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A spokesperson for the Hong Kong Museum of Art said today (September 28) that its two large-scale exhibitions, "Imperishable Affection: The Art of Feng Zikai" and "A Lofty Retreat from the Red Dust: The Secret Garden of Emperor Qianlong", which were organised in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, have been well received by the public and attracted a great number of visitors since their opening.
"Up to yesterday (September 27), the Feng Zikai exhibition had recorded an attendance of more than 276,000 visitors, with an average daily attendance of more than 2,500 since its opening on May 25. The Secret Garden of Emperor Qianlong has received more than 143,000 visitors, with average daily attendances of about 1,500 since its opening on June 22," the spokesman said.
"The response to 'The Art of Feng Zikai' has been overwhelming. It has not only attracted a great number of visitors, but also encouraged more than 30,000 visitors to leave feedback messages for the museum. Not only have they expressed their interest in the contents of the exhibition, but also their appreciation and reflections on the art of Feng Zikai. We are deeply encouraged by our visitors' enthusiastic responses.
"The museum has published two catalogues for the Feng Zikai exhibition - "Creating a World of Compassion" and "Cultivating Life and Soul". Both have been well received by the public and about 13,000 copies of the two catalogues have been sold in total. Only a limited number of copies of the catalogues are still available at the gift shop of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Those interested in buying a copy should make their purchase as soon as possible while stocks last.
"Featuring valuable treasures from the Palace Museum, the exhibition on the Secret Garden of the Emperor Qianlong has used various multimedia installations, which have greatly enhanced visitor interest.
"The two exhibitions are now approaching their final stages. The Art of Feng Zikai will run until October 7, and the Secret Garden of Emperor Qianlong until October 14. Those not able to visit the exhibitions earlier should grab this last chance and visit the exhibitions during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday," the spokesperson said.
The "Imperishable Affection: The Art of Feng Zikai" exhibition was originally divided into two parts, and the section titled "Cultivating Life and Soul" closed on July 25. However, "Creating a World of Compassion", which is still running, features more than 200 exemplary works by Feng provided by Feng's family and local collectors. The works on display cover a wide range of subjects and different stages of his life. Divided under the themes "A Childlike Heart", "Family Life" and "Painting Old Poems", this section provides an in-depth study of Feng's interesting style of expression, warmth as a humanist, concern for humankind and more.
The "A Lofty Retreat from the Red Dust: The Secret Garden of Emperor Qianlong" exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Palace Museum, and is organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Palace Museum with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as the sole sponsor. Featuring 93 relics selected from the Palace Museum, the exhibition includes 19 items shown outside Mainland China for the first time and 43 artefacts connected with Qianlong Garden. Exhibits include items of painting and calligraphy, furniture, mural paintings, architectural elements to religious art. Animation and computer programming as well as a huge and eye-catching outdoor QR code are also featured in the exhibition, enabling visitors to obtain relevant background information.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It is open from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday and Fridays, and from 10am to 8pm on Saturdays. From October 1 onwards, the museumˇ¦s opening hours will be changed to 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and 10am to 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is closed on Thursdays (except public holidays).
Admission to the "A Lofty Retreat from the Red Dust: The Secret Garden of Emperor Qianlong" exhibition is $20 on Monday, Tuesday, Friday to Sunday, and $10 on Wednesday. Admission to the "Imperishable Affection: The Art of Feng Zikai" exhibition is $10 and is free on Wednesday. A half-price concession is available for full-time students, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
For details of the exhibitions, please visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art's website at hk.art.museum. For enquiries, please call 2721 0116.
Ends/Friday, September 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 13:23
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