Please Turn the Page: The Unbound History of the Fringe Club

From Dairy to Art: The Evolution of Hong Kong’s Old Dairy Farm Depot

This exhibition traces the remarkable transformation of Hong Kong’s Old Dairy Farm Depot, a historic landmark that began as a vital hub for milk distribution in 1892 and later became a thriving center for arts and culture. Established by Sir Patrick Manson and Hong Kong businessmen in 1886, the Dairy Farm Company played a pivotal role in improving public health through hygienic milk distribution. The depot, strategically located at the junction of Wyndham Road and Lower Albert Road, evolved from a functional industrial space into a cultural icon.

After decades of service, the depot found new life in the 1980s when it was repurposed into the Hong Kong Fringe Club (1983) and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) (1982). Under the visionary leadership of Benny Chia, the Fringe Club became a haven for experimental and non-mainstream art, fostering creativity through initiatives like the Hong Kong Fringe Festival and later the City Festival. The exhibition highlights key milestones, from the building’s industrial past to its role in shaping Hong Kong’s arts policy and international cultural exchanges.

Through archival photographs, historical documents, and multimedia displays, visitors will explore how this architectural gem bridges Hong Kong’s colonial heritage with its dynamic contemporary arts scene—a testament to adaptive reuse and cultural resilience.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM