The AMO plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of Hong Kong’s archaeological and built heritage.
Four historic buildings and structures -- the Cenotaph in Central, Bethanie in Pok Fu Lam, Fat Tat Tong in Ha Wo Hang, Sha Tau Kok and Tat Tak Communal Hall in Ping Shan, Yuen Long -- were declared as monuments for permanent protection under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance in 2013.
The AMO also carried out restoration and repairs on a number of historic buildings. Major projects included works on the Morrison Building in Tuen Mun, the Yan Tun Kong Study Hall and the Man Lun Fung Ancestral Hall in Yuen Long, the Leung Ancestral Hall in Pat Heung, the Tat Tak Communal Hall in Ping Shan, the Former Residence of Ip Ting-sz in Sha Tau Kok, Tai Fu Tai in San Tin, the Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall in Kam Tin, the Tang Ancestral Hall and Yeung Hau Temple in Ha Tsuen, King Law Ka Shuk in Tai Po, Lo Wai and the Kun Lun Wai Entrance Gate House in Fanling, the Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui, Maryknoll Convent School in Kowloon Tong and St. John’s Cathedral in Central. Archaeological surveys and excavations necessitated by small-scale development projects such as small house development in the New Territories were conducted by the AMO in Sai Kung and Lamma Island, and archaeological heritage materials were successfully salvaged at the sites. A long-term exhibition featuring the archaeological and built heritage of Hong Kong is on display at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. During the year, the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre and the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre attracted 193 600 and 72 700 visitors respectively. The AMO also organised a wide variety of educational and publicity programmes including lectures, guided tours, workshops and seminars, all to promote heritage conservation.
The Explore Our Heritage exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre is a long-term exhibition that presents items from the archaeological and built heritage of Hong Kong.
