Guide / Docent (Contract)

About Us

Villa Haw Par is a non-profit cultural institution under the Foundation for Art and Culture, dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and revitalization of the historic Haw Par Mansion. Originally built in 1935 by Aw Boon Haw, the entrepreneur behind the famous ointment, Haw Par Mansion is the private residence originally accompanied by the larger Tiger Balm Garden. The mansion and its adjoining garden combined family prestige, public art, and Chinese folk storytelling, making the site both a private home and a cultural landmark. Although the original garden was later demolished, it remains an important memory in Hong Kong’s heritage landscape.

About House of Design

House of Design marks the inaugural exhibition of Villa Haw Par, launching a new chapter for one of Hong Kong's most distinctive cultural landmarks. Bringing together leading voices from design and craftsmanship, the event explores how thoughtful design shapes the way we live, create and connect. Set within the historic surroundings of Villa Haw Par, House of Design invites guests to discover a dialogue between heritage and innovation, celebrating the power of design to inspire contemporary culture while honouring the stories and traditions that have shaped the site.

About the Role

Villa Haw Par is seeking Guides/Docents to lead visitors through the villa during the House of Design exhibition, bringing its rooms, architecture, and heritage to life. This role goes beyond general front-of-house support — Guides will introduce the function and significance of different rooms within the villa, and share the history and cultural background of Villa Haw Par with visitors, helping them connect with the site on a deeper level.

What You’ll Do

• Guide visitors through Villa Haw Par, introducing the different rooms and their original functions within the villa
• Share the history and cultural background of Villa Haw Par, including its architectural features and significance
• Contextualize the House of Design exhibition within the villa's heritage setting for visitors, highlighting the dialogue between heritage and innovation
• Deliver engaging, accurate, and well-paced explanations suited to different visitor groups (individuals, families, tour groups, school groups)
• Answer visitor questions on the villa's history, architecture, and the exhibition content
• Manage visitor flow through the space, ensuring a smooth and safe experience across rooms
• Help maintain the condition and presentation of exhibition spaces during tours
• Escalate any visitor concerns, safety issues, or damage to supervisors promptly
• Support ad-hoc duties as needed

Who You Are

• Strong public speaking and storytelling skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Interest in heritage, architecture, history, or design strongly preferred
• Prior experience as a docent, tour guide, gallery assistant, or educator is an advantage
• Ability to learn and retain historical and cultural content accurately
• Proficiency in Cantonese and English required; Mandarin is a plus
• Comfortable speaking to groups of varying sizes and ages
• Able to commit to shifts across the full exhibition period (27 Nov – 10 Jan)
• Punctual, reliable, and able to work well independently and within a team

Why Join Villa Haw Par

Join a mission-driven cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and revitalization of heritage while engaging with contemporary cultural practice. This role offers the opportunity to be a storyteller for one of Hong Kong's most distinctive heritage sites, within a supportive and values-driven environment that encourages learning, growth, and pride in sharing local heritage with the public.