The Hong Kong Museum of History will hold "The Legend of Hong Kong Toys" exhibition from tomorrow (March 2) to May 15. The exhibition will display toys of different eras, enabling members of the public to learn about the history of toy manufacturing and see the evolution of toys over the past century.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony today (March 1), the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said that the exhibition will display over 2 000 toys, taking both children and adults on a journey through a "time tunnel" to witness the evolution of toys and discover details of the transformation of the toy industry and the creativity behind the toys.

     He added that Hong Kong is the world's second largest toy exporter. Toys made in Hong Kong are not only unique and novel, but are also of good quality and safe. The toy industry continues to grow vigorously with outstanding achievements, contributing significantly to Hong Kong's economy.

     The exhibition is one of the events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. By showcasing over 2 000 toys new and old which are familiar to Hong Kong people or made locally, members of the public can learn about the trends of toys and the social landscapes of different eras. Highlight exhibits include about 100 "Star Wars" stormtroopers lined up at the museum entrance; a grassy terrain covered with more than 1 000 yellow ducks; a variety of classic toys made over the years such as gung zai zi (portrait picture cards); dress-up paper dolls; ju fan zai (play houses); robots and tin toys; the historical toy series "Mobile Suit Gundam"; toys from "Transformers" and "Star Wars"; Barbie dolls and interactive toys integrated with the latest technologies.

     The exhibition will also introduce toys made in Hong Kong, and how the local industrialists transformed the city into a "toy kingdom".

     To tie in with this theme, the Hong Kong Museum of History will organise workshops, lectures and a fun day. In addition, the museum lobby will be turned into a play area featuring all sorts of toys, allowing both grown-ups and children to have fun together. A limited number of souvenir toy items will be presented to visitors during the exhibition period and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

     Other officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Toys Council under the auspices of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Mr John Tong; the President of the Toys Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Mr Dominic Tam; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Mr Stanley Wong; the Chairman of the History Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Ms Anita Fung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; and the Director of Hong Kong Museum of History, Ms Belinda Wong.

     The exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Toys Council and the Toys Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, and jointly organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Toys Council and the Toys Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong.

     For details of the exhibition, please visit the Hong Kong Museum of History's website at hk.history.museum/en_US/web/mh/exhibition/current.html, or call 2724 9042.

Ends/Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:25

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