to the 20th century. Besides exhibitions, the museum also arranges educational tours, tea ceremonies and demonstrations, and art lectures that promote Chinese tea culture.
Visitors can also explore a permanent exhibition of Chinese seal stamps on the upper floor of the neighboring K.S. Lo Gallery. On the ground floor, the LockCha teahouse serves excellent vegetarian dim sum and more than 100 varieties of tea.
