A summer of culture
Some of the Hong Kong’s smaller museums are hidden gems that are perfect for a day out in the summer, where you can soak up a unique facet of Hong Kong history.
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Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, The Mid-Levels
The Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island, now a vibrant neighbourhood of commerce as well as culture, has a colourful past. It is home to the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, which tells the stories about Dr Sun Yat-sen and his close connections with Hong Kong.
Dr Sun was a world-renowned revolutionary who devoted his entire life to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and turning China into a republic. His achievements were not only recognised and admired by Chinese people, but also by the global community. Born in Zhongshan in the Guangdong Province, Dr Sun had a close relationship with Hong Kong, where he received his secondary and tertiary education.
Opened to the public in 2006, the four-storey museum with two permanent exhibition galleries displays precious historical artefacts. With the aid of a wide range of audiovisual programmes, visitors will be able to form a comprehensive view of the life of Dr Sun.
Besides valuable exhibits that the museum features, the building itself also has a rich history. Built in 1914, the museum is housed in the Kom Tong Hall, originally the residence of the business tycoon Ho Kom-tong. This Edwardian building features a facade surrounded by Greek-style columns, as well as colourful stained-glass windows, balcony wall tiles and staircase railings.
Kom Tong Hall was one of the earliest residential buildings constructed with reinforced concrete structure in the city. It is also one of the best preserved buildings dating back to the early 20th century, and was listed as a declared monument in 2010. Kom Tong Hall, which stands out among other modern buildings in its vicinity, is worth a visit on its own for its classical architectural style and well-preserved interiors.
