The Murray, Hong Kong introduces The Historic Murray Tour, a 60-minute guided walk to acquaint locals and travellers with the hotel’s rich history, architecture, art and contemporary chic facilities, available from October 2019 onwards.
One of the eight locations of the city’s Conserving Central initiative first proposed in 2009 with a mission to reinvigorate and sustain the development of Central area, The Murray is a US$1-billion preservation project transforming the former government office tower into a luxury hotel with an important role to continue serving the city. The original Murray Building was designed by British modernist Ronald Phillips and built in 1969 as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Repurposed and reimagined in collaboration with British architectural design and engineering firm Foster + Partners in 2018, the hotel project retained the integrity of the original design of the building while accommodating its new life as a contemporary luxury hotel in an innovative, modern and sustainable approach.
Open to both hotel guests and the public, The Murray Historic Tour reinforces the conservation project’s concept to reconnect with the city and community. Locals are invited to rediscover the many historical charms of the familiar building, whereas business and leisure travellers can expect to instil culturally rich elements and educational perks to their visit to Hong Kong. Participants of The Historic Murray Tour will be led on a fruitful trip to the past and enjoy a dialogue between the old and new. Conducted by the hotel’s knowledgeable City Insiders, the tour will introduce visitors to stories behind the unique architectural and design features including the stately arches, the award-winning energy-efficient windows inherited from the Murray Building, the previous engine room turned into Popinjays, a rooftop restaurant and bar offering 270-degree views, the former main entrance and the eight elevators seeing government officials into and out of the building, and how these widely recognised features are given a new lease of life. Strolling through the hotel, guests can also immerse in a guided viewing of a tasteful collection of noteworthy art pieces by internationally acclaimed and emerging artists, including Bahk Seon Ghi, Zaha Hadid, John Kennedy, Jaume Plensa, Isabel Miramontes, and more.
Apart from event and dining facilities, participants will have an exclusive opportunity to visit some of the most well-kept treasures at the hotel – the stylishly appointed Signature Suite and the eponymous Murray Suite tailored to the finest of creature comforts. Standing proud in the hotel’s forecourt is the Cassia Javanica var. Indochinensis, one of only two registered Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) in Hong Kong; visitors can marvel at the beauty and history of this over-100-year-old grande dame, and wrap up the tour with delicious sips of Cassia Tea or Niccolo Coffee at Garden Lounge (morning session), or a taste of the exclusive O.V.T. beer by Young Master Brewery at Murray Lane (afternoon session).
Two guided tours are scheduled daily at 10am and 4pm. Each session accommodates up to 10 participants only, and advance reservation is required. The tour is complimentary and its route varies depending on availability.
For reservations, please contact City Insiders at [email protected] or +852 3141 8809.