Po Leung Kuk Museum
A museum and archive documenting Hong Kong’s oldest charitable organization, founded to combat kidnapping and human trafficking in the late 19th century.
At a glance
The Po Leung Kuk Museum occupies the Main Building of Po Leung Kuk’s Headquarters in Causeway Bay, preserving the history of a pioneering social welfare institution. The Old Hall and Exhibition Hall are open to the public at no charge, Monday to Saturday. Historical documents are available upon request for research and study.
History
In late 19th-century Hong Kong, kidnapping and human trafficking devastated communities. On 8 November 1878, Chinese merchants from Dongguan petitioned Governor Sir John Pope Hennessy to establish the “Society for the Protection of Women and Children”—eventually known as Po Leung Kuk. The charity was funded by public donation and dedicated to suppressing abduction, sheltering victims, and advancing residents’ welfare. The current building celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2022.
What you see
The Main Building houses five distinct spaces: the Old Hall, Exhibition Hall, Archives Office, Research Room, and two Archival Conservation Rooms. Only the Old Hall and Exhibition Hall are open to visitors, though the archive’s full collection supports scholarly access by appointment.
Cultural significance
Po Leung Kuk represents a crucial chapter in Hong Kong’s social history. The organization was among the first locally driven efforts to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable populations, embodying both community activism and institutional response to urban crisis. Its enduring archive documents not only institutional evolution but also the lived experience of those it served.
Key facts
- Location: 66 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
- Country: China
- Coordinates: 22.2766°N, 114.1848°E
- Founded: 8 November 1878
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Monday to Saturday (times not specified in source)
Practical information & getting there
The museum is located at 66 Leighton Road in Causeway Bay, a central Hong Kong neighbourhood with excellent public transport connections. Admission is free. The Old Hall and Exhibition Hall are open to the public Monday through Saturday; the archives office accepts research requests by appointment. In November 2025, the museum initiated Causeway Bay Heritage Day to engage the local community with the area’s historical significance.
Sources & resources
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