To commemorate what would have been the 85th birthday of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, a multifaceted cultural exhibition titled “The Formless Way: Memorializing 85 since Bruce Lee’s Birth” has launched across two major transit hubs in Hong Kong, offering commuters and visitors an immersive look into Lee’s pioneering life and philosophy. The MTR Corporation collaborated with the Bruce Lee Foundation and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to bring the icon’s story to life, integrating history and interactive art into the daily passenger experience at Central and Hong Kong Stations. This joint initiative utilizes high-traffic public spaces to highlight Lee’s global impact across four core thematic areas: cinema, martial arts, philosophy, and art.
Exploring Lee’s Influence in Commuter Corridors
The expansive tribute is divided into two distinct components, ensuring that passengers have multiple opportunities to engage with Lee’s story over different time frames.
The exhibition’s interactive experience zone is situated at Hong Kong Station’s Living Art Stage. Running from its launch through December 8, this section focuses on dynamic, engaging installations that offer tangible connections to Lee’s physical and intellectual prowess. Highlights include a meticulously detailed, life-sized recreation of Lee’s torso, allowing visitors to appreciate his dedication to physical training. Additionally, a unique “philosophy dialogue phone kiosk” invites reflection on his enduring aphorisms. Visitors to this zone may also receive limited-edition collectible cards featuring exclusive designs and memorable quotes from the global superstar.
The second component, “Travelling by MTR: Connecting Bruce Lee Footprints across Hong Kong,” is located near Exit J of Central Station. This comprehensive retrospective is designed for longevity, running until summer 2026.
Deep Dive into the Architect of Jeet Kune Do
The Central Station display focuses on displaying the rich visual history of Lee’s journey as an international artist and philosopher. Visitors encounter a curated collection of rare photographs, original film stills, vintage posters, and detailed explanations of the martial arts philosophies that underpin his revolutionary approach, Jeet Kune Do. These elements collectively trace Lee’s evolution from actor and martial artist to a profound cultural figure whose ideas transcend fighting disciplines.
The exhibition aims to showcase not just Lee’s cinematic achievements, but how his personal philosophies continue to shape contemporary thinking. Lee’s core principle, “be water, my friend,” emphasizes fluidity, adaptability, and formlessness—concepts highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing environment.
By hosting this major retrospective within the MTR network, organizers ensure maximum public accessibility, allowing millions of daily commuters to engage seamlessly with Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and one of its most recognizable global ambassadors. The integration of high-quality museum content within a public transit setting exemplifies a growing trend towards democratic access to art and history.
The longevity of the Central Station exhibit, available for nearly two years, demonstrates the commitment of the MTR Corporation and the partnering cultural institutions to sustaining the powerful, positive memory of Bruce Lee for both local residents and international tourists. The project serves as an ongoing educational effort, cementing Lee’s status not merely as a historical figure, but as an enduring source of inspiration.