Into the Mysterious Tiger Balm Den: Haw Par Mansion Guided Tour

Description

Together with its private garden, the Haw Par Mansion was built in 1935 by Burmese Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist Aw Boon Haw (1882 – 1954), who was known as “The King of Tiger Balm” for selling the famous ointment. The mansion was accompanied by a theme park designed to promote traditional Chinese values.

As of today, it is operated by Haw Par Music Foundation, and will reopen as a school dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchange (Chinese and Western) through music, art and culture in April this year.

Architecturally, the Mansion was built in the Chinese Renaissance style with a blend of Western and Chinese construction methods and architectural theory. Inside, it boasts beautiful painted glass windows from Italy, carvings and mouldings, gilded with gold and murals showing Indian and Burmese influence. Films, photographs and objects provided by the Aw Family are on display to add historical value to the Mansion’s décor.

Conservation architect Mr. Roger Wu, Executive Director of Project Development of Haw Par Music Foundation Limited, will lead the tour and introduce the historical value and significance of the building before it is fully operational.

Please note that the free tour is available only for Asia Society Hong Kong’s members.

Photo courtesy University of Hong Kong Libraries.