CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

MULTIVERSE – HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL POSTER TRIENNIAL 2024 (until 5th May 2025)

HONG KONG HERITAGE MUSEUM is staging an exhibition "Multiverse - Hong Kong International Poster Triennial 2024" from 7th December 2024 until 5th May 2025. The exhibition features 155 award-winning and selected poster design works from designers around the world, as well as works by the international judges, traversing the infinite boundaries of creative imagery with the audience.

The Hong Kong International Poster Triennial is now in its eighth edition since its debut in 2001. The theme of this Triennial is "Multiverse", exploring how the function of posters as a medium for conveying messages can be extended in an era where digital, technological, and multimedia techniques are widely used. The Triennial invited designers worldwide to unleash their creativity to pioneer new fields that are diverse and interdisciplinary. The Triennial is divided into four categories, namely "Thematic: Multiverse", "Promotion of Cultural Programmes", "Commercial and Advertising" and "Animated Poster". From a worldwide call held last year, a total of 3,189 entries from 55 countries and regions were received. Prominent international designers and an expert team formed judging panels and selected 155 entries to be featured in the exhibition.

Cultural industries in Hong Kong have been given a boost of confidence by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which leads to unfailing support to Hong Kong's development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. To capitalise on this opportunity, the Triennial serves as a platform for promoting professional exchange in poster design and strengthening Hong Kong's connection with the international design circle. This year sees many designers integrate the rich heritage of cultural narratives into their works or incorporate such themes as Chinese solar terms and historical elements into contemporary representations as a vivid demonstration of their unique and diversified cultural identities and the art trends. This diversity both enriches the exhibition and also promotes the integrated development of arts and culture.

The exhibits include 18 distinctive award-winning entries and 137 selected entries, as well as individual creative works contributed and donated by the international judges. The winner of the Gold Award in the "Thematic: Multiverse" category is "MULTIVERSE" by Chen Yuese from Mainland China. The perfect combination of the Chinese character "Wu" and Taijitu on the poster reflects the breadth and depth of Chinese culture. The Gold Award in the "Promotion of Cultural Programmes" category is awarded to WePlayDesign from Switzerland. Its poster, "Festival Filmar 2020", was designed for a film festival. The visual identity was inspired by Mayan languages. The selected glyphs represent hands, symbolising actions integral to filmmaking such as framing, shooting, and composition. The winner of the Gold Award in the "Commercial and Advertising" category is "The Beautiful and the Useful" by Sandy Eddie Tommy Associates from Hong Kong. The poster showcases the texture and beauty of paper products, using three basic geometric forms, i.e. square, triangle and circle to illustrate a cardboard inner tray, a wooden spatula and a shallow dish. The Gold Award in the "Animated Poster" category is awarded to "Cyberpunk Experience" by Götz Gramlich from Germany, with an animated design featuring water droplets on the screen to explore the interpenetration and mutual influence of natural and technical realities, and the contradiction occurred.

The exhibition features 155 award-winning and selected entries from around the world, as well as works contributed by the international judges

The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Designers Association and organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

For further details see;

https://hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/hkipt2024.html

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MULTIFACETED HONG KONG EXHIBITION SERIES (from 27th November 2024 until further notice)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY has launched three new exhibitions of the "Multifaceted Hong Kong Exhibition Series" from 27th November 2024. The exhibition series offers an in-depth exploration of topics such as local community development, local ethnic groups and connections between Hong Kong and overseas Chinese, aiming to provide a comprehensive introduction to the unique urban development context of Hong Kong and the factors that have contributed to the city's success.

The "Multifaceted Hong Kong Exhibition Series" is the first phase of the revamped permanent exhibition of the Museum of History. The three new exhibitions, namely the "Yau Tsim Mong - The Urban Transition and Community Bonds", the "Estórias Lusas - Stories of the Hong Kong Portuguese" and the "Sojourning in Gold Mountain - Hong Kong and the Lives of Overseas Chinese in California" exhibitions will be held at the exhibition galleries on the 2/F and M/F of the museum respectively. Admission is free.

The three exhibitions, each with different themes, share a common entry point: Hong Kong is the place, where East meets West with a racial diversity and inclusion, and connection to the world.

While each of the 18 districts in Hong Kong has a distinct story, Yau Tsim Mong District is the most prosperous region in Kowloon and the most diverse district in the territory of Hong Kong. The "YAU TSIM MONG – THE URBAN TRANSITION AND COMMUNITY BONDS" exhibition introduces the development change of Yau Tsim Mong District from the early 19th century to the present through nearly 200 exhibits, inviting the audience to explore the historical traces behind the bustling urban scene, with the district as an epitome of Hong Kong. The exhibition is divided into 10 zones which cover industrial factories in Yau Tsim Mong district, the living environment, transport, shops, leisure and culture, as well as the most iconic areas in the district, namely the KCR Clock Tower, Chungking Mansions and Temple Street Night Market. Highlight exhibits include a poster of the Orient Tobacco Manufactory of Hongkong, founded as early as 1908, a commemorative plaque for the completion of Kwong Wah Hospital in 1911, a plaque and a bell of MV Man Wing of Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry in 1952, and a sales brochure for Chungking Mansions in 1961.

The "Yau Tsim Mong - The Urban Transition and Community Bonds" exhibition introduces the evolution of pre-war and modern transport within the district to visitors

Coming from Macao from the mid-19th century onwards, the Portuguese people formed one of the earliest foreign communities in Hong Kong. The "ESTORIUS LUSAS – STORIES OF THE HONG KONG PORTUGESE" exhibition traces the numerous fields of endeavours and contributions of the Hong Kong Portuguese community and introduces their distinctive traditions and culture through showcasing over 250 exhibits from Portuguese families and organisations. Highlight exhibits include the 200-year-old porcelain plate made in Guangzhou bearing the Barretto family crest, and the watercolour painting of the Club Lusitano inauguration in 1866, the most significant cultural landmark for the Hong Kong Portuguese community. The exhibition also features numerous exhibits from prominent Portuguese figures in Hong Kong, such as the chain of office during Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales' term as the first unofficial Chairman of the former Urban Council, and famous jockey and horse trainer Tony Cruz's first Lusitano Cup. The exhibition also features many audiovisual and interactive multimedia programmes. In the zone decorated as the Sala de Encontro (meeting lounge) of a Portuguese home, the programmes invite the audience to have a taste of classic Macanese food, learn the Macanese dialect, get to know the practice of the Catholic faith and the Hong Kong Portuguese community's distinctive traditions and culture in a lively way.

The "Estórias Lusas - Stories of the Hong Kong Portuguese" exhibition will showcase contributions of key Portuguese sporting figures including Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales, Tony Cruz and Leslie George Santos

Starting from the mid-19th century, Hong Kong served as the main port of departure and return for Chinese emigrants and as an entrepôt for their trading activities. Between 1850 and 1939, more than 6.3 million Chinese emigrated through Hong Kong to foreign destinations. The "SOJOURNING IN GOLD MOUNTAIN – HONG KONG AND THE LIVES OF OVERSEAS CHINESE IN CALIFORNIA" exhibition introduces the history of early Chinese emigrating to California through Hong Kong to make a living, showcasing challenges and difficulties faced by overseas Chinese in tandem with their affection towards the motherland, from which the role of Hong Kong as an "in-between place" can be fully demonstrated. To showcase the life of Chinese living abroad, multiple settings are reconstructed in the exhibition, including the Angel Island Immigration Station where Chinese were interrogated before being allowed to enter the United States, the Chew Kee Grocery Store located in Fiddletown, California, and the Kwan Tai Temple in Hanford, California.

Golden dragon made by Kam Yuk Lau, Hong Kong, in 1931 and used in the Bok Kai Festival of Marysville, California, until 1984

Many exhibits are loaned from overseas Chinese individuals and associations in California, including the largest exhibit inside the gallery, a golden dragon made by Kam Yuk Lau, Hong Kong, in 1931, which was transported to Marysville and used in traditional dragon dances to celebrate the Bok Kai Festival in the second month of every Lunar New Year; couplets for the inauguration of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association, Hanford, in 1886; and a banner from the "Bowl of Rice Parties" held by Chinese immigrants in San Francisco in support of China's War against Japanese Aggression in the 1930s.

The "Multifaceted Hong Kong Exhibition Series" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History. For further details see;

https://hk.history.museum/en/web/mh/exhibition/Multifaceted-Hong-Kong-Exhibition-Series.html

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CITY PORTRAITS: HONG KONG FILM AND LITERATURE (29th November 2024 until 4th May 2025)

The HONG KONG FILM ARCHIVE is staging the "City Portraits: Hong Kong Film and Literature" exhibition at the Exhibition Hall of the Archive from 29th November 2024 to 4th May 2025. The exhibition combines film excerpts, oral history segments, photographs and videos on the transformation of written words into moving images in films to explore the interaction between film and literature in Hong Kong from the mid-20th century to the new millennium in a multifaceted manner.

The creation of a film often starts with a script, which is usually inspired by literature. While local directors and screenwriters constantly seek inspiration from novels or stage plays and turn them into touching films full of Hong Kong characteristics, many novelists and playwrights are also active in the film industry, adapting works of themselves or others for the screen or collaborating with directors to write new stories and scripts. This cross-disciplinary collaboration between filmmakers and writers, bringing inspiration to each other through interactions, is a distinctive feature of Hong Kong's film culture.

The exhibition is comprised of four zones, recounting films related to Hong Kong urban literature from the 1930s to the new millennium. It demonstrates the long-lasting and close relationship between Hong Kong's films and literature, as well as the changes in the daily lives of local people over the decades.

The first zone, "Footprints", features photos of early writers and filmmakers, along with relevant film stills through which visitors can learn about the interaction, fusion and mutual inspiration between Hong Kong films and literature.

Two programmes of videos are being shown in the second zone "Screening Room: Time Flows Like a Song". "Programme One: Writers and Movies" showcases excerpts from films of masterpieces from various writers and screenwriters such as "The Rich House" (1942), adapted from Lui Lun's novel "Clara" by himself; and "The Greatest Wedding on Earth" (1962), adapted from Qin Yifu's original work and scripted by Eileen Chang. "Programme Two: Lyricists and Songs" features an array of memorable songs from films to highlight how lyricists put the stories of films into words and add more charm to the film. The songs include "Selling Wonton" from the film "It's Always Spring" (1962) with lyrics by Evan Yang, composed by Yao Min and sung by Li Mei, as well as "The Last Rose" from "Lost Romance" (1986) with lyrics by Cheng Kok-kong, composed by Lam Man-yee and sung by Jenny Tseng.

In the third zone, "From Words to Images", films including "The Seaman and the Dancing Girl" (1961) and "Diary of Monita" (1968) are taken as examples to illustrate how filmmakers extract the essence of literary works, and turn stories into scripts to create unique films with images.

Films, including "Diary of Monita" (1968), are taken as examples to illustrate how filmmakers extract the essence of literary works to create unique films with images at the zone "From Words to Images" of the exhibition. Photo shows a film still of "Diary of Monita". (Courtesy of Cathay-Keris Films Pte Ltd)

The fourth zone, "Oral History Excerpts: Stories Behind Screenwriters", concludes the entire exhibition with invaluable interview excerpts of screenwriters from different eras including clips from interviews with several legendary figures in the past, such as Chen Dieyi, who was also a lyricist, and wildly talented broadcaster Li Ngaw on their creative insights. There are also more recent interview excerpts, including novelist, lyricist, screenwriter and director Erica Li and Kong Ho-yan, who became a screenwriter after creating an online novel under the pseudonym "Mr. Pizza"; and more.

To tie in with the exhibition, the HONG KONG FILM ARCHIVE will present the screening programme "Dancing Between Words and Images - Hong Kong Film and Literature" from 1st December 2024, to 23rd February 2025, screening 17 Hong Kong films adapted from or inspired by literary works at the Cinema of the HKFA to show the intricate ties between film arts and literature.

The exhibition is one of the programmes of the Muse Fest HK 2024. Admission is free.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2024/literature-exhibition/pe-event-2024-literature-exhibition.html

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Oi: ONSITE: THE STILLNESS BETWEEN and ORGANs (until 9th February 2025)

The OIL STREET ART SPACE (Oi!) has launched two new exhibitions of the "Oi! OnSite" series which run from 7th November 2024 until 9th February 2025. Two local artists, Chan Sai-lok and Inkgo Lam, showcase the results of their observations in Oi! and its vicinity and their creative outcomes through modern literati painting and bamboo art installations at the century-old warehouses, respectively.

Artist and writer Chan Sai-lok has long been navigating the crossings between visual arts and literary creation and contemplating the deep connections between painting and text. In the "Oi! Onsite: The Stillness Between" exhibition, he uses a Chinese aesthetic perspective and composition, ink art techniques and video to narrate the community stories and urban landscape he discovered around Oi!, drawing visitors' attention to the beauty of everyday life through visual art and text. In addition to the exhibition, Chan will also go beyond the gallery and organise a series of guided tours and workshops from November to February, leading participants to explore Oi! and its surrounding community. Participants are invited to explore his world of paintings, images, videos and words, and discover the ideas behind his artistic creation.

Artist Chan Sao-lok's artwork, "Memories at the Coast"

Bamboo artist Inkgo Lam will present her first solo exhibition, "Oi! Onsite: ORGANs". Inkgo is an apprentice to Hong Kong bamboo steamer master Lui Ming. With a vision to preserve and perpetuate this legacy, she aspires to transform bamboo into a vivid artistic language that integrates the aesthetics and artistry of ancient Chinese craftsmanship into contemporary arts. Drawing inspiration from Oi! Warehouse's architectural duality, Inkgo creates five contemporary bamboo sculptures and interactive installations, which represent the five major organs of human body - heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys. She made use of the black bamboo cultivated at Oi! in some of her creations, inviting visitors to explore the century-old Oi! Warehouse, and to find out the delicate intersections between architectural space, the human body and paths of existence.

Artist Inkgo Lam's artwork, "Dissipate"

Oil Street Art Space (Oi) is located at 12 Oil Street, North Point.

For further details see;

https://www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/oi_projects_and_programmes.html

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BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE: TREASURES FROM THE DONATION OF THE TSUI ART FOUNDATION (from 30th October 2024 until further notice)

HONG KONG HERITAGE MUSEUM is staging an exhibition "Buddhist Pilgrimage: Treasures from the Donation of The Tsui Art Foundation" from 30th October 2024 by selecting 70 Buddhist treasures from the ancient Chinese artefacts collection donated by the late Dr Tsui Tsin-tong for display. Precious exhibits include thangka paintings, gilt-bronze Buddhist statues and rare artefacts such as ritual objects and scriptures. With a multimedia educational display zone, the exhibition, with free admission, aims to present the introduction of Buddhism to China, its influence from the historical, artistic and cultural perspectives, as well as its impact on cultural exchanges between China and other countries.

During the early stage of the development of the museum, Dr Tsui provided full support in establishing the T. T. Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art, where the precious artefacts he donated to the museum were on display. Having witnessed the dispersal of Chinese artefacts abroad, Dr Tsui determined to protect the treasures. Through years of dedicated study and acquisition, he gradually built an extensive thangka art collection. Dr Tsui's passion for collecting Chinese artefacts transcends mere personal interest, embodying his significant contribution to the cause of Chinese national rejuvenation.

The Tibetan Buddhist artefacts showcased in this exhibition are all acquired by Dr Tsui through his extensive travels and purchases since the 1970s, including 29 exquisite thangka paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, 18 gilt-bronze Buddhist statues and 23 rare ritual objects, scriptures and other items. Being an artistic form unique to Tibetan Buddhism, thangkas typically portray major Buddhist deities or respected religious patriarchs surrounded by a divine entourage on cotton or silk, to illustrate the stories of their lives or the realms over which they preside. The gilt-bronze Buddhist statues demonstrate the artisanship and the ingenuity of the metalworking craft, reflecting the mutual influence exerted by the cultures of the region throughout various periods.

Highlight exhibits include "Votive thangka of Padmasaṃbhava", which is the largest thangka on display at this exhibition, measuring 254.5 centimetres high and 202cm wide. The content of this thangka is based on the "Pad-ma thang-yig" (Life of the Master Padmasaṃbhava), and describes the charitable and pious deeds performed during the life of a great religious master. Another thangka, "Amitābha", portrays the main deity Amitābha in the centre and being surrounded by the Eight Great Bodhisattvas. The layout of the work is extremely detailed and powerful. The delicately painted "Eleven-faced Avalokiteśvara", with vivid colours, depicts an Avalokiteśvara with eight hands. The first pair of hands is held together in front of the chest, holding a precious jewel. The three hands on the right hold crystal beads, the Wheel of the Law, and the lower hand is in the "abhaya mudrā". On the left, the hands hold a lotus, a bow and arrows, as well as a kuṇḍikā. "Gilt-bronze figure of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara" wears a pair of big earrings, and his exposed chest is adorned with strings of jewellery inlaid with turquoise. In addition, an exquisitely decorated "Conch shell" and a hand written "Buddhist sutra" with illustrations are also on display.

"Gilt-bronze figure of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara", which has a placid and kindly countenance, featuring an oblong face and rounded eyebrows. He wears a pair of big earrings, and his exposed chest is adorned with strings of jewellery inlaid with turquoise as he sits in a majestic posture on a rock

The curatorial team of the museum has specially designated a multimedia educational display zone, utilising presentation techniques and multimedia installations alongside the artefacts on display, with a view to deepening visitors' understanding of the inclusiveness of Chinese culture and enhancing their interest in Chinese history and culture. The museum also commissioned designer Chiu Kwong-chiu and his team to produce an animation to interpret the pilgrimage to India of the great Buddhist master of the Tang dynasty, Xuanzang, and the contribution he made to cultural exchanges between China and the world. The multimedia installations manifest the influence of Buddhist culture in daily life in a lively way, such as pointing out the Buddhist origins behind everyday expressions, and briefly describing the content of the Heart Sutra and displaying the beauty of calligraphy.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/buddhist2024.html

The exhibition is one of the activities of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For further information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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CELEBRATING NATIONAL DAY – AUSPICIOUS INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE GREATER BAY AREA (until 31st March 2025)

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and to tie in with the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival as well as the "Cultured Bay Area, Brilliant ICH-2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Intangible Cultural Heritage Show", the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is staging the "Celebrating National Day - Auspicious Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Greater Bay Area" Exhibition at the HONG KONG HERITAGE MUSEUM from 19^th October 2024 to 31^st March 2025. Admission is free.

It is the first roving exhibition with the theme of Intangible Cultural Heritage items in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Hong Kong is the first stop and the exhibition will be staged in Shenzhen and Macao later. Featuring auspicious animals that symbolise good fortune as the main theme, the exhibition showcases performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, festive events and other Intangible Cultural Heritage items of the 11 GBA cities to visitors through interactive exhibits, graphic panels, video screenings and experiential activities.

The GBA cities, which are mainly of Lingnan culture, have rich regional characteristics and form their own unique culture. They own Intangible Cultural Heritage items such as Cantonese opera and Canton music, which are important representatives of Chinese culture, giving a significant meaning in demonstrating and preserving the diversity and uniqueness of the fine traditional culture of the nation. Hong Kong, with its attributes of diversity, openness and a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, will develop into an East-meets-West platform for international cultural exchange as advocated in the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA for promoting traditional Chinese culture. Hong Kong will also collaborate with other GBA cities to jointly shape and enrich the sense of humanity and enhance the cultural identity and cohesion of the region.

The exhibition is divided into three parts. The "Bringing Fortune and Auspiciousness" exhibition area showcases paper crafting exhibits and interactive art installations with images of auspicious animals. It will also introduce the Representative Items of the National ICH such as the Hakka Unicorn Dance in Hang Hau, Sai Kung (Hong Kong), Lion Head Crafting (Foshan), Festival of the Drunken Dragon (Macao), Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance (Shenzhen) and Sanzao Crane Dance (Zhuhai) and other ICH items including the Conghua Cat-headed Lion Dance (Guangzhou), Rooster Dance (Zhaoqing), Huidong Lid-headed Lion Dance (Huizhou), Shengshi Phoenix Dance (Zhongshan), Qingxi Unicorn Dance (Dongguan) and Waihai Shenggong Carp (Jiangmen).

Photo shows the Representative Item of the National ICH, Hakka Unicorn Dance in Hang Hau in Sai Kung (Hong Kong)

The "Assemble of Craftsmanship" area showcases Intangible Cultural Heritage items of traditional craftsmanship in the GBA which are closely related to everyday life. They include the Cantonese Embroidery, Guangcai Making Technique and Paper Crafting Technique of Lanterns. These Intangible Cultural Heritage items not only embody the craftsmanship of the bearers but also incorporate auspicious meanings and good wishes, manifesting the mutual promotion and transmission of craftsmanship and Chinese culture. The "Congregation of Art" area offers creative installations with Intangible Cultural Heritage elements and a variety of demonstrations introducing the public its diversity.　
　
The exhibition is presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administration Region; organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Division of Intangible Cultural Heritage from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province and the Macao Museum; curated by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. It is also supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR. During the exhibition period, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office will organise an array of education and public programmes, including a variety of demonstrations and experiential activities, to introduce the diversity of Intangible Cultural Heritage to members of public. Programmes are free of charge with on-site enrolment. For details of the exhibition and activities see;

https://www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/auspicious_ich_of_the_greater_bay_area.html

Hong Kong is the host city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival for the first time this year. It is organising and co-ordinating over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held across the "9+2" cities of the GBA. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region, and foster cultural exchanges and co-operation among the cities. For detailed information about the rich programme line up of the festival see;

https://www.gbacxlo.gov.hk/en

The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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IN RETROSPECT: THE EARLY CHINESE PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION OF MOONCHU FOUNDATION (until 3rd February 2025)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY has received a generous donation of more than 24,000 invaluable photos of a Chinese photography collection from the Moonchu Foundation. Most of the donated photos were taken in the late Qing and the Republican period and feature a wide range of contents and subject matters, which form a rare and comprehensive collection of Chinese photography. It is also the largest donation of a Chinese photography collection received by the museum. The museum is staging the exhibition "In Retrospect: The Early Chinese Photography Collection of Moonchu Foundation" from 23rd October 2024 until 3rd February 2025 displaying over 500 selected photographs from the donation.

As an expression of gratitude to the Foundation, the museum has named its Special Exhibition Gallery the "Moonchu Historical Images and Culture Gallery", which will feature exhibitions from the Moonchu collection and exhibitions related to Chinese history and culture.

This valuable and extensive collection of rare and complete images was collected by the Moonchu Foundation over the years in different places. Driven by their passion for Chinese culture, they specifically donated this collection to the museum, allowing these precious artifacts to be permanently preserved on Chinese soil. This donation not only significantly enriches the collections of the Hong Kong Museum of History, but more importantly, provides excellent materials for studying modern Chinese society and increasing the public's understanding of Chinese history from a century ago.

Most of the selected photographs in this exhibition have never been publicly displayed before. The contents cover major historical events such as the Second Opium War, the Self-Strengthening Movement, the First Sino-Japanese War, the Invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance and the Russo-Japanese War. There are also photographs depicting the urban landscapes, historic buildings and people's livelihood during the late Qing and the Republican period, as well as specimens of different photographic materials and formats which reflect the development of early photography.

The exhibition showcases images of various important figures in modern Chinese history, including Empress Dowager Cixi, Prince Gong (also known as Yixin), and Prince Chun (also known as Yixuan)

Highlight exhibits include the image of Praia Grande Bay, Macao, which was taken 180 years ago and is one of the earliest photographs of China in existence today; the works of Chinese and foreign photographers, such as the stereoscopic photos taken by American photographer James Ricalton in 1900; landscape photographs taken by famous Chinese photographer Lai Fong; photos known as "Cartes de visite" in the size of a calling card, which were popular for exchanges in social gatherings during the 19th century; as well as some glass negatives; other stereoscopic photographs and hand-coloured photographs; photo albums, and more.

An interactive area is featured in the exhibition. Visitors can use stereograph viewers to view stereoscopic photos and create their own photo album with selected old photographs. There is also a comparison of old and new photos on aerospace, infrastructure, agricultural development and people's livelihood, illustrating how China has developed by leaps and bounds in the past century.

The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by Hong Kong Museum of History and the Moonchu Foundation. In collaboration with the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, it is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series and also one of the events of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival. Admission is free. For more information on the exhibition see;

https://hk.history.museum/en/web/mh/exhibition/Moonchu-Exhibition.html

Established in 2007, the mission of the Moonchu Foundation supports culture and education-related research, publications and talks. The Foundation hopes that the donation could enrich the Hong Kong Museum of History's displays and enhance research on historical images and history education, allowing members of the public to learn more about the traditional culture and the development of modern China through the research and display of the early Chinese photographs.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound culture of China. For more information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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LIFE PLANNING OF THE CHINESE LITERATI: SELECTED CHINESE PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY FROM THE XUBAIZHAI COLLECTION (until 5th March 2025)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART has launched the exhibition "Life Planning of the Chinese Literati: Selected Chinese Painting and Calligraphy from the Xubaizhai Collection", featuring 46 sets of Chinese painting and calligraphy selected from its Xubaizhai collection. The exhibition runs from 18th October 2024 until 5th March 2025.

The exhibition applies the contemporary concept of life planning to the choices made by traditional Chinese literati on their lives and careers. It explores the diverse artistic styles and aspirations shaped by different groups of scholarly officials and reclusive literati due to different life journeys and personal encounters.

Life planning is a crucial part of the management of one's living in society nowadays. The ancient literati often found themselves at the crossroads between serving in the court to engage with the world or retreating to enjoy a life of seclusion, thereby achieving different artistic paths. Through comparisons of artists between officialdom and seclusion, court and mountains, Confucianism and Buddhism, the exhibition highlights the stylistic differences of Chinese painting and calligraphy during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It also explores how the decisions made by the ancient scholars against the backdrop of dynastic transitions affected their artistic pursuits.

Highlight exhibits include works by famous artists from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Tang Yin's "Returning home with a qin", Wen Zhengming's "Cooling off the hot summer", Tang Dai's "Autumn mountains", Zhu Da's "Reeds and mallard" and Kang Youwei's "Four poems in running-cursive script". Visitors can try the "Career Aptitude Test of Ancient Literati" interactive game in the gallery to discover their own strengths and potential in the workplace.

Kang Youwei's "Four poems in running-cursive script" (section) from the Qing dynasty

The museum has also invited Hong Kong artist Leung Lai-man to create the artwork "Ready, Set, Go!" for the exhibition. Drawing inspiration from the various paths of official careers and reclusive lives chosen by the Chinese literati, Leung depicts seven children dressed in kindergarten uniforms in a set of "gongbi" paintings. These "children at play" are presented as ancient literati from the Ming and Qing dynasties in a Chinese garden setting, inviting audiences to travel back in time, engage in dialogue with ancient literati across time and space, and explore the meaning of life.

The museum's Xubaizhai collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy was donated by the late renowned collector Mr Low Chuck-tiew in 1989. It encompasses masterpieces dating from the Six Dynasties through to the 20th century and is especially renowned for works by masters of the major schools of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The exhibition is being held at the Xubaizhai Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, 2/F of the museum (located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon), while the "Hong Kong Artist Dialogue Series: Leung Lai-man - Ready, Set, Go!" is now on display at the lobby on the second floor of the museum. Admission is free.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/life-planning-of-the-chinese-literati-phase1.html

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CHINA’S LUNAR AND MARS EXPLORATION (until 24th March 2025)

HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM is staging a free special exhibition, "China's Lunar and Mars Exploration", from 27th September 2024 until 24th March 2025 in the foyer of the museum, showcasing the key achievements and future outlook of China's lunar and Mars exploration missions.

China has been achieving its space exploration dreams step by step through the country's own successful research and development of artificial satellites, rockets, manned spacecraft and a space station to carry out missions and scientific research in space, deepening human understanding of the Earth and the universe. In China's Lunar Exploration Program, the Yutu lunar rover landed on the Moon while in China's Mars Mission, the Zhurong Mars rover left its mark on the Martian surface.

Full-scale models of the Yutu lunar rover and the Zhurong Mars rover will be on display at the exhibition. Visitors will be able to study the structures and functions of the models and gain insights into the remarkable achievements in China's aerospace development. Visitors can also review the missions of both rovers through interactive panels.

Full-scale model of the Yutu lunar rover

During the exhibition period, the Hong Kong Space Museum will organise a series of complementary programmes, including the "The Aerospace Science and Technology in China" Lecture Series, and astronomy film show. The museum will launch educational materials, including activity sheets for kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, and e-versions of the "Lunar and Mars Exploration Parent-Child Booklet", with photos and simple descriptions, enabling the public to gain a deeper understanding of China's achievements and developments in lunar and Mars exploration.

The exhibition is presented by the government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum. For details of the exhibition, programmes and educational materials see;

https://hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/clme.html

The exhibition is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For further information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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GLORIOUS VOYAGE: SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN ITS 75 YEARS (until 5th February 2025)

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong government is presenting the "Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People's Republic of China in Its 75 Years" Exhibition Series, at the HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM from 27th September 2024 until 5th February 2025 to illustrate the important developments and achievements of China over the past 75 years from a variety of perspectives. Admission to the exhibitions is free.

China is a force to be reckoned with in the areas such as economy, manufacturing, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture and sports. Today, China is the world's second-largest economy, the largest industrial manufacturing country, the largest goods trading country and the largest foreign exchange reserve holding country. These are the results of the people's forging ahead steadfastly and also the pride of all Chinese people. This exhibition series is one of the signature events organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, to promote the spirit of patriotism in the community. Its three exhibitions, namely "Leapfrog Development", "Scientific Breakthroughs" and "Era of Intelligence", showcase the country's modernisation process from the perspectives of economy, education, technology, culture, sports and people's livelihood. It aimed to enhance the understanding of the public, especially the younger generation, of the achievements of New China over the past 75 years, thereby enhancing their sense of national identity and sense of belonging.

The "Leapfrog Development" exhibition, located in the Lobby, 1/F, Hong Kong Museum of History, presents the developments and achievements of the economy, infrastructure, culture, sports and ecological conservation initiatives of China through text and images. It also displays medals won by athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games to showcase their spirit of perseverance and hard work. They include the first gold medal won by Hong Kong, China windsurfer Ms Lee Lai-shan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for the HKSAR, the gold medal won by So Wa-wai, representing Hong Kong, China in the men's 100m races (T36) at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, the gold medal won by Chinese diver Ms Guo Jingjing in the women's three-metre springboard event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the silver medal won by Ms Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, representing Hong Kong, China in the women's 100m freestyle events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Medals won by athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.history.museum/en/web/mh/exhibition/75A-Exhibition.html

The country's scientific and technological endeavours have made remarkable progress over the past 75 years. The "Scientific Breakthroughs" exhibition at the 2/F Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum is divided into three parts, namely "The Lifeblood of the People's Republic of China", "Silent Thunder", and "A Chip-driven Patriotic Heart", based on three significant historical events: the 65th anniversary of the discovery of the Daqing Oil Field, the 60th anniversary of the successful detonation of China's first atomic bomb, and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the State Preeminent Science & Technology Award. The exhibition showcases China's outstanding achievements in science and technology through graphics, videos, objects, and interactive exhibits, demonstrating the patriotic spirit and steadfast beliefs of Chinese scientists. Highlight exhibits include the Core Sample from Songliao Basin No.3 Stratigraphic Well (replica), which is important historical evidence for the discovery of the Daqing Oil Field; the immersive space "Big Bang in the East", which explores significant historical events such as the launch of the Dongfeng-1 missile, atomic bomb detonation, hydrogen bomb detonation, and the launch of the Dongfanghong-1; and the model of the Zuchongzhi Superconducting Quantum Computer, developed independently by a Chinese research team, which is the only one in China and one of only two globally to achieve "quantum advantage".

Photo shows the Changzheng Series of Rockets in China

The "Era of Intelligence" exhibition at the Special Exhibition Hall, G/F, Hong Kong Science Museum introduces the transformative technology of artificial intelligence, which has experienced rapid developments in recent years. The application of artificial intelligence in daily life will also be demonstrated at the exhibition. The exhibition features a total of 22 exhibits, with about 70 per cent of them being interactive. These include the immersive zone "Gravitational Battlefield", which is based on Mainland writer Liu Cixin's science fiction novel "The Three-Body Problem" and integrates artificial intelligence and mixed reality technologies; a simulation of autonomous driving; and an artificial intelligence model named Master Guess, with which visitors can train and play paper-scissors-stone. Visitors can engage directly with multiple artificial intelligence models to understand how they function in various scenarios such as chess playing, music composition, painting and the implementation of mixed reality. For further details of the "Scientific Breakthroughs" and "Era of Intelligence" exhibitions see;

https://hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/75A2024.html

The exhibition series is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The "Leapfrog Development" exhibition is organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office and the Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Museum of History, and supported by the Academy of Chinese Studies and the Hong Kong China Sports Alliance. The "Scientific Breakthroughs" exhibition is organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and the China Science and Technology Museum, in collaboration with the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the China Association for Science and Technology and the Beijing - Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. The "Era of Intelligence" exhibition is organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Hong Kong Institution of Science and Innovation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and SenseTime.

Apart from museums, a display titled "Trendsetting Travel in China", which showcases the remarkable achievements of the motherland through a stunning array of media photographs and a relaxed curatorial approach, will be held at the covered walkway of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park from 28th September, providing members of the public an additional opportunity to learn more about the country's achievements.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For further information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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ARCHAIC CURATOR SERIES: THE CHARM OF COLOUR – TRAVEL WITH CERAMICS THROUGH TIME AND SPACE (until 31st January 2025)

OIL STREET ART SPACE (Oi) launched the Archaic Curator Series in 2022 and has invited Chinese art historians and curators to collaborate on exhibitions that engage with traditional Chinese art through innovative forms of expression, bridging the old and the new. The third exhibition of the series, "Archaic Curator Series: The Charm of Colour - Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space", runs from 26th September 2024 until 31st January 2025 at Oi! Glassie to showcase creative ceramic artworks.

The guest curator and Associate Curator (Antiquities) of the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Dr Wang Guanyu, invited three artists from Jingdezhen and Hong Kong - Gu Yue, Fiona Wong and Caroline Cheng - to participate in the exhibition. Inspired by the CUHK Art Museum's collection, the three artists infuse their own technical artistry and aesthetics into their works to showcase their personal understanding and interpretation of contemporary ceramic art.

Jingdezhen, also known as the millennium porcelain capital, is renowned for its rich ceramic heritage. Gu Yue, a graduate of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, draws inspiration from flowers and nature to express the vibrant spirit of the new generation of ceramic artists. His works skilfully blend traditional moulding and decorative techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Fiona Wong, who focuses on exploring soil and studying Hong Kong's culture, draws inspiration from the stories surrounding Nam Koo Terrace, a century-old mansion in Wan Chai. Her artwork comprises a set of 3D-printed containers modelled on the patterned tiles of Nam Koo Terrace and an assembly of ceramic tiles recomposing a historical map of Wan Chai, to guide visitors to uncover the narratives behind contemporary urban development. Artist Caroline Cheng and her team have developed a method to upcycle ceramic waste into malleable clay, challenging the conventional perceptions of ceramics. Visitors to the exhibition can admire her latest works, crafted from this sustainable material.

Artist Gu Yue and his ceramic work "A Quest for Flowers"

There are different public engagement programmes in this exhibition. In the "A Tour to Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space" guided tour, docents will lead visitors to explore the two exhibitions at Oi! and the CUHK Art Museum. An education gallery will be set up at G/F Oi! Glassie. During the exhibition period, staff members will act as lab technicians and guide visitors to discover the secrets of ceramic production in a lively and interesting way. In addition, visitors can select a special ceramic colour in the Ceramic Colour Exploration Zone to create a personalised postcard to take home as a cherished souvenir.

During the exhibition period, the CUHK Art Museum will also showcase "Amazing Clay: Masterpieces from the Ceramic Collection of CUHK Art Museum" to enrich visitors' appreciation of the beauty of traditional Chinese ceramics.

"Archaic Curator Series: The Charm of Colour - Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space" is presented by the government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (and the CUHK, and organised by Oi! and the Art Museum of CUHK.

Oil Street Art Space (Oi) is located at 12 Oil Street, North Point.

For further details about the exhibition and registration of programmes see;

https://www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/oi_the_charm_of_colour.html

The exhibition is one of the activities under the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture.

For more information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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BROTHERS IN ARMS: WAR OF RESISTANCE ACTIVITIES OF THE EAST RIVER COLUMN IN SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG (until 2nd July 2025)

The thematic exhibition "Brothers in Arms: War of Resistance Activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong" was launched at the HONG KONG MUSEUM OF THE WAR OF RESISTANCE AND COASTAL DEFENCE on 4th September 2024 to coincide with conversion of the museum, previously known as The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence. The exhibition runs until 2nd July 2025 and admission is free.

New logo of the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence following its conversion from the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

The exhibition focuses on the War of Resistance activities of the East River Column in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. Precious exhibits and historical images in the new exhibition include a cloth bag, a felt blanket and a revolver used by members of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during wartime, newspapers published by the East River Column (replica), the first issue of the "Tati Pictorial" published in Hong Kong in November 1938, cartoon images of "Miscellaneous Memories of One Hundred Days in Dongjiang" created by cartoonist Ding Cong, and a commemorative medal of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, as well as valuable oral history records from veterans.

An American M1911A1 pistol and the first issue of the “Tati Pictorial”, published in Hong Kong in November 1938. The content of the pictorial promoted the War of Resistance and the salvation of the nation.

The four existing exhibition galleries at the museum showcasing the history of the War of Resistance, namely the "Narrative of the War of Resistance", "Join Hands to Resist Japanese Invasion", "Japanese Invasion of Hong Kong" and "Anti-Japanese Guerrillas behind Enemy Lines" galleries, are collectively known as the "War of Resistance Galleries". Through the display of massive historic photos and artefacts as well as multimedia programmes, the history of the War of Resistance as well as the activities of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column behind enemy lines will be shown to recognise the significant contribution of the column. After the conversion, the Certificate of Commendation (replica) presented by the HKSAR Government to the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column, and the name list of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column on the Roll of Honour 1941-1945 who lost their lives during the period of Japanese occupation, is displayed near the entrance of the museum's Reception Building to highlight their importance.

Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence is located at 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan. For further information of the exhibition, museum opening hours and transportation serving the museum see;

https://hk.waranddefence.museum/en/web/mcd/home.html

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WEDDING STORIES IN ARCHIVES (until August 2025)

The PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE of the GOVERNMENT RECORDS SERVICE launched its annual thematic exhibition "Wedding Stories in Archives" on 2nd September 2024 to share with members of the public the evolution of Hong Kong's marriage systems and wedding customs.

The earliest law related to civil marriage in Hong Kong was enacted in 1852, which was more than 170 years ago. How have marriage registration laws and systems evolved? Why were early Registrars of Marriages also Land Officers? And what are the distinctive features of traditional wedding scenes, rituals and celebrations? Is the "blind year effect" an urban myth or a real phenomenon?

The "Wedding Stories in Archives" exhibition presents over 70 selected items. Apart from Public Records Office's holdings, there are also items from the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Immigration Department, and the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Archives, that reveal intriguing information and guide members of the public in exploring the evolution of the following Hong Kong marriage systems and customs including various ways in which couples tied the knot before the enactment of the marriage law, the validity of marriages performed during the Japanese Occupation and the institutionalisation of monogamous marriage in 1971.

Many traditional wedding customs have fallen out of favour or been simplified over time. Images displayed in the exhibition, including a register of betrothal gifts, notices about marriages, and scenes of the bride being carried to the bridegroom's place in a red sedan chair, offer glimpses into Hong Kong's past wedding customs. Additionally, the exhibition revisits the development of marriage registries, including the opening of the first Sub-Registry for marriages in Kowloon in 1956, and the relocation of the Principal Marriage Registry to the High Block of Hong Kong City Hall in 1962 — places steeped in the collective memory of citizens.

The Marriage Reform Ordinance, which mandated monogamy, came into effect on October 7, 1971. Couples of modern marriages or customary marriages celebrated in Hong Kong before October 7, 1971, would be issued with marriage certificates after post-registration formalities

The "Wedding Stories in Archives" exhibition is open from 2nd September until further notice from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5-45pm (except public holidays), at the Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Hong Kong Public Records Building at 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. Admission is free. To enhance visitors' experience, a new optical illusion backdrop featuring traditional wedding themes has been exclusively set up near the entrance to the Exhibition Hall. Visitors who complete missions on the exhibition leaflet will receive special souvenirs.

To facilitate those who are unable to visit in person, the Public Records Office has developed an online exhibition;

https://www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/wedding/en/home/index.html

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LAUNCH FROM GREATER BAY AREA: NANHAI I SHIPWRECK AND THE MARITIME SILK ROAD (until 12th February 2025)

Featuring artefacts discovered from Nanhai I, an ocean-going merchant ship, and relevant artefacts from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the "Launch from Greater Bay Area: Nanhai I Shipwreck and the Maritime Silk Road" exhibition showcases the role of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on the Maritime Silk Road. The exhibition runs at HONG KONG HERITAGE DISCOVERY CENTRE, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, from 16th August 2024 to 12th February 2025.

Nanhai I was a merchant ship of the Southern Song dynasty. Its shipwreck was salvaged in 2007 and is the most complete ancient ocean-going merchant ship discovered through archaeological excavation to date. A large collection of artefacts was discovered from Nanhai I, mainly porcelain, bronzeware, ironware, gold, silverware, lacquerware and woodenware. The quantities, shapes, craftsmanship and forms of the artefacts are rare among the archaeological finds of the Southern Song dynasty. Archaeologists believe that Nanhai I might have sunk along the maritime route from Guangdong to the South China Sea in the 10th year of the Chunxi reign (1183) of the Southern Song dynasty or shortly afterwards.

Among the 255 items of exhibits are artefacts discovered from Nanhai I, including a brown glazed jar with four lugs and stamped with the Chinese characters "Chun Xi Shi Nian" (i.e. the 10th year of the Chunxi reign) from the Nanhai kiln; a qingbai glazed foliated bowl with stamped plum blossom pattern from the Jingdezhen kiln; a green glazed ogee-shaped foliated dish with incised lotus pattern from the Longquan kiln; a necklace with gold chain and rhinoceros horn-shaped cone ornaments; and a gem-set hollow gold bracelet. Also on display are relevant exhibits unearthed from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, including the bottom fragment of a qingbai glazed bowl with inked Chinese characters "Gong Shi" (i.e. envoy) from the Hutian kiln of the Song dynasty from the site of the Nanyue Kingdom Palace in Guangzhou; a yellowish-green glazed jar with six lugs and dragon pattern of the Song dynasty from the site of the former Sacred Hill in Hong Kong; and a blue-and-white kendi with elephant head shaped spout from the Jingdezhen kiln of the Ming dynasty from the site of St. Paul's College in Macao.

Yellowish-green glazed jar with six lugs and dragon pattern of the Song dynasty discovered at the site of the former Sacred Hill in Hong Kong

The exhibition is co-organised by the Development Bureau and the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Admission is free. A short video about the preparation of the exhibition is available on the website of the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Bureau;

https://www.amo.gov.hk/en/news/index_id_153.html?year=2024

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A LAUGH AT THE WORLD: JAMES WONG (until 10th February 2025)

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of renowned culture figure James Wong, HONG KONG HERITAGE MUSEUM is staging an exhibition "A Laugh at the World: James Wong" from 17th July 2024 until 10th February 2025 with free admission. Around 140 sets of exhibits, selected from collection items of various museums of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and loan exhibits, will be displayed to illustrate the pop culture master's contributions to music, film, television, advertising, literature and more. Members of the public will be able to learn about the cultural integration of his works, as well as how he translated traditional contents into contemporary pop culture creations.

Hong Kong's pop culture reflects its eclecticism and contains cultural elements of the East and the West, of old and new and of high and low. Cantonese pop songs, movies and TV dramas showcase the blossoming of Hong Kong's pop culture scene since the 70s and 80s in the last century. The thriving in Hong Kong's pop culture industry was attributable to the efforts paid by artists in the music, television and film industries as well as the production crew members behind the scenes. Credits should also be given to talented local creators, one of whom is Dr Wong Jum-sum, aka James Wong. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Wong. The exhibition highlights his classic works to appreciate his unique creativity, deep knowledge and great dedication, and feel the immense charm of Hong Kong's pop culture.

The exhibition is a key programme of the second Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. The second edition this year features "Arts & Action" as its theme and has attracted over 400, 000 participants as at late June. The first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department last year organised a total of 21 programmes drawing over 530,000 participants.

James Wong (1941-2004), born Wong Jum-sum, was a renowned cultural figure and literary genius in Hong Kong. Wong, who moved to Hong Kong with his family in his childhood, was raised and received education in the city. He was a complete local. Having been active in various cultural and performing arts media platforms since the 1950s, Wong was good at writing lyrics, writing and composing music, writing columns, making movies, advertising creations and stage performances. He had been contributing articles to newspapers since the age of 12, and later became a professional writer. His columns and articles on newspapers had reached 10 million words. Wong's musical tastes spanned a diverse spectrum, encompassing Western classical, European and American pop, Indian, and avant-garde styles. He took an eclectic approach in adopting the various musical styles, while actively passing on traditional Chinese opera culture. His life coincided with several important development stages of post-war Hong Kong, making a significant impact on the development of the city's pop culture.

Wong created many popular songs, four of which are used to connect Wong's life in the exhibition. The song "Below the Lion Rock" portraits the spirit of Hong Kong people sharing joys and sorrows and staying united in times of trouble. The exhibition begins with this song which tells the story of Wong moving from the Mainland to Hong Kong in the 1940s and seeing trams on the Hong Kong Island for the first time. The second part "Ask Me" reveals how Wong's literature and music teachers enlightened him during his years of studying in Hong Kong, which paved the way for his achievements in the future. The third part "Breadth and Depth of Mountains and Waters" introduces Wong's participation and creative works in different media, such as the advertising song "Two is Enough" that Wong wrote for the publicity campaign on birth control launched by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong. The final section "It's him, you and me" allows visitors to learn more about how Wong had had close ties with cultural celebrities and stories behind his classic works.

Selected collection items from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Film Archive and Hong Kong Central Library as well as loan exhibits are on display in this exhibition. They include precious record covers of the popular TV drama series theme song "Below the Lion Rock" with lyrics by Wong and composed by his music collaborator Joseph Koo, and another classic work by the pair, the theme song of TV drama series "The Bund"; as well as the classic children's song "It's a Small World" for which Wong wrote the Cantonese lyrics. The exhibits also include two film posters for "The Love Eterne" and "Lady General Hua Mulan", in which Wong provided backing vocals, and the film poster for "In-Laws, Out-Laws", which stars Wong as one of the actors and marked his final film appearance.

The exhibition also showcases many exhibits related to Wong and his friends, such as the painting of Joseph Koo and Wong painted by Koo based on a photograph of the pair, courtesy of Koo's family; script and lyrics manuscripts for the major musical "Liuyi's Letter" produced by Roman Tam with Wong as the script writer and lyricist; and a photo of Wong and Eddie Lau.

Visitors can scan the QR codes in the gallery to listen to sound clips of Wong's audio interviews and watch his interview videos to understand his thoughts and feelings about creative works and life. A lyrics room is set up to show projections of lyrics written by Wong with music playing.

To tie in with the exhibition, a series of cultural activities will be held by the museum. They include two talks by renowned scholars to be held on 10th August and 31st August on Wong and the heyday of Hong Kong's pop culture, and characteristics of Wong's music composition. The music sharing "James Wong’s Greatest Hits on Vinyl" to be held on 14th September will revisit Wong's signature playlists. A workshop on laughter yoga to be held on 5th October and 16th November will pay a special tribute to Wong for his enduring legacy in infusing positive energy into his lyrics. In addition, the museum will hold a film screening of "Peking Opera Blues" (1986) with a post-screening talk on 23rd November about Wong's musical works for the film. In January, 2025, a workshop "A Stroke of Luck: Having Fun with Festive Couplets" will be organised in which local artist Vivian Chia will reinterpret Wong's finest lines on festive couplets with her signature style of "typing" calligraphy.

Other programmes centered on Wong by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department include "The Hong Kong Musicians Series: Music Document Highlights of Joseph Koo & James Wong" exhibition being held by the Hong Kong Public Libraries. Meanwhile, Tai Kwun is staging Summer Show "Soundtrack of Our Lives: Joseph Koo x James Wong x the Rise of Cantopop".

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/james-wong.html

The exhibition is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department presented the first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival in 2023 to great acclaim. This year's second edition features "Arts & Action" as its theme, taking audiences on a journey through time to show the dynamic inheritance, diffusion, integration and breakthroughs within Hong Kong's pop culture. The 2024 festival lineup offers a diverse range of formats including thematic exhibitions, film screenings, stage performances and outreach activities. Its rich content spans across literature, various art forms and martial arts, clearly showcasing how Hong Kong's vibrant and diverse pop culture stands out from the rest. For further information see;

https://www.pcf.gov.hk/en

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BREAKING NEW GROUND: DONATED WORKS OF CHAN WING-SUM (from 1st May 2024 until further notice)

The exhibition "Breaking New Ground: Donated Works of Chan Wing-sum" is being held from 1st May 2024 until further notice at the HONG KONG HERITAGE MUSEUM. The exhibition showcases more than 10 flower-and-bird and landscape paintings created and donated by Chan to the museum, and also works by his mentor, Professor Chao Shao-an, renowned master of the Lingnan School of Painting. It allows visitors to see how Chan has incorporated his mentor's painting technique into his own works and to appreciate his mastery of ink adaptation.

Chan is an accomplished painter of the Lingnan School of Painting with a strong personal style. He learned painting from Professor Chao starting in 1976, while apprenticing for traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and seal carving from other renowned teachers. He has participated in various joint and solo exhibitions in Hong Kong, the Mainland, Canada, etc. In 2019, Chan's painting "Lotus and bird" was featured in the Japan-China Suiboku Joint Exhibition, where it was awarded the Foreign Minister of Japan's Commendation.

Based on the composition, imagery and ink adaptation in traditional Chinese painting, Chan adds his carefree brushwork and contemporary interpretation to create his ink paintings in an abstract manner. His works embrace the flexible concept of the Lingnan School of Painting to blend traditional and modern elements with innovative approaches. Highlight exhibits include "Lotus and bird", "Rain came upon lotus pond", "Birds singing in banana tree" and "Red kapok and blue bird".

The Chao Shao-an Gallery was set up with a donation of works from Professor Chao during the establishment of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. It aims to showcase the heritage and innovation of the Lingnan School of Painting, and to promote Professor Chao's artistic vision. As a student of Professor Chao, Chan not only inherited his painting skills, but also continues his selfless acts. In 2021, Chan generously donated 15 of his representative artworks, enriching the museum's collection of the art of the Lingnan School of Painting.

To tie in with the exhibition, Chan has been invited to conduct painting demonstrations for students and the public, and co-host a lecture on the Lingnan School of Painting with the curator during the summer holidays so that audiences can gain a more in-depth understanding of his art exploration and the art of the Lingnan School of Painting.

The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. For further details of the exhibition see;

https://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/chan-wing-sum.html

The exhibition is one of the activities of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series which promotes Chinese history and culture through an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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STATION RAIL VOYAGE (until end 2024 - Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only)

On its 45th anniversary MTR Corporation has organised an exhibition “Station Rail Voyage”, a brand new railway experiential gallery at HUNG HOM STATION, located in a temporarily converted portion of the Intercity Through Train area of the station. The exhibition showcases retired trains including the legendary “Yellow Head” which marked the start of electrified railway service on the East Rail Line, train components and a collection of historical artefacts. The exhibition takes visitors along a memory lane of Hong Kong’s railway service and offers a glimpse at the behind-the-scene operations of railways. The “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition runs from 27 April 2024 till the end of the year for members of the public who have pre-registered online.

MTR Corporation has transformed the area of Hung Hom Station to provide an immersive journey of railway experience. “Station Rail Voyage” alludes to the encounters that occur at railway stations and the exhibition is divided into three main distinct zones. Each zone presents a unique theme with captivating content and interactive experience. The themes and contents of these three zones are:

“DECODING RAIL” showcases and introduces an array of signal lights and train components. It offers insights into the lesser-known aspects of railway knowledge that contribute to the MTR’s safe and reliable train services. It also displays the RADO clock which was installed at stations in the early days of the Mass Transit Railway service.

“YEARS ON THE RAIL” focuses on noteworthy items and stories gathered by railway staff across different eras, documenting the contributions made by these “Railway-ers” to the evolution of railways over the years. There is also a close encounter opportunity with the driving cabin of a modernisation train “M-Train” in the exhibition area.

“NEXT STATION…MEMORIES” is the exhibition’s highlight, bringing together two retired trains, the iconic first-generation electric train “Yellow Head” and the Mid-life Refurbishment train “MLR” of the East Rail Line, as well as the Diesel Electric Locomotive No. 56 “I.B. Trevor”. Visitors can capture memorable moments with these historical trains and locomotive, experience the nostalgia of past railway journeys and witness the evolution in train development.

Diesel Electric Locomotive No. 56 “I.B. Trevor”, one of the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibits

The exhibition also offers an array of interactive elements. Visitors can get up close to different types of trains and listen to station announcements highlighting the Corporation’s operations around the world. To enhance the experience further, visitors can even mimic station staff from different eras and capture memorable photos at the photo booth.

Each visitor will also receive a randomly distributed retro-style ticket card as a souvenir and visitors can also purchase various MTR souvenirs and the limited edition “MTR Ticket Classic Album” specifically introduced for the exhibition.

In addition to the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition, the restaurants located on the U3 level of Hung Hom Station have embraced railway elements to create a unique dining experience. Inspired by the iconic red and blue colours of the “MLR” and train components, the restaurants are adorned with train frames and train compartment seats.

Starting from 27 April 2024, the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition will be open to the public for free visits on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays by reservation. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance through the website;

https://stationrailvoyage.mtr.com.hk/event/3027

MTR Corporation is reserving the weekday slots for local community groups by invitation in the initial two months of opening. Each session of visit will have a duration of 75 minutes. To ensure a smooth and safe visiting experience, the capacity for each session is set at approximately 100 visitors.

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ART OF GIFTING: THE FUYUN XUAN COLLECTION OF CHINESE SNUFF BOTTLES (from 12th April 2024 until further notice)

During 2023, HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART received a generous donation of nearly 500 pieces of Chinese snuff bottles from the Fuyun Xuan Collection for the museum's permanent collection from Mrs Josephine Sin, the wife of the late local collector, Mr Christopher Sin. The museum is staging a new exhibition, the "Art of Gifting: The Fuyun Xuan Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles", to feature this entire significant donation. The exhibition runs from 12th April 2024 until further notice.

Christopher Sin's collection is recognised as one of the most important private collections of snuff bottles in the world. His unwavering efforts during his lifetime had greatly contributed to the promotion of the art of Chinese snuff bottles. In line with his legacy and the spirit of his generosity, Mrs Sin donated the Fuyun Xuan Collection to the Hong Kong Museum of Art to enable the public to appreciate these precious cultural gems in a gesture of extraordinary generosity.

Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department is committed to promoting Chinese history and culture. This exhibition showcases the broad and profound cultural aspects of China through delicate and exquisite Chinese snuff bottles, allowing audiences to appreciate the passion and affection of Hong Kong collectors towards artefacts of Chinese culture. The museum will continue to collaborate with local collectors, making Hong Kong an important international hub for Chinese art collections and exhibitions, and telling good stories of China to the world from Hong Kong's unique curatorial perspective.

Mrs Sin stated in her donation message that the museum has been relentless in collaborating with local private collectors to narrate the history of Chinese art collecting in the city. In hopes of honouring and expanding his legacy, she entrusted Mr Sin's lifetime treasured collection to the museum to provide the public with the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this unique form of Chinese art.

Established by the late collector Mr Sin, the Fuyun Xuan Collection is an internationally renowned private collection of snuff bottles located in Hong Kong. This generous donation encompasses the gems of Mr Sin's lifelong collection. Remarkable in both its quantity and quality, the donation stands as the most extensive and comprehensive of its kind ever received by a museum in Hong Kong. Within the collection is a double gourd-shaped glass snuff bottle with floral design in painted enamels on yellow ground, which Mr Sin insisted on acquiring even in his final days. Such an acquisition showcases Mr Sin's deep fascination with snuff bottles, and earned him the nickname "Snuff Bottle Enthusiast" among other collectors.

Other highlight exhibits include an aventurine glass snuff bottle with chi-dragons and shou medallion design; a coral snuff bottle with "Liu Hai playing with a toad" design carved in the round; a gold snuff bottle with scene of mother and children in painted enamels; a snuff bottle with magpies and plums in two-colour overlay on light rouge ground; a coupled-vase-shaped snuff bottle with imperial poem inscription and floral design in fencai enamels; and a set of snuff bottles inside painted with "Along the River during Qingming Festival".

Gold snuff bottle with scene of mother and children in painted enamels

After being brought into China, snuff was cherished among the nobility and prominent officials, becoming highly popular in Qing society. It then led to the emergence of small bottles for holding snuff, which later evolved from practical vessels into fashionable icons of exquisite craft, making them precious gifts in diplomatic, official and social settings. The exhibition is divided into five zones: "Refined Materials", "Timeless Classics", "Novel Trends", "Playful Alternatives" and "Personal Touch", covering themes from material selection to craftsmanship techniques, guiding visitors into appreciating this unique Chinese art form from the perspective of gifting. Although being petite in size, snuff bottles encompass a wide array of materials and craftsmanship. Exhibits comprise jade, porcelain, glassware, lacquerware, calabash, enamelware, and inside-painted varieties, making them a miniature embodiment of Chinese art and craft history. The exhibition features a large-scale projection that showcases the intricate details and exquisite artistry of snuff bottles. An accompanying talk for the exhibition will be held in mid-2024. Collector Mr Humphrey Hui, a close friend of Mr Sin, has been invited to share stories about the establishment of the Fuyun Xuan Collection. The museum will also establish a permanent display for this donation after the exhibition.

The exhibition can be found at the Chinese Antiquities Gallery on the third floor of the museum.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/art-of-gifting.html

The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has all along promoted Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound aspects of Chinese culture.

For more information see;

https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html

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SEEING ART ANEW: MOUNTING AND CONSERVATION OF CHINESE PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY (until 12th February 2025)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART has organised the "Seeing Art Anew: Mounting and Conservation of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" exhibition, which focuses on selected research studies of the Chih Lo Lou Collection. It is no easy task for preserving ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy which have undergone centuries of historical evolution, thanks to the meticulous craftmanship of traditional mounting techniques. With the support of the Conservation Office, the exhibition organised by the museum's curatorial team explores Chinese paintings and calligraphy from artistic and scientific perspectives, providing the public with insights into the conservation work behind the scenes of a museum. The exhibition runs from 22nd March 2024 until 12th February 2025.

The exhibition commences with an introduction to "Landscape" by Lan Ying from the Chih Lo Lou Collection. It takes around 16 sets of artworks selected from the Collection as examples to showcase the materials, formats and methods in the traditional Chinese mounting of paintings and calligraphy. Deviating from conventional curatorial approaches, this exhibition not only explores the artistic styles of the works but also incorporates scientific analyses and generates images and videos through scientific equipment, providing scientific insights into the materials and mounting techniques of Chinese paintings and calligraphy for discussion and research.

On the conservation and protection of Chinese paintings and calligraphy, the exhibition showcases the preservation process and outcomes of the Chih Lo Lou Collection, underscoring the significance of the application of the latest non-invasive analytical techniques in the study and preservation of Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Throughout the exhibition period, the Assistant Curators from the Conservation Office will regularly conduct demonstrations on the mounting of Chinese paintings and calligraphy as well as their conservation work. Engaging closely with the conservators, visitors can gain valuable knowledge and insights in preserving these artworks.

Echoing the theme of merging art and science, the museum has invited local art group XR Experience to feature a series of multimedia displays for the exhibition. Among these displays is a 16-metre-long graphic portraying a conservation laboratory. Through the use of augmented reality technology, mounting tools come to life, gradually revealing the step-by-step processes on the wall. In the other corner of the gallery, the space is transformed into a fantastical conservation laboratory by the group's talented illustrator. Using projection, they introduce a variety of commonly used mounting tools. Furthermore, the art group has designed an interactive animation titled "A day of a Conservator" which allows visitors to experience the work of a conservator and gain first-hand insights into their work.

The Chih Lo Lou Collection, one of the three major private collections of ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy in Hong Kong, was assembled by the late philanthropist and connoisseur of Chinese art, Mr Ho Iu-kwong (1907-2006). The Ho family generously donated 365 works from the Chih Lo Lou Collection to the Hong Kong Museum of Art in 2018 and 2021 respectively. The Chih Lo Lou Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy was set up to display the collection.

The exhibition is located at the Chih Lo Lou Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy on the fourth floor of the museum at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/Seeing-Art-Anew.html

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WU GUANZHONG ART SPONSORSHIP EXHIBITIONS (from 22nd March 2024 until further notice)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART has recently received a generous donation of HK$100 million from Mr Wu Keyu, the son of Wu Guanzhong, for the establishment of the Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship, to support the promotion of Wu and related Chinese modern art. With the support of the fund, the museum has launching three new programmes which opened on 22nd March 2024 and will run until further notice.

They are: the Thematic Exhibition Series: "Wu Guanzhong: Between Black and White", the Cross-disciplinary Series: "Wu Guanzhong x Chris Cheung" and the Dialogue with 20th Century Chinese Art Series: "True Likeness: The Art and Collection of Jingguanlou". The programmes will shed new light on the late renowned artist Wu's artistic theory and showcase the development of modern Chinese art from different perspectives and approaches.

Wu once said his finest works should be preserved for the country and the public. He had regarded the museum as a kindred spirit and had made numerous donations to the museum over the years. After Wu's passing, his son, Mr Wu Keyu, continues to uphold his father's support and trust in the museum by donating more artworks. The establishment of the Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship represents the trust of Wu and his family to the museum, as well as Wu's affirmation of the museum over the past 30 years. Mr Wu Keyu's unconditional donation of HK$100 million fully supports the museum in promoting Wu's art and modern Chinese art, which is truly a gift for the people of Hong Kong.

Wu (1919-2010) was a master of the Chinese and international art scene in the 20th century. He had deep connections with Hong Kong and held multiple exhibitions and participated in various art events in the city. He specifically went to the streets of Hong Kong for sketching, with works featuring the city's urban scenery. Over the years, Wu and his family have continuously made donations of Wu's works and personal archives to the museum, making up a huge collection of over 450 items. Hong Kong Museum of Art has become the institution with the largest and most diverse collection of Wu's works, establishing itself as an important international hub for the collection and research of modern Chinese paintings. With the support of the Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship, the HKMoA will promote Wu and modern Chinese art to audiences in different regions and at various levels through comprehensive and diversified perspectives.

The three new programmes open to public at the museum starting from 22nd March are;

The Thematic Exhibition Series: “WU GUANZHONG: BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE” features over 30 pieces of Wu's ink and oil paintings in two phases. Wu, in his early years, studied traditional Chinese ink painting and later ventured into the colorful world of oil painting. After studying in France, he returned to China and dedicated his entire life to exploring the integration of Chinese and Western art. In his later years, he returned to the realm of black and white with ink. Among the exhibits, there is "Cascade" which is the first artwork he donated to the museum in 1995. This significant piece is not only a quintessential black and white painting by Wu, but also a work that marks the beginning of the profound friendship between Wu Guanzhong and the museum.

Wu’s work, "Bitter melon homestead" displayed at the "Wu Guanzhong: Between Black and White" exhibition.

In the Cross-disciplinary Series: "WU GUANZHONG x CHRIS CHEUNG", Hong Kong artist Cheung has been commissioned to take inspiration from Wu's waterfall series of works and has created a site-specific art installation, "Falling Tears". Driven by rainfall data, the intricately programmed mechanical device pumps water upwards and lets it drip onto a specially made canvas. The resulting ink wash-like traces form a dynamic series of waterfalls. Another art installation is "Sentient Pond" by Cheung's creative team XCEED. Processed by artificial intelligence, the installation generates exclusive paintings by audience members that embody Wu's brushstrokes and style through machine learning over hundreds of Wu's paintings.

Art installation "Sentient Pond" by artist Chris Cheung's creative team XCEED

To allow members of the public to know more about the outstanding works of Wu and masters of his time, the museum is also launching the Dialogue with the 20th Century Chinese Art Series: "TRUE LIKENESS: THE ART AND COLLECTION OF JINGGUANLLOU", which showcases renowned collector and photographer Dr Leo Wong photographic works and his collection of 20th century Chinese paintings and calligraphy. The museum has also invited Hong Kong artist Olivier Cong to create original pieces of music for the exhibition. In his work "Diary 23", Cong creates music videos as a response to Wong's transformative artistic journey, capturing moments of transition and introspection. During the exhibition period, Cong will also put on three live music performances in the museum.

Photographic works by renowned collector and photographer Dr Leo Wong and his collection of 20th century Chinese paintings and calligraphy in the "True Likeness: The Art and Collection of Jingguanlou" exhibition

For further details of the exhibitions see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events.html

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SMALL SMALL WORLD PANORAMA (until 1st January 2025)

The HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART latest exhibition, "Small Small World Panorama" runs from 2nd February 2024 until 1st January 2025. The exhibition challenges the audiences' traditional impression about a museum gallery by turning it into a carnival-like space. The exhibition incorporates interactive installations and art accessibility facilities to engage visitors of different backgrounds and abilities to explore the museum through seeing, hearing and touching.

The museum offers a world of contrasts in art. Diversity in art is the point of departure of the "Small Small World Panorama". Understanding the collections of the museum from the angle of daily experiences and biodiversity in nature, 60 students, coming from Pat Heung Central Primary School, Bui O Public School and Ebenezer School, who joined workshops organised by the museum earlier, demonstrated their creativity by crafting buddies for their selected artworks from the collections. Together with a group of multidisciplinary artists, the students co-created an interactive exhibition with movable installations to encourage visitors to search for diversity and coexistence in art and life through games.

Visitors can ride on a monorail to visit the buddies in the Hush Forest, explore different exhibits in other galleries at the museum following the hints in the fruit trees and have the opportunity to redeem a small gift by taking photos. They can also learn more about the students' source of inspiration and the creation process through the videos in the gallery.

The exhibition incorporates interactive installations and art accessibility facilities to engage visitors of different backgrounds and abilities to explore the museum through seeing, hearing and touching

This exhibition specially provides accessibility facilities such as a tactile map, a braille and tactile guide book, simple words, audio descriptions and wheelchair-friendly access with a view to expanding the range of sensory experiences and enabling visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds, of different ages and with different abilities to explore the treasures of the museum through the lens of diversity.

The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Art. The school workshops co-creation partner is Make A Difference Institute (MaD). Stephanie Cheung is the curatorial partner while Kingsley Ng is in charge of the exhibition design. Beyond Vision International is the consultant of the tactile booklet design and accessibility. The exhibition is being held at the Attic on the fifth floor of the museum at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/smallsmallworld.html

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EXTINCTION – RESILIENCE (from 15th September 2023 until further notice)

"Extinction·Resilience" is the inaugural exhibition of HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM's new and permanent exhibition gallery, "Palaeontology Gallery". The exhibition presents the challenges and evolution that life has gone through since the Ediacaran Period 635 million years ago.

The exhibition is divided into six zones to introduce five major mass extinction events that occurred in the Earth's long geological history. The exhibition features over 100 sets of precious animal and plant fossils of different periods. Valuable exhibits include a woolly mammoth fossil more than 3 metres tall from the Quaternary ice ages; the most complete Deinonychus fossil to date; 1:1 fossil replicas of prehistoric marine predator fish species Xiphactinus, Megalodon and Dunkleosteus; and fossilised Dryobalanoxylon wood specimens that were formed in Indonesia 2 to 4 million years ago. The exhibition also showcases lifelike robotic dinosaurs and interesting interactive exhibits featuring knowledge on fossil excavation, prehistoric environment and the evolution of life, etc. It holds an open ending with the depiction of an ongoing risk of the sixth mass extinction that calls for human efforts to boost wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Woolly mammoth fossil over 3 metres tall. (Collection of National Natural History Museum of China)

The exhibition runs from 15th September 2023 and is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, and supported by the National Natural History Museum of China, the Nina Park of Chinachem Group and Vegasoul Capital Management (Asia) Limited. The Hong Kong Science Museum is located at 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/pg.html

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ART PERSONALISED: MASTERPIECES FROM THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART (from 30th June 2023 until further notice) TEMPORARILY CLOSED 17th JUNE 2024 TO 30th JUNE 2024. REOPENS 1st JULY 2024

"Art Personalised: Masterpieces from the Hong Kong Museum of Art" exhibition is being held at the HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART from 30th June 2023 until further notice. Featuring nearly 100 artworks of different styles from ancient and modern times from the museum's rich collection, the exhibits are grouped in four personality types for display, offering visitors an interactive and interesting way to appreciate art and enabling them to embark on a personalised aesthetic journey.

Visitors are encouraged to take a personality test before their visits to find out their personality types. Then, based on the test results, they can enter the four different exhibition zones, namely Adventurer, Perfectionist, Elegance and Fashionista, to appreciate their exclusive artworks on display in line with their personality types. Highlight exhibits include Wu Guanzhong's "Wind from the sea", Lam Yau-sum's "Metal tree", a jar with dragons amid wave design in underglaze blue from the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty, a tea bowl with hare's fur striations in black glaze, Jianyang ware of Fujian from the Northern Song dynasty, and Zhang Wei's "Fountain‧Fan Kuan vs Duchamp". The museum has invited artist Joey Leung to custom-make corresponding hand-painted characters for the selected artworks in the personality test while five exclusive scents are also crafted for different exhibition zones by the Hong Kong brand Scentory, and limited-edition scented stickers will be distributed in the exhibition gallery.

Interactive installation in the "Elegance" exhibition zone

The museum has also invited two Hong Kong artists Angela Yuen and Bovey Lee to create new site-specific art installations with inspiration from the museum collection. Angela Yuen used found objects and turned them into a kinetic art installation "Land Ho!". The interplay of light and shadow creates a dreamy landscape that expresses her feelings towards Hong Kong's diverse culture. Cut paper artist Bovey Lee frequently travels between Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Her artwork "Bird Song‧Flower Scent" features a large pond with ripples hand-cut by the artist, constructing a world of beauty that blends reality and illusion with the technology of augmented reality, and honouring and promoting Chinese traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary sense. The artwork also reflects her nostalgia for her homeland in a foreign land.

The exhibition is located at The Wing on the first floor and ground floor of the museum at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon with free admission.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/art-personalised-masterpieces-from-the-hkmoa.html

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TRACES OF HUMAN TOUCH (until further notice)

An exhibition, "Traces of Human Touch", organised by the INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OFFICE (ICH Office) under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is open to the public from 19th May 2023 until further notice. The exhibition is located at CLP Pulse, which has been revitalised from a Grade 1 historic building. Ten items of traditional craftsmanship and performing arts which belong to local intangible cultural heritage (are showcased in the exhibition to enhance the understanding by the public of the preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. Despite having no physical form, intangible cultural heritage is an important element for community cohesion. Through oral traditions and practical applications, intangible cultural heritage can be transmitted from generation to generation. Traditional craftsmanship meets the needs of everyday life while performing arts foster a rich and colourful existence. All these give tangible expression to intangible beliefs, etiquettes and customs as well as aesthetic ideas.

The guest curator of the exhibition "Traces of Human Touch", Stanley Siu, makes use of the exhibits, interactive installations and videos to showcase three sections, namely "Apparel and Footwear", "Ornaments and Decorations" and "Words and Sounds", with 10 intangible cultural heritage items including the Hong Kong cheongsam-making technique, leather shoe-making technique, wooden furniture-crafting technique, patterned band-weaving technique, karat gold jewellery-making technique, jade carving technique, movable-type printing technique, putting up huichun (spring scrolls), seal carving technique and nanyin (southern tunes). Through the display of these ICH items, vitality and creativity as a result of the interactions between master and apprentice are demonstrated.

Video and an interactive game of the intangible cultural heritage item, putting up huichun (spring scrolls)

CLP Pulse is located at 147 Argyle Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon. Admission is free. The exhibition will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm. For further details of the exhibition see the ICH Office website;

https://www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/traces_of_human_touch.html

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A MAN BEYOND ORDINARY: BRUCE LEE (long term exhibition until 2026)

The "A Man Beyond the Ordinary: Bruce Lee" exhibition is being held from 28th November 2021 for five years until 2026 at the HONG KONG HERITAGE MUSEUM to showcase around 400 items of Bruce Lee memorabilia and photos, which will enable visitors to look back at the legend of the internationally famous martial arts superstar.

Bruce Lee (1940–1973) was born Lee Jun-fon. He combined various schools of martial arts to create what is known as Jeet Kune Do, and his martial arts movies became classics. Behind the spotlight, Lee loved his family and enjoyed reading. He expressed his emotions and ideas in letters and other types of writing. Through daily training and reflection, he went beyond his limits and became a legend. Following the "Bruce Lee: Kung Fu‧Art‧Life" exhibition which ran from 2013 to 2020, the museum has collaborated with the Bruce Lee Foundation again to present the exhibition "A Man Beyond the Ordinary: Bruce Lee", which features how Lee's perseverance gave birth to the legend that is Bruce Lee through his films, martial arts and life story.

Highlighted exhibits include a baby jacket worn by Lee; a fencing mask he used while studying in Hong Kong; his exam revision notes taken at the University of Washington; his letter to his wife Linda, written while filming "The Big Boss" in Thailand; the first edition of the first book published by him, "Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense"; Jeet Kune Do plaques, and the original set design drawings for the film "Enter the Dragon". Various large-scale lighting exhibits and interactive installations have also been added to the exhibition, including an optical fibre interactive projection installation which displays Lee's martial arts ideas and life philosophy; and an immersive light and sensory installation "Self．Martial Arts．Emptiness", which illustrates Lee's self-actualisation concept.

Classic yellow jumpsuit worn by Bruce Lee in the film "The Game of Death"

Photos of Bruce Lee with his wife Linda, son Brandon and daughter Shannon

The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and is jointly organised by the Bruce Lee Foundation and Hong Kong Heritage Museum and sponsored by Fortune Star Media Limited. Due to copyright restrictions no photography and video-recording is permitted in the exhibition gallery.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum is located a 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories. It is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays). The museum is within three minutes walk of Che Kung Temple Station, on MTR Ma On Shan Line.

For further details of the exhibition and admission arrangements see;

https://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/en_US/web/hm/exhibitions/data/exid269.html