The Museum of Hong Kong Literature, the latest addition to the SAR's cultural landscape, is set to open its doors in June. Located at the Urban Renewal Authority's project on 7 Mallory Street in Wan Chai, the museum showcases the rich literary heritage of Hong Kong.

According to URA managing director Wai Chi-sing, the museum will house a collection of handwritten manuscripts, published works and signed copies from notable Hong Kong authors.

In addition to preserving and displaying literary artifacts, the museum will incorporate interactive elements to engage visitors. It plans to host various exchange activities and seminars, inviting renowned Hong Kong literary scholars to contribute their expertise.

The inaugural exhibition will revolve around the theme of "flowers." By connecting different flowers commonly referenced in literary works, the exhibition aims to provide visitors with a unique perspective on Hong Kong literature.

"To create a captivating ambiance, floral installations will be strategically placed in public spaces within 7 Mallory Street, effectively transforming it into a 'literature garden'," Wai said. "The immersive setting will allow visitors to explore and appreciate Hong Kong literature from multiple angles, fostering a deeper understanding of its cultural significance."

The concept for the Museum of Hong Kong Literature was initially proposed by Hong Kong Writers' president, Poon Yiu Ming, in July last year.

The site of the museum, 7 Mallory Street, formerly known as Green House, consists of ten pre-war Grade Two historic buildings constructed in the 1910s.

Following its revitalization into Comix Home Base in 2013, the site has now been transformed into a community center that hosts various cultural exchange activities.

In his blog, Wai said: "The URA wants to promote art and culture beyond the museum. The authority has recruited wall painting artists to create large murals as part of the redevelopment project in Kowloon City."

These murals will integrate elements of Thai and Chiu Chow cultures, paying homage to their origins in southern China.

Around 30 artists, including both local and international talents from Thailand, Germany and France, have applied.

The URA plans to develop a waterway park spanning at least 8,800 square meters in the Sai Yee Street and Flower Market Road redevelopment scheme in Mong Kok.

The park is intended to become a popular destination for flower appreciation and will feature an "urban waterway" between Boundary Street and Nathan Road.

"The URA hopes to infuse the project with floral art and flower-related cultural activities, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere within the Flower Market," Wai said.

Handwritten manuscripts by local authors will be on display when the Museum of Hong Kong Literature opens in Wan Chai in June.

New chapter as literature museum set to open