CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SERIES: THE GREAT UNITY – CIVILISATION OF THE QIN AND HAN DYNASTIES IN SHAANXI PROVINCE (until 7th July 2025)

Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has collaborated with the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration to launch an exhibition "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province" at the HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY. ThE exhibition highlights the political, economic, cultural, technological, and cross-border transportation developments during the Qin and Han dynasties, offering members of the public the opportunity to explore the profound and extensive Chinese culture. The exhibition runs from 16th April to 7th July 2025, with free admission.

Over 100 sets of carefully selected exhibits are displayed, originating from the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, the Hanyangling Museum, and the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology (Shaanxi Archaeology Museum), more than half of these exhibits will be displayed in Hong Kong for the first time. Including 11 pieces/sets being grade-one national treasures among which four will be exhibited outside the Mainland for the first time.

Notably, the Terracotta Kneeling Archer figurine from the Qin dynasty is a grade-one national treasure, representing a crossbow soldier. It features a coiled hairstyle, a battle robe, armour on the upper body and arms, square-toed shoes, and hands positioned as if holding a bow and crossbow. Traces of red pigment applied by craftsmen over 2,000 years ago can still be seen on the armour.

Grade-one national treasure, Terracotta Kneeling Archer, from a collection of the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum

Another highlight is the horse-riding figurine from the Han dynasty, excavated from the southern outer burial pits of the Han Yangling Mausoleum. This armless, nude figurine has legs in a bow-shaped posture, originally likely mounted on a wooden horse. Circular holes and traces of wood remnants on its arms suggest that it was once fitted with wooden arms and dressed in silk or hemp clothing.

During the Han dynasty, currency was centrally managed by the government. A pottery cast mould, unearthed in Yangling Town in Gaoling District in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, was used to cast metal coins, presumably the "Wuzhu" bronze coins. Another exhibit, a gold disc, was discovered in the Zhang Anshi family cemetery of the Western Han dynasty at Fengqiyuan in Xi'an, used as an award or gift among the royals and nobility.

The exhibition also showcases Hong Kong's development during the Qin and Han periods, featuring over 20 sets of archeological finds from Hong Kong, including the "Wuzhu" bronze coins from the Han dynasty unearthed in So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun, Sham Wan at Lamma Island, and Sham Wan Tsuen in Chek Lap Kok as well as the pottery model of a house excavated from the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb.

This exhibition is presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau as the second edition of the LCSD's General History of China Exhibition Series. It is jointly organised by the LCSD and the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, co-curated by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, in collaboration with the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, as solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Full support is provided by the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, the Hanyangling Museum, and the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology (Shaanxi Archaeology Museum). The Series launched its first exhibition "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Ancient Civilisation of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties in Henan Province" last year.

For further information see;

https://hk.history.museum/en/web/mh/exhibition/The-Great-Unity.html

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

INNOVATIVE PATHWAY: HONG KONG’S NEW ERA OF INDUSTRY (until 2nd July 2025)

HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM is staging an exhibition, "Innovative Pathway: Hong Kong's New Era of Industry", illustrating how local researchers and industrialists push the boundaries of innovation in different fields, apply cutting-edge technologies to real-world challenges and enhance production efficiency and product quality to form new quality productive forces through more than 50 exhibits. The exhibition not only showcases the current state of local industries but also explores future industry prospects, highlighting how new industrialisation in Hong Kong is paving the way for long-term growth, driving social progress and fostering economic development. The exhibition runs from 11th April to 2nd July 2025.

Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, not only brings together Eastern and Western cultures but also harmonises innovation with tradition. Following the country's announcement to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, Hong Kong is fully co-operating in its efforts and striving to become an international innovation and technology centre. Hong Kong's industry has gradually transformed from early traditional manufacturing to today's high-tech industries, embodying the wisdom and efforts of countless scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Each innovation achievement in the exhibition is evidence of the new era of the Hong Kong industry, telling a "Hong Kong story" that, relying on technological strength, transforms innovative ideas into practical and sustainable solutions, continuously improving people's quality of life. With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics, the Hong Kong industry achieves breakthroughs in environmental technologies that convert waste into energy, cutting-edge applications in smart manufacturing and life sciences, and redefines "Made in Hong Kong".

The exhibition not only showcases technological innovation achievements but also promotes the culture of scientific research and popular science education. It is hoped that the public, especially young people, can experience the myriad possibilities of technological development through the exhibits and interactive experiences, developing a passion for exploring science, learning innovative thinking for the future, and seizing the development opportunities brought about by Hong Kong's technological innovation.

The exhibition comprises five sections, "Industry Cornerstone", "Research and Development", "Smart Manufacturing", "Industry 4.0" and "2030 Vision". Through interactive exhibits and model and object displays, the exhibition introduces innovative designs that cover a wide range of areas, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation in people's daily lives, and highlights how local teams transfer research outcomes from three key industries, namely life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data sciences, and advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, to contribute to the realisation of Hong Kong's new industrialisation. Highlight exhibits include an interactive device that showcases a passive radiative cooling material that lowers indoor temperatures without relying on electricity, an injection moulding machine that utilises injection moulding technology to mass-produce plastic products, and an automated multiplex diagnostic system that can detect more than 40 respiratory pathogens simultaneously in about 1.5 hours.

Amid the wave of new industrialisation, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education plays a vital role in this transformation

The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), organised by the Science Musem and the FHKI, and funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission. The exhibition is held at the Special Exhibition Hall, G/F of the Scienec Museum at 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. Guided tours of the exhibition will be held on weekends and public holidays from 1st May to 1st July. The guided tours are free of charge with on-site enrolment. In addition, the museum will also organise an array of activities, including off-site guided tours, exhibit demonstrations, children's programmes, experiments, workshops, and science lectures, with free admission. For further details of the exhibition and activities see;

https://hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/industrial2025.html

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EYING EAST, WONDERING WEST - SQUARE WORLD CALLIGRAPHY CLASSROOM (until 30th June 2025 then from 20th September 2025 to 11th January 2026)

Renowned artist Xu Bing was appointed in March 2024 as Hong Kong's Ambassador for Cultural Promotion. His inaugural commissioning art initiative showcasing his signature work, Square Word Calligraphy, has been launched at the The Wing on Lower Ground Floor of the HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART on 26th March 2025 and runs until 30th June 2025 before moving to Oi! (OIL STREET ART SPACE) where it will run from 29th September 2025 until 11th January 2026. The exhibition gallery has been transformed into a creative classroom incorporating Hong Kong's unique linguistic features to present the "Special Edition for Hong Kong" Square Word Calligraphy. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has also collaborated with MTR Corporation Limited to display Xu's newest calligraphy works at four MTR stations: Sheung Wan, Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai.

Xu Bing is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative and influential contemporary artists. Square Word Calligraphy is his created writing form that started in 1993 - English is written to resemble Chinese characters. This unique writing system highlights the diversity and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, aligning with the essence of Hong Kong's East-meets-West characteristics. Transforming the exhibition space into an interactive classroom, the art installation "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" created by Xu has been exhibited worldwide, guiding audiences from different cultural backgrounds to learn and write Square Words, enjoy the fun of traditional Chinese art, and expand creativity through switching between languages.

"Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" is set to debut in Hong Kong. Xu has specially incorporated Hong Kong's unique linguistic features, such as greetings and idioms, in the "Eying East, Wondering West - Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" exhibition at the HKMoA. This enriches the meaning and interpretation of Square Word Calligraphy, opening new avenues for cross-cultural and cross-language communication.

The exhibition invites visitors to explore Square Word Calligraphy from three perspectives: appreciation, learning, and application. In addition to showcasing new Square Word Calligraphy works, the classroom at the museum includes writing tools and copybooks for learning and attempting this special writing system. With digital technology, visitors can apply what they have learned by creating words with Square Word Calligraphy.

Admission is free.

The exhibition space is transformed into a classroom, allowing audiences to learn Square Word Calligraphy created by world-renowned artist Xu Bing

Apart from the exhibition at museums, the Leisure and Cultural Service Dept also collaborates with MTR to present "Loping and Looking - Art in MTR", which will display Xu's new creations at four MTR stations from 26th March to 25th September 2025.

Xu will initiate dialogues with the public by writing the greeting "Long time no see", presented in the form of Square Word Calligraphy, at Sheung Wan Station and present the station names of Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai with his new writing system, integrating art into the passenger journey. This also marks the first global display of Xu Bing's creations in public transportation spaces.

For further details of the exhibition see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/eying-east-wondering-west.html

For information on the "Xu Bing in Hong Kong: Square Word Calligraphy" art initiative see;

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

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Oi! SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITIONS (until 17th and 31st August 2025)

OIL STREET ART SPACE (Oi!) has launched three new "Oi! Spotlight" exhibitions from 22nd March 2025, featuring artists Toyofuku Ryo, Phoebe Hui and Adrian Wong, which turns Oi! Glassie and the Oi! Warehouses into unique art spaces. The exhibitions are part of an annual flagship project.

Renowned Japanese contemporary artist Toyofuku holds his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong. "THE GOLDEN REALM BY TOYOFUKU" exhibition presents two large-scale installations at the two-storey Oi! Glassie. Surrounding the "Golden Tearoom" is a floor covered with white gravel, which is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese karesansui (dry garden) and forms a tranquil space. Aglow with golden brilliance, the interior of the tea room is decorated with 213 paintings created by the artist, including a tram, a fire dragon, a seafood stall, a cucumber growing in Oi! and the artist's favorite Hong Kong delicacies barbecued pork, pineapple bun and roast goose, depicting motifs that he has encountered in Hong Kong. The "Golden Playroom" invites visitors to immerse themselves in the artist's created space, interact and engage with others through electronic and board games. Unified by the overarching theme of the Golden Realm, the two installations, which represent tranquility and interaction, offer visitors an immersive experience in a space infused with Japenese aesthetics and cross-regional cultural elements to contemplate everyday life from a distinctive perspective

Hong Kong artist Hui, dedicated to cross-media creation and research, transforms the Oi! Warehouse into a whimsical environment with a series of interactive installations blending art and technology at the "THE GARDEN OF RESEMBLANCES" exhibition. Drawing inspiration from the 16th century Western medical concept of the Doctrine of Signatures, Hui closely observes the similarities between human and plant forms, and combines organic elements with artificial mechanisms to create a nebulous state between reality and illusion. Playful artworks such as a ginseng that breathes, an onion with an eye, and a pomegranate with teeth, blur the boundaries between nature, technology, and imagination. Some of the interactive installations were inspired by plants at Oi!, such as the idea of the artwork "Pomegranate Myth is a Romantic Lie", which comes from the pomegranate flowers planted at Oi! garden. The green grass in the artwork "I Miss Him" echoes with the Oi! Lawn, as the artist also expresses her longing for her deceased relative.

Artist Wong, who is active on the international contemporary art scene, launches his "WITH LOVE FROM HONG KONG" exhibition. Drawing inspiration from classic soap opera narratives, he has created two short videos of his grandmother's experience immigrating from Hong Kong to Chicago in the 1980's, combining it with dramatic scenes such as the Chinese fable of "hopping zombies" in a whimsical retelling. He also restages sets in the Oi! Warehouse, taking audiences on a journey through time and space back to the households and on-street cooked food stalls of the past. Wong has also developed a third video, weaving in distinctive community elements of Oi!. Collaborating with the community, Wong and visitors can co-create a "soap opera" that explores themes of love, cities and human connection.

Photo shows a short video and a set of a household of the past restaged in the Oi! Warehouse created by artist Adrian Wong

Admission is free for all three exhibitions. "The Golden Realm by Toyofuku Ryo" runs until 17th August 2025, while "The Garden of Resemblances" and "With Love from Hong Kong" both run until 31st August 2025.

Oi! is located at 12 Oil Street, North Point. The exhibitions are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by Oi!.

For further details see;

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

DREAMCHASERS: STORIES OF HONG KONG ART (from 21st March 2025 until further notice)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART has launched a new exhibition, "Dreamchasers: Stories of Hong Kong Art", which runs from 21st March 2025, taking visitors on a 60-year journey through Hong Kong's art scene. It invites visitors to reflect on the paths taken by various Hong Kong artists in pursuit of their dreams.

A team of local architects and designers led by Mr Kevin Siu and Mr Shuyan Chan, in collaboration with graphic designer Mr Gary Tong, have crafted a unique space for the exhibition. The space displays artworks of veteran Hong Kong artists Gaylord Chan, Ha Bik-chuen and Tong King-sum, as well as contemporary artist Rosanna Li, from the museum’s collection. Visitors can explore memorable moments and stories of the artists through projection and interactive elements, and learn about the development and evolution of Hong Kong art. The exhibition reflects the four artists' persistent pursuit of their dreams and how they channelled their views on art and life into their creative work. These artists have made significant strides in sculpture, painting, ceramics and more, highlighting the rich diversity of Hong Kong's vibrant art scene.
　　
Chan (1925-2020) began to paint and pursue his dream at the age of 42. Initially, he worked with acrylic and quickly established a distinctive and unique personal style. Although his health deteriorated in 2001, and it became difficult for him to stand for long periods to paint, he did not give up and he turned to Microsoft Paint. Chan's digital art work "Cologon" is a pioneering example of his digital art in early 2000s, showcasing his boundless creativity.

Through self-taught mastery and relentless dedication, Ha (1925-2009) gradually entered the world of art. His works infused the vibrancy of everyday life, blending humour and wit, while reflecting his deep connection to the community and nature. Despite hardships, he never abandoned his dreams. Instead, he channelled fragments of life into creative inspiration, achieving the extraordinary. Crafted from repurposed bamboo, discarded ironware and old tools, "Lone Commander" exemplifies Ha's ability to transform the mundane into unique artworks.

Despite facing health problems and limited mobility from a young age, Tong (1940-2008) transcended these obstacles through his art, embodying an extraordinary spirit of perseverance, establishing him as one of Hong Kong's pioneering sculptors. Through masterful polishing techniques, he infused his sculptures with intricate textures and fluid lines, transforming each piece into a celebration of nature and the human spirit. The exhibition features his inaugural wooden work, "Ball", formed with a carving knife and a small block of wood, embodying how Tong shaped his dreams by his hands.

Hong Kong contemporary artist Li's ceramic works, renowned for their rustic charm and sense of everyday life, fully showcase her keen observations of society. She often uses humorous methods to satirise the anomalies of life, allowing her audiences to reflect on the people and events of daily living while appreciating her well-loved works. Li's work "The Ceremony", combines reverence for heaven with ceramics, creating a series of lifelike figures.

Rosanna Li's ceramic work "The Ceremony"

The "Dreamchasers: Stories of Hong Kong Art" exhibition is located at the Attic, on the fifth floor of the museum at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

For further information see;

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

UPRISING OF THE TWO AIRLINES (from 19th February 2025 until further notice)

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has set up new exhibition galleries on the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" and the civil aviation development of China at the Aviation Education Path, with a view to enhancing the public's understanding of the civil aviation development of China including the building of home-developed aircraft. The exhibition galleries at the CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS are open to the public from19th February 2025.

The Uprising took place on 9th November 1949, when 12 aircraft from the China National Aviation Corporation and the Central Air Transport Corporation (the two airlines) took off and headed north from Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, overcoming various difficulties and flying to Beijing and Tianjin. Apart from being a patriotic move which was crucial to the development of the civil aviation industry in China, the Uprising was closely related to civil aviation in Hong Kong. Through historical photographs, text panels and a film presentation, the exhibition highlights the major stages of the Uprising, which covers its background and course of events, as well as the profound impact of the Uprising on the civil aviation development of China in the following years.

The civil aviation industry in China has developed rapidly since the Uprising. The exhibition galleries present civil aviation statistics of China from 1950, covering total turnover volume, as well as the number of airports, civil aircraft and air routes. Also, the successful development of home-developed aircraft C909 and C919 are significant milestones of the aircraft manufacturing industry in China. The exhibition, while highlighting the chronological development of both aircraft, allows visitors to revisit the historic moment of the C919 aircraft fly-past over Victoria Harbour on 16th December 2023.

“Uprising of the Two Airlines” Exhibition Gallery

Aviation Education Path is located at the CAD Headquarters at 1 Tung Fai Road, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island. It can be reached by Citybus / Long Win Bus jointly operated circular shuttle route S1 serving Tung Chung Station and Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal. Visiting the Aviation Education Path is free of charge. Two guided tours are available for booking daily at two time slots, 10am to 11-30am and 2pm to 3-30pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

For more details on Aviation Education Path and visit applications see;

https://www.cad.gov.hk/english/aviation_education_path.html

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

MTR “STATION RAIL VOYAGE” (until end 2025)

The second phase of MTR “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition featuring the Kowloon-Canton Railway Through Train (Ktt) and related exhibits runs at HUNG HOM STATION from 23rd January 2025 until the end of 2025 (actual closing date to be advised).

“Ktt” was the first double-deck train in Hong Kong. The “Ktt” train featured in the exhibition is located at its original through train platform at Hung Hom Station. The “Ktt” commenced its service between Hung Hom, Dongguan and Guangzhou in 1998, providing comfortable and convenient journeys for cross-boundary passengers. It also provided an efficient connection between the Mainland and Hong Kong, whether for tourism, visiting relatives, or business. It carried the affection and memories of countless passengers travelling between Hong Kong and the Mainland. As the intercity railway service continued to develop, the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section), operating out of Hong Kong West Kowloon Station has taken over the baton to fulfill its mission and covered more direct access destinations.

Apart from boarding the “Ktt” at the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition, visitors can also appreciate various exhibits from the past such as the staff uniform accessories to immerse themselves into railway culture and deepen their understanding of intercity railway development.

Launched in April 2024, the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition has garnered significant community interest, attracting over 70,000 visitors by the end of last year. Apart from the new exhibit “Ktt”, the exhibition also displays three retired trains including the first-generation electric train “Yellow Head” and the Mid-life Refurbishment train “MLR” of the East Rail Line and the Diesel Electric Locomotive No. 56 “I.B. Trevor” alongside a diverse collection of over 100 railway artefacts.

The exhibition is located on the concourse of Hung Hom Station, near entrance/exit C1 and is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays except on public holidays. Admission is free but reservation is required to attend the exhibition which has five daily sessions each lasting 75 minutes.

The MTR "Station Rail Voyage" exhibition is located on the concourse of Hung Hom Station

For further details see;

https://stationrailvoyage.mtr.com.hk/event/3027?lang=en

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SERIES: CEZANNE AND RENOIR LOOKING AT THE WORLD – MASTERPIECES FROM THE MUSEE DE L’ORANGERIE AND THE MUSEE DÓRSAY (until 7th May 2025)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART is staging "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World - Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay" exhibition starting from 17th January to 7th May 2025. The exhibition features 52 iconic works from the renowned Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay, bringing to Hong Kong national treasures of France. It is the first major showcase in Hong Kong dedicated to the work of two French Impressionist giants, Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

The Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay are internationally celebrated for their outstanding Impressionist art collections, and these national treasures of France are cherished by audiences worldwide. The exhibition is an illustration of a cultural exchange between East and West, a glowing testament to Hong Kong-French co-operation, and a tribute to last year's 150th anniversary of the world's first Impressionist exhibition.

Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department will partner with another internationally renowned French museum, the National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet for the fourth edition of the Museum Summit, in late March this year. Hong Kong is a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures with the advantage of strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world. The world-class arts and culture facilities, as well as the diverse arts environment, help Hong Kong to further develop its role as a cultural hub for the region and the world.

Renoir's use of light and shadows in his works played a pivotal role in the development of Impressionism. Cézanne's art theory, meanwhile, laid the groundwork for the development of various art styles in the 20th century, unveiling a new era in modern art. Fifty-one of 52 exhibits are debuting in Hong Kong, including still life paintings with fruits and flowers, landscapes, portraits and paintings of bathers. The exhibits serve as a testament to the remarkable artistic achievements of Cézanne and Renoir, highlighting the intersections in their careers.

Highlight exhibits include Cézanne's "Apples and Biscuits", "Still Life with Soup Tureen" and "Landscape with Red Roof (The Pine at l'Estaque)" and Renoir's "Claude Renoir in Clown Costume", "Nude in a Landscape" and "Bouquet in a Theatre Box". The exhibition also showcases two invaluable artworks, "Large Still Life" and "Large Nude with Drapery", from Spanish artist Pablo Picasso to demonstrate how the two Impressionists' innovation inspired the next generation of great masters.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s "Claude Renoir in Clown Costume"

The museum has created an education corner that mimics a French train platform, inviting visitors to board a time-travel train and immerse themselves in the creative worlds of Cézanne and Renoir. The Hong Kong version of this exhibition also features specially designed simulated conversations between the two masters, footprint maps, and more. These elements highlight the fascinating lives and enduring friendship of these two iconic artists, allowing visitors to appreciate Cézanne and Renoir, and their art from a new perspective.

The museum has also invited two Hong Kong artists, Trevor Yeung and Lai Kwan-ting, to draw inspiration from the works of the two art masters and create their own new art. In "Garden Cruising: Bathers and Watchers", an art installation with photographic works and large soft sculptures, Trevor Yeung explores the idea of the gaze associated with the depiction of nudity in the bathers painting series by Cézanne. His artwork intends to blur the distinction between the natural and the man made in this space, unsettling the audience’s understanding of their environment, activating different ways of perception. Inspired by the still life works and portraits of the two French masters, Lai Kwan-ting's installation work, "Everyday Whispers", creates figure and still-life paintings in a traditional Chinese meticulous style that captures fleeting moments in daily life, reinterpreting the styles of the 19th-century Western masters through the lens of contemporary Chinese ink painting.

The exhibition runs from 17th January to 7th May 2025 at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Admission fees for this exhibition are HK$50 for standard tickets, HK$35 for group tickets (groups of 20 persons or more) and HK$25 for full-time students, people with disabilities (and one accompanying minder), senior citizens aged 60 or above and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Tickets for the exhibition are available up to seven days in advance at self-service ticketing kiosks at the museum and all URBTIX outlets;

https://www.urbtix.hk/kiosk

Holders of Museum Passes have free admission to this exhibition. The exhibition is solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Dept, and jointly organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay.

To tie in with the exhibition, the museum will organise a series of special programmes, including a talk series by experts and artists to enhance public understanding of Impressionism. In addition, there will be multiple sessions of theatrical tours that guide the audience on an intimate artistic journey through theatrical approach and drawing workshops.

For details of the exhibition and activities see;

https://hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/cezanne-and-renoir-looking-at-the-world.html

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PERPETUAL AND INTELLECTUAL – EXPLORATIONS INTO EVERYTHING AND ONESELF (from 20th December 2024 until further notice)

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART is holding the "Perceptual and Intellectual - Explorations into Everything and Oneself" exhibition from 20th December 2024 until further notice. The exhibition features ten sets of installations and interactive new media creations by six Hong Kong artists, illustrating the evolution of technology from mechanics and electronics to digitalisation and artificial intelligence. These artworks showcase the application of technology in creative endeavours, integrating art and technology that resonates with contemporary life.

The exhibition is the Hong Kong section curated by the museum for the eighth edition of the Hong Kong - Macao Visual Art Biennale, exhibited in Beijing and Shenzhen in 2022 before returning to Hong Kong this year. The Biennale is a major arts and cultural event jointly presented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Hong Kong and Macao counterparts.

The exhibition features artworks by six Hong Kong artists - Joseph Chan, Chris Cheung, Tung Wing-hong, Kenny Wong, and the duo Samuel Yip and Janice To. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of themes including migratory birds, trees, seasonal changes, and movie scenes, the artists infuse their creations with modern technology. The artworks also interact with the audience to explore interactions between nature, virtuality, humanity, interpersonal connections, and self-reflection, offering a multidimensional humanistic perspective. The museum also invited multimedia artist Ng Tsz-kwan as the Art Tech partner for providing professional production for the exhibition, enabling visitors to embark on a perceptual and intellectual journey into the intersection of art and technology.

The exhibition features ten sets of installations and interactive new media creations by Hong Kong artists

Hong Kong is situated on the southern coast of China, where its wetlands, woodlands, shrublands and coastal areas provide suitable habitats for various bird species. Inspired by the natural wonder of migratory birds, artist Joseph Chan, who studied mechanical engineering, created the kinetic installation named "Migratory birds". Navigating the realms of engineering, science and art, three lifelike formations of birds and their postures reflect the artist's keen observation of the natural ecosystem. The work evokes poetry in rationality through exquisite carvings.

"Tree of heaven" is a multimedia installation created by new media artists Samuel Yip and Janice To, who specialise in audio-visual and installation art. The duo fuses the realms of animation, interactive programme, and imagination to contemplate the relationship between human activity and the natural environment, as well as the concepts of usefulness and uselessness through audience interaction with a virtual nature. The artists also placed a number of wood logs made from recycled tree trucks in Hong Kong in this installation. Echoing the image of the tree of heaven in this work, the audience's stillness or movement around the wood logs can influence and shape the virtual natural world depicted, contemplating the meaning of uselessness and the symbiosis with nature portrayed in the artwork.

Chris Cheung is best known for his installation art and audio-visual performances. His artwork "Cinemorpheque" explores the concept of a future immersive cinematic experience inspired by scenes from classic Hong Kong films - "Lavender", "Happy Together", "Hero", and "The Grandmaster" - which showcase the four seasons. This work employs a machine learning model from Generative Adversarial Networks to study over 10 000 seasonal and different scenes from various films before generating the virtual scenes and morphing visuals. Presented in abstract particles, the artwork overlays the viewer's virtual three-dimensional silhouette onto the generated landscapes, challenging the boundaries between time and space, and the physical and virtual worlds, immersing viewers in a new landscape envisioned by artificial intelligence. The artwork presents virtual seasonal landscapes through the lens of artificial intelligence and leads the audience into a new dimension of perception.

Artist Kenny Wong's works explore the delicate relationship between daily experiences and perceptual stimuli by hybridising analogue and digital representations. His work, the "dist." series, is inspired by fleeting eye contact with strangers in the city and the indefinite variables in relationships. "Dist." is an abbreviation for "distance", widely used in mathematics and programming. In this series, it represents both relational and mathematical distance. The work interprets the dynamics of pendulum movement, while one of the mechanical video installations, "dist.duo", also incorporates digital sensors, with custom software deliberately altering the balance and deregulating the rhythms of the pendulums. By combining rational and irrational rules, the motion and visuals interweave in a dynamic pattern, reflecting the artist's take on human relationships.

Tung Wing-hong, who was given the Award for Young Artist (Media Arts) at the 18th Hong Kong Arts Development Awards in 2024, has two artworks on display in the exhibition. "i / i" is a video and kinetic installation of two hanging, rotating monitors, each playing a video of the artist gazing at his own reflection in a mirror in an attempt to re-experience and confront the "self". Although the mirror images reflect the same individual, a sense of strangeness grows over time, highlighting the differences between the reflected and the real. In Tung's other video and kinetic installation, "Hundred jumps", a motor-driven cable tie repeatedly lashes the screen. The legs displayed on the screen are trapped in an endless cycle of repetitive jumping. By combining virtual imagery with the physical act of whipping, the work invites viewers to imagine their own legs jumping to avoid the strikes, exploring a multidimensional human perception that intertwines viewing, imagination and spatial experience.

The exhibition is located at the Hong Kong Art Gallery on the second floor of the Hong Kong Museum of Art (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). Admission is free.

For further details of the exhibition see;

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE: TREASURES FROM THE DONATION OF THE TSUI ART FOUNDATION (until 26th October 2026)

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ART PERSONALISED: MASTERPIECES FROM THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART (from 30th June 2023 until further notice)

"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

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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