One Hong Kong, Two Murrays

Inside the old and original Murray House

A seafood restaurant now occupies one floor in the old Murray

Murray House (美利樓) is a Victorian-era building in Stanley, Hong Kong.

Built in the present-day business district of Central in 1846 as officers' quarters of the Murray Barracks, the building was moved (piece by piece!) to the south of Hong Kong Island during the 2000s. This building has become an iconic landmark in Hong Kong. After housing the Hong Kong Maritime Museum for some years following its relocation to Stanley, it is now home to restaurants and shops.

In the original location of the old Murray in Central near the US Consulate General, there is now also a new Murray, a luxury hotel that was built and opened for business just few years ago.

I like the old Murray more than the new one. The old Murray is a witness and reflection of Hong Kong history, both the good and bad times. The new Murray does show very good design and architecture but it needs time to tell its own story, the story of new Hong Kong it can witness.

Whenever I visit Stanley, I always love to take some photos of the old Murray. A day trip to Stanley and check out the old Murray does feel like a short escape from the busy and noisy city centre where the new Murray now sits and pretends to say ... everything will be alright in Hong Kong.