Conserving Heritage - Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum

First published in Elysiants on 18 November 2011.

I reckon my itch for exploring around town came from my Mom. On a lazy Saturday afternoon, she suggested that we pay the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum a visit. So there we were.

Right on the first floor they had an exhibition on the history and restoration of the building. Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum is located in Kom Tong Hall, a typical paradigm of Edwardian architecture erected since 1914. It was originally built as the home of Ho Kom Tong, a compradore of Jardine Matheson and more famously known as the brother of Robert Hotung. Now merging a museum with a historical building, they have combined advanced techniques of antique restoration with modern facilities such as lifts and surveillance cameras. If anything, we found the architecture and preservation of such more interesting than the exhibition itself.

Permanent exhibitions include details about Dr. Sun Yat-sen, as well as how Hong Kong was like during his stay here, were located on the second floor. I am particularly interested in how Hong Kong was like back then. Famous personalities such as Lu Xun was in awe of Hong Kong Government's efficiency and orderliness, which does seem a bit cynical when we look at it now. My Mom spotted an old Government Bond issued by Dr. Sun, and was exclaiming how the yield was tremendous, though obviously rather high risk as they were the government in exile. As a Chinese calligraphy student, she decided that Dr. Sun's English calligraphy was more impressive than his Chinese calligraphy.

Coincidentally, it is the 100 years anniversary of Dr. Sun's revolution this year, so the Hong Kong Government has put in much effort and organised lots of events around the town in relation to such. In the first two Sundays of April 2011, they will be teaching for free how to etch glasses in celebration of the anniversary. I am interested in the drama on the Revolution, which would be performed between 7-10 May 2011. They will also be hosting puppet shows on how Hong Kong was in 1911, which was when Dr. Sun was staying here. 

Next time I think we would take my Dad along the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, and venture into a decent restaurant in SOHO.