Welcome to a journey through time with the ‘Curator’s Choice’, a selection of key exhibits witnessing Hong Kong’s extraordinary evolution from its prehistoric origins to a global metropolis, and onward into a new era. From the national treasure-grade Yazhang (ritual jade blade) unearthed at Tai Wan, Lamma Island, to the archaeological remains of the Han, Tang, Song and Ming dynasties, we trace the enduring lineage of Chinese civilisation in Hong Kong. The exhibition chronicles the city’s developmental milestones and its resilience amidst the fires of war, whilst showcasing the post-war industrial boom and the golden age of pop culture. Our journey extends well beyond the 1997 handover, exploring the social progress of the HKSAR era to observe how Hong Kong, fortified by the strong support of the Motherland, continues to innovate through contemporary challenges and write its own brilliant chapter in the 21st century. Please join us in appreciating these treasures as we piece together the complete, ever-unfolding story of Hong Kong.

Floorplan of the Four Main Themes

Theme 1: Roots of Culture