Mishandling project for new museum may defeat good intention
- While the plan for a new museum showcasing the nation’s triumphs was generally well received when it was announced, concerns that existing museums may have to make way for the new venture risk it escalating into a political controversy
If there is anything more that could be done to enhance patriotism and national education, the city probably can do with a new museum showcasing the country’s achievements.
While the initiative has generally been well received following the announcement in the policy address in October, it may easily escalate into a political controversy if not handled carefully.
The public is understandably concerned when some existing museums have to make way for the new venture. The government has suggested freeing up a prime site in Tsim Sha Tsui for the project and relocating the popular Science Museum to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.
The latter’s exhibits, such as the ones on kung fu icon Bruce Lee and martial arts novelist Jin Rong, may be relocated to other purpose-built museums in future, raising questions whether the 23-year-old institution dedicated to local culture would be killed off.
Officials stressed these were just preliminary proposals, adding that it would not rule out recommissioning the heritage museum elsewhere.
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We hope this is not just rhetoric to take the heat off the discussion for the time being. A more affirmative answer on preserving the Sha Tin museum would have eased the concerns. .
The sensitivity of the museum project must not be underestimated. The Science Museum was the city’s most popular last year, receiving more than 1.1 million visitors, while the Heritage Museum attracted over 450,000.
The galleries featuring the life of Bruce Lee and the works of Jin Rong are particularly popular. They are seen as treasures of local pop culture. It would be a great loss if they were not given the due recognition they deserve.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District, a purpose-built venue showcasing national treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing, also stirred controversies when it was first floated.
Today, few would question its value and contribution to the city’s cultural scene. It is good to hear that the government has not ruled out the cultural district as a possible location for the new museum.
The cost-effectiveness of different proposals must be weighed carefully to determine the best way forward.
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Like other cities and regions on the mainland, Hong Kong also has its unique pop culture and heritage that deserves preservation and promotion.
While a new museum showcasing the country’s development and triumphs can help foster patriotism and pride, mishandling the project may defeat its good intention and hurt Hongkongers’ feelings.
The government should avoid giving the impression that the promotion of national achievement is done at the expense of local culture.
