Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong

Flagstaff House, constructed in 1846, stands as Hong Kong's oldest remaining example of Western-style architecture. Situated on Cotton Tree Drive, Central, within the confines of Hong Kong Park, this historic residence served as the home for the Commander of the British forces during the colonial era. Today, Flagstaff House has been repurposed and transformed into the Museum of Tea Ware.

Originally called Headquarters House until 1932, this location was carefully chosen: a small bluff overlooking the barracks, Queen's Road, and the waterfront. The building's design reflects the elegance of the Greek revival style, possibly created by Murdoch Bruce or Lieutenant Bernard Collinson. Major-General George Charles D'Aguilar was its first occupant.

During World War II, Flagstaff House was damaged by Japanese bombings but later repaired and used as the Commandant's residence. After the war, it served as the Commander's abode until 1978. Then, a new house on Barker Road became their residence, and Flagstaff House was handed over to the Hong Kong Government. In 1981, it came under the jurisdiction of the Urban Council.

Recognized as a monument in 1989, Flagstaff House underwent extensive restoration efforts to restore its original appearance from the mid-19th century. The building was structurally reinforced, and modifications were made to the interior to accommodate its transformation into a museum space.

In 1984, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware was established as a branch museum of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. This unique institution focuses on the collection, study, and exhibition of teaware, boasting an impressive assortment of Yixing teapots from Jiangsu, China, including the world's oldest surviving teapot.