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Court of Final Appeal

Landmark
—°1
Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)

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The Court of Final Appeal Building in Central, Hong Kong, is a magnificent example of neo-classical architecture that has witnessed the city's evolution since its completion in 1912. Originally serving as the Supreme Court, the structure was an engineering marvel of its time, built upon more than 1,700 fir timber piles to provide stability on reclaimed land. Its most recognizable feature is the blindfolded statue of Justice (Themis) atop the pediment, holding scales and a sword. For over two decades, between 1985 and 2011, it was the home of the Legislative Council (LegCo) before being restored to its judicial roots in 2015. As a statutory monument, the building's granite walls and iconic Ionic columns offer a striking visual contrast to the surrounding glass skyscrapers, standing as a testament to the rule of law and the colonial heritage of the Special Administrative Region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161820232628292928252217
Rain mm352969109231288197234173562921

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The building is accessible from the outside at any time, and the inner courtyard can be visited during opening hours. Courtrooms are only accessible during ongoing sessions or guided tours.
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Typical hours
The exterior areas are open 24/7, while the interior is typically accessible on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. It is often closed on weekends and public holidays.
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Photography
Photography of the facade with its Ionic columns is allowed at any time. Inside, photography without flash is permitted, but not during court proceedings.
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Time needed
Viewing the exterior and inner courtyard takes about 15-30 minutes. A guided tour of the interior usually lasts 45-60 minutes.
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Combine with
The building is located in the Central district, ideal to combine with the Legislative Council Complex and Chater Garden. St. John’s Cathedral is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The nearest MTR station is Central (Exit K), a 5-minute walk away. Also buses 1, 5B, and 10 stop nearby at Statue Square.
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Insider tip
Check the court's website in advance for public tour dates. The best time for photos without crowds is early morning.

Geography

Coordinates
22.28120, 114.16040

Facts

  • The building was built in 1912.
  • It was designed by Aston Webb.
  • It is neoclassical in style.
  • It housed the Supreme Court until 1997.
  • The columns are Ionic.
  • Since 1997 it has housed the Court of Final Appeal.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Court of Final Appeal (1)

Chater Garden🌳 park

Chater Garden is an urban park situated on a former cricket ground, now shaded by mature trees amid skyscrapers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What architectural style is the building?
It is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture from the colonial era.
Can you enter the building?
Visitors can see the public areas and exhibition rooms during opening hours.
What does the statue on the roof represent?
The statue represents Themis, the Greek goddess of justice.
What was it used for before?
It previously housed the Supreme Court and later the Legislative Council.
Is entry free?
Yes, access to the areas designated for the public is free.
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Nearby cities

Central — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Central
Central is the business and financial heart of Hong Kong, featuring skyscrapers and government buildings.
Admiralty — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Admiralty
Admiralty is a central business and administrative district connecting Central to Wan Chai, housing important government buildings.

History & landmarks

Old Supreme Court Building — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Old Supreme Court Building
This Neoclassical building in Central now houses the Legislative Council.
Statue Square — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Statue Square
Statue Square is a public open space in the Central district.
Former French Mission Building — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Former French Mission Building
This striking red-brick building in Central served as the Court of Final Appeal.
Hong Kong City Hall — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Hong Kong City Hall
City Hall in Central was the city's first modern multi-purpose cultural center.
Central Business District — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Central Business District
The heart of Hong Kong's financial sector houses numerous global banks and the stock exchange.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
The observation wheel at Central Harbourfront offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.
Exchange Square — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Exchange Square
A building complex in Central housing the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's trading floor.
Legislative Council Complex — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Legislative Council Complex
The LegCo Complex is the home of Hong Kong's legislature in Tamar.

Nature

Edward Youde Aviary — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Edward Youde Aviary
This massive aviary in Hong Kong Park allows birds to fly in a natural setting.

More places

Statue of Justice — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Statue of Justice
The Statue of Justice (Themis) sits atop the Old Supreme Court building.
Blindfolded Justice — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Blindfolded Justice
This statue on the roof of the Legislative Council Building is an icon of Central.
Cenotaph — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Cenotaph
The Cenotaph is a war memorial located in Central, Hong Kong.
St. John&#39;s Cathedral — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
St. John's Cathedral
St.
HSBC Main Building — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
HSBC Main Building
The headquarters of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation is considered one of the world's most expensive office buildings.
Jardine House — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Jardine House
Once the tallest building in Asia, it is known for its round windows.
St. John&#39;s Cathedral — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
St. John's Cathedral
St.
Bank of China Tower — Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong SAR China)
Bank of China Tower
An architectural landmark and the headquarters of one of China's largest commercial banks in Hong Kong.