‘A Century of Architecture: The Story of Tung Wah Museum’Talk Series First Talk ‘Early development of Kowloon and Founding of Kwong Wah Hospital’

Co-organised by TWGHs Records and Heritage Office and Hong Kong Public Libraries

‘A Century of Architecture: The Story of Tung Wah Museum’ Talk Series

In 2016, Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei launched a major redevelopment project, which was divided into two phases. In November 2023, the Phase 1 Building in Kwong Wah Hospital Redevelopment was inaugurated. The 17-storey new building became a new landmark in Yau Ma Tei and marked a significant milestone for Kwong Wah Hospital. From the new hospital lobby, the atrium offers a view of a seven-bay Chinese-style building with pitched roofs and plaques bearing the inscriptions ‘Tung Wah Museum’ and ‘Kwong Wah Hospital’ at the main entrance. This building was the first-generation Main Hall Building of Kwong Wah Hospital, built in 1911. It was converted into Tung Wah Museum in 1970 and declared a monument in 2010.

In 1958, Kwong Wah Hospital underwent its inaugural redevelopment, and the old Main Hall Building was the only remaining structure. In 1970, to commemorate the centenary of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the old Main Hall Building was converted into Tung Wah Museum to pass on the heritage of Tung Wah. The century-old building has witnessed the evolution of Kwong Wah Hospital and nearby communities. As the first hospital in Kowloon, Kwong Wah Hospital has special significance in the historical development of Yau Ma Tei and even the Kowloon Peninsula. To celebrate the 155th anniversary of the founding of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Tung Wah Museum, this talk series will feature the Museum. Through its unique history, precious cultural relics and distinctive architecture, the talks will deepen public understanding of the Museum, Kwong Wah Hospital and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, while sharing Tung Wah's century-old charitable work and its achievements in heritage conservation.

First Talk ‘Early development of Kowloon and Founding of Kwong Wah Hospital’

After the Kowloon Peninsula was incorporated into Hong Kong in early 1861, Yau Ma Tei swiftly transformed into a Chinese settlement. A severe typhoon in 1874 destroyed most of the buildings in Yau Ma Tei, and the Hong Kong government took the opportunity to replan the area. A few years later, a new town centred around Tin Hau Temple emerged. Since then, Yau Ma Tei has gradually become the most prosperous Chinese community on the Kowloon Peninsula. Yet, until the beginning of the 20th century, no hospital had been built on the Kowloon Peninsula. Residents had to travel to Hong Kong Island for medical treatment, which was very inconvenient. A group of Chinese leaders then proposed to set up a Chinese hospital not far from Yau Ma Tei. Using maps and historical photos, the speaker will illustrate in detail the development of Yau Ma Tei and the surrounding areas in the early years, as well as historical context that underpinned the establishment of Kwong Wah Hospital.

Speaker : Mr. Tim KO (Hong Kong History Researcher)

Date : 6 September 2025 (Saturday) 

Time : 2:30-4:30 pm

Venue : G/F, Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Central Library (66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong)

* Commencement Date of Seat Reservation : 25 August 2025 ( Monday )

* The lecture will be conducted in Cantonese.

* Free admission. People who are interested can click here to the registration webpage or contact us ( Tel: 2770 0867 ) during working hours ( 9:30 am to 6 pm, except Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) for registration. 

* For details, please visit the website of Hong Kong Public Libraries.

* First come, first served. 

* Session will be cancelled or postponed if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or "extreme conditions" ^Note is issued and remains in force 3 hours before the starting time of the session. (Note: In case of serious disruption of public transport services, extensive flooding, major landslides or large-scale power outage caused by a super typhoon, the Government will make an announcement of "extreme conditions".)

* Programmes are subject to change and cancellation without prior notice. For enquiries, please call 2770 0867.

備註：
本辦公室已敦促屬下員工及活動提供者，於服務提供時必須留意並遵從《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區維護國家安全法》和與維護國家安全有關的香港其他法律，包括但不限於《國旗及國徽條例》、《區旗及區徽條例》及《國歌條例》，並確保在轄下單位內的行為或活動不會可能構成或可能導致在國安法或香港其他法律下屬危害國家安全，或不利於國家安全的罪行。