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The "Glimpse of Hong Kong" exhibition series, another joint venture of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and Airport Authority Hong Kong (Airport Authority), opened today (April 21) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Officiating at the opening ceremony were the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung, and the Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority, Mr Howard Eng.
Comprising five thematic exhibitions, namely "Memories We Share - Hong Kong in the 1960s-70s", "Theatre Art of Cantonese Opera", "The Art of Cantonese Opera", "Bits of Old Hong Kong" and "Tea through the Ages", this new exhibition series will enable visitors to get a sense of Hong Kong's history and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs Fung noted that the LCSD has been making efforts to bring art and culture to the community by partnering with various organisations to display museums' collections in new districts and venues.
"The Airport Authority is our first and most important partner. In fact, our collaboration with the Airport Authority dates back to 2001 when the LCSD had just been established. On this occasion an array of artefacts including relics reflecting Hong Kong's history, sculpture, contemporary ceramics, works of art and traditional festivities have been put on display at the airport, which will help both locals and visitors get acquainted with local art and culture, and help enhance the cultural image of Hong Kong.
"The 'Glimpse of Hong Kong' exhibition series includes five thematic exhibitions spread across different locations in the airport. Among them, two exhibitions feature the development and theatrical arts of Cantonese opera, which has been listed in the international representative list of intangible cultural heritage. Another two exhibitions - 'Bits of Old Hong Kong' and 'Memories We Share - Hong Kong in the 1960s-70s' enable viewers to reminisce on the life of old Hong Kong while last but not least, 'Tea through the Ages' showcases the culture of Chinese tea drinking. Visitors will not only be able to appreciate the museum's collection through this exhibition but can also take part in tea demonstrations, which will give them a unique experience of Hong Kong culture," Mrs Fung said.
The "Memories We Share - Hong Kong in the 1960s-70s" exhibition is on display in the airport's Check-in Hall. By highlighting memorable facets of the era, the rich photographic displays of items on fashion, transportation, entertainment, social ambience, housing and wining and dining will enable locals to recall their fond memories of the past while also taking visitors back to this pivotal time in Hong Kong history.
The "Theatre Art of Cantonese Opera" exhibition highlights the theatrical arts of Cantonese opera, which are essential for the characterisation and atmosphere of live stage performance. Complemented by performance video clips, a total of 17 magnificent and glittering opera costumes, headgear, footwear, props and hair accessories were selected from the collections of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to illustrate the art of traditional Cantonese opera.
The "Art of Cantonese Opera" exhibition is mounted at Gate 36, Terminal 1, HKIA to echo the "Theatre Art of Cantonese Opera" exhibition at Gate 35 opposite. With a rich display of text, graphics and historical photos featuring filmographies, famous protagonists, stage properties, scripts, and music instruments, the exhibition provides passengers with a chance to appreciate the different roles of characters, basic performance techniques, costumes, song books, classical repertoire and famous protagonists in Cantonese opera.
The "Tea through the Ages" exhibition is on display in the airport's E1 Transfer Hall, Level 5, Terminal 1, HKIA. Eighteen items of tea ware of various dynasties selected from the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware are on display to introduce Chinese tea drinking culture and the varied methods of tea-making practised in China. The exhibition will be supplemented by regular tea-making demonstrations organised by the Airport Authority with a view to sharing the joy of tea drinking with passengers.
The "Bits of Old Hong Kong" exhibition, which has been very well received since its inception last year, has been relocated to Gate 41 in the Departures Hall, Terminal 1 so that it can be viewed by more passengers. The exhibition displays photographs selected from the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of History and features clothing, trade, transportation, and bits and pieces of daily life in Hong Kong in the early 20th century. It also traces urban development and the transformation of social life in the territory and gives visitors an insight into how the unique characteristics of Hong Kong developed over time.
Ends/Thursday, April 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:29
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