The Hong Kong Museum of History reopened its “Hong Kong Story” exhibition on Wednesday following a four-year renovation, presenting a revised narrative of the city’s past that places increased emphasis on its relationship with mainland China.
The exhibition, originally launched in 2001, has been condensed from two floors to a single level but expanded to encompass ten galleries, showcasing over 2,800 exhibits including artifacts, historical photographs, and interactive multimedia displays. The reopening has prompted varied responses from visitors, with some questioning the altered focus of the historical presentation.
A key change lies in the exhibition’s introductory statement, which asserts that “shifting tides across China’s vast territory” have “inevitably affected” Hong Kong. It further contends that despite its relatively small size, Hong Kong’s historical trajectory has rendered its people “indispensable participants, witnesses and beneficiaries of the sweeping transformation of modern China.”
The first of four core themes, “Roots of Culture,” significantly expands the timeline detailing Hong Kong’s prehistory, emphasizing its integration into Chinese territory as early as 214 BC during the Qin dynasty. This represents a more pronounced framing of Hong Kong’s history as intrinsically linked to that of mainland China than in previous iterations of the exhibition.
The renovation and subsequent refocusing of the exhibition occur against a backdrop of evolving political dynamics between Hong Kong and Beijing. Since the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020, there has been increased scrutiny of educational materials and cultural institutions in Hong Kong, with a greater emphasis on national security and patriotic education. The law, enacted by the central government in Beijing, criminalized secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
Museum Director Chong Chan-yuen, speaking to local media, stated that the revamped exhibition aims to provide a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Hong Kong’s history, reflecting recent scholarship and a broader understanding of the city’s place within China. He did not elaborate on specific changes made to address concerns about historical interpretation.
Visitors leaving the exhibition expressed a range of opinions. One attendee, a retired teacher who identified herself as Ms. Li, noted the increased prominence given to Hong Kong’s connection to the mainland. “It’s certainly a different presentation than I remember,” she said. “There’s a lot more about the early dynasties and how Hong Kong fit into the larger Chinese empire.”
Another visitor, a university student named Alex Wong, expressed reservations. “It feels like some of the nuances of Hong Kong’s colonial history are being downplayed,” he commented. “The British period is still a significant part of our story, and it shouldn’t be glossed over.”
The Hong Kong Museum of History has not yet announced any further planned revisions to the exhibition. The museum is currently operating under the purview of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, a government agency responsible for managing cultural facilities and promoting arts and culture in Hong Kong.
