Join Extension Activities
“A Century of Architecture: The Story of Tung Wah Museum” Subject Talks
Upcoming Activities
| Date: |
2025/11/15 (Saturday) |
| Time: |
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Venue: |
Hong Kong Central Library (Lecture Theatre, G/F.)
|
| Description: |
Tung Wah Museum is a perfect example of the fusion between Chinese and Western architectural styles. The rationale behind the fusion stems from deep respect for the needs and preferences of hospital users, while echoing the architectural characteristics of other buildings within the old Kwong Wah Hospital. A rare instance of pre-war hospital architecture, it showcases a distinctive blend of architectural styles. The Museum has preserved a substantial array of traditional Chinese architectural elements, fully embodying the essence of classical Chinese design. At the same time, its western-style features reveal the design details found in other western-influenced buildings of the old Kwong Wah Hospital. The speaker will provide an overview of how participants can interpret the architectural design of the Museum from an architectural perspective. |
| Date: |
2025/10/11 (Saturday) |
| Time: |
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Venue: |
Hong Kong Central Library (Lecture Theatre, G/F.)
|
| Description: |
The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals is the oldest charitable organisation in Hong Kong. Since its founding in 1870, Tung Wah has provided extensive free services to local residents, mainland compatriots and overseas Chinese. From time to time, the organisation would receive plaques and couplets as tokens of gratitude. Each plaque and couplet bears witness to the history of Tung Wah’s century-long charitable endeavours. Some of them were from the directors of Tung Wah or Kwong Wah; some came from fraternal charitable organisations in the Pearl River Delta that used to work closely with Tung Wah; others were gifted by beneficiary organisations for relief of natural disasters, war and famine. There are extraordinary stories behind them, and this talk will feature the most representative plaques and couplets along with their stories. |
| Date: |
2025/9/6 (Saturday) |
| Time: |
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Venue: |
Hong Kong Central Library (Lecture Theatre, G/F.)
|
| Description: |
After the Kowloon Peninsula was incorporated into Hong Kong in early 1861, Yau Ma Tei swiftly transformed into a Chinese settlement. A severe typhoon in 1874 destroyed most of the buildings in Yau Ma Tei, and the Hong Kong government took the opportunity to replan the area. A few years later, a new town centred around Tin Hau Temple emerged. Since then, Yau Ma Tei has gradually become the most prosperous Chinese community on the Kowloon Peninsula. Yet, until the beginning of the 20th century, no hospital had been built on the Kowloon Peninsula. Residents had to travel to Hong Kong Island for medical treatment, which was very inconvenient. A group of Chinese leaders then proposed to set up a Chinese hospital not far from Yau Ma Tei. Using maps and historical photos, the speaker will illustrate in detail the development of Yau Ma Tei and the surrounding areas in the early years, as well as historical context that underpinned the establishment of Kwong Wah Hospital. |
