Former French Mission Building, Colonial monument in Central, Hong Kong
The Former French Mission Building is a three-story structure made of granite and red brick with a domed chapel on its north side. It displays neoclassical architectural features from the Edwardian period and stands today as a protected monument.
The building was constructed in 1843 as Johnston House to serve the first two governors of Hong Kong. It later became the French Mission headquarters from 1915 to 1952 and underwent further changes afterward.
The building displays the French Mission emblem on its exterior and shows how European and Asian architectural styles came together in one structure. The original fireplaces and interior details reflect this cultural blend.
You can reach it by taking the MTR to Central Station exit D1 and walking along Battery Path through the neighborhood. The interior is closed to visitors, but you can view and photograph the exterior and its architectural details from the street.
During World War II, the Japanese military police occupied the building and used it as their headquarters. This period left marks on the structure that tell a less familiar part of Hong Kong's wartime history.
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