Harcourt Garden

Beneath the towering skyscrapers of Admiralty lies Harcourt Garden. A tranquil escape from the urban hustle, Harcourt Garden has a fascinating history. Harcourt Garden isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a testament to Hong Kong’s ever-evolving landscape. The garden sits on land reclaimed from Victoria Harbour back in 1863. Long before the skyscrapers and bustling streets, this area was a hub of military activity. The Wellington Battery and Military Hospital once stood here, part of the Wellington Barracks. The nearby Arsenal Street echoes the presence of a former military arsenal. Harcourt Garden, like the adjacent Harcourt Road, takes its name from Admiral Cecil Harcourt. He served as Hong Kong’s de facto governor from September 1945 to June 1946. Between 2013 and 2018, Harcourt Garden underwent a transformation. The expansion of Admiralty station for the South Island Line and Sha Tin to Central Link necessitated its closure. But from this closure came rebirth. The revamped Harcourt Garden now boasts a clock tower, new station entrances, and several art pieces. The MTR’s refurbishment even moved the garden to the rooftop of the station building. So next time you find yourself in Admiralty, take a detour to Harcourt Garden. Enjoy a moment of peace amidst the urban buzz. Remember the layers of history beneath your feet, from reclaimed land to military installations, and appreciate the garden’s resilient spirit, reborn and revitalized for a new era.