Hong Kong’s venerable Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum (SYSM) in Mid-Levels has concluded an extensive closure for maintenance and upgrades, officially reopening its doors to the public on November 7, 2024. The revitalized cultural landmark, established in 2006 to honor the Chinese revolutionary statesman, returns with refreshed galleries and a significant temporary exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sun’s passing, offering residents and visitors a deep dive into the historical figure’s profound legacy across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau region.
New Exhibition Focuses on Sun’s Regional Influence
The renovation, which spanned several months starting in May 2024, focused on essential maintenance and modernizing the exhibition spaces. Marking its grand reopening, the SYSM is currently hosting “From Healing Patients to Saving a Nation – Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.” This comprehensive exhibition, which began its tour in Zhongshan and Macau, finds its final showing in Hong Kong and runs until March 31, 2026.
Admirers of history can explore more than 60 invaluable artifacts, historical documents, and photographs that highlight Dr. Sun’s deep and formative connections to the Pearl River Delta. These items trace his journey from a medical practitioner to a key revolutionary leader. Among the highlights on display are early images, including a photograph of the Hou Keng Reading Society, a rare glass negative featuring the influential group known as the “Four Great Desperados,” and personal letters and inscriptions penned by Sun himself. The museum is offering free admission to this special exhibition.
Deepening the Understanding of a Revolutionary Vision
Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s time spent in the region, particularly Hong Kong and Macau, proved crucial to the development of his nationalist ideology. The current exhibition emphasizes how his early life and education in these areas shaped his vision for a reformed China.
To provide further context and analysis of his foundational philosophy, the museum is organizing a series of public intellectual events. Two upcoming public lectures are scheduled, featuring prominent scholars from both Hong Kong and Macau. These academic sessions, set for November 29 and December 13, will focus on Dr. Sun’s articulation of China’s future and insights into his family life in Macau.
Moreover, the SYSM is integrating hands-on cultural activities with the exhibition theme. Workshops titled “Kom Tong Hall under the Moonlight,” taking place on November 8 and 16, will invite visitors to craft lunar lamps, drawing a contemporary connection to the era’s culture.
The Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum anchors itself within Kom Tong Hall, a distinguished red-brick Edwardian building that serves as an apt memorial for a figure who profoundly influenced modern Chinese history. The newly reopened museum ensures this landmark continues to educate future generations about a pivotal period and one of its most enduring figures.
Related Reading: Cultural enthusiasts looking to explore revolutionary history may consider visiting the nearby Man Mo Temple or exploring other historical sites related to colonial Hong Kong’s transition.