Hong Kong Museum of Art 香港藝術館

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Museums in Hong Kong have great collections and cost almost nothing (HK$10).  A visit should be included in your itinerary.  I visited Hong Kong Museum of Art.  There are thematic exhibitions apart from its permanent exhibitions.  At time, it is The Ultimate South China Travel Guide – Canton II (The Last Episode).  It outlines the travel needs of foreign visitors to the regions of Canton, Hong Kong and Macau after the outbreak of the Opium War, when China was in regular conflict with western powers.

The beginning of steamships in 19th century reduced the travel time from Europe to China to around 2 months.  Trade and tourism flourished.  Ship journey departed from Southampton and Marseilles to Hong Kong twice a month.  Visitors then transferred to Canton by river steamers.

Most visitors were merchants / traders coming to Canton with their family.  Due to the restrictions, they could only live in the factory area and the family in Macau.  Given the production lead time (except tea which freshness was essential to quick sales turnaround), they needed to stay.  Tourism flourished within Canton and side trips to Hong Kong and Macau became popular.  Travel guides covering phrase book, entertainment, safety reminders, where to stay, must see and must do aided foreign visitors to tour around.  Paintings of the time help us to grasp an impression of the past time.  Thanks to the key painters: William Heine, Thomas Watson, George Chinnery and Youqua.

Source: http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/21f/21f.027/rise_fall_canton_04/gallery_places/index.htm

Chinese Antiquities Gallery
The exhibits exemplify sophisticated craftsmanship of inlaying, carving and embroidery already in the ancient time.  Some of them dated back to the period of Before the Century.  Accessories include shell fan, snuff bottle, fragrance holder, purse, belt buckle, hairpin,  etc.



Another hall shows Chinese Landscape Painting and Calligraphy of high quality. I like this in particular, two friends sitting high up chatting and enjoying the nature and the river below.


The museum is situated next to the harbour.  Don't miss the gorgeous evening scenes.


 Address:
10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Opening Hours:

Daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays)
Closed at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve
Closed on the first two days of the Chinese New Year

October, 2010

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