HK History Museum launches free exhibition for 80th anniversary of War of Resistance

Visitors to the Hong Kong Museum of History will enjoy free admission at a commemorative exhibition of the 80th Anniversary of the War of Resistance, starting from Wednesday (Aug 27) to December 15, showcasing a total of 183 anti-Japanese war relics.

Highlights include 82 items on loan from the National Museum of China, eight of which are classified as Grade One national cultural relics.

The remaining exhibits are drawn from local collectors and the museum’s own collection, with one-third of the items being shown in Hong Kong for the first time.

In addition to the artifacts, the exhibition features immersive reconstructions of significant historical scenes, including the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937 and internment camps in Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation.

The exhibition is supported by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and co-organized by the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the National Museum of China.

Joyce Ho Wai-yee, Director of the Hong Kong Museum of History, said the exhibition aims to use historical artifacts to illustrate the hardships of war and the importance of peace.

She said it will outline the full narrative of the Chinese people’s resistance against Japan, highlight the central role of the Communist Party of China, acknowledge Hong Kong’s widespread support in the war effort, and emphasize how the Chinese theater was integral to the broader World Anti-Fascist War.

Yang Fan, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the National Museum of China, noted that the 82 items lent by his institution carry profound historical narratives that help construct a comprehensive understanding of the war.

Marco Lam (marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)