As its 115th anniversary approaches, the University of Hong Kong is proud to celebrate its enduring legacy with the establishment of the HKU History Gallery, located on the ground floor of Chi Wah Learning Commons on the Centennial Campus.
The Gallery was made possible through the generous support of Dr Colin Lam Ko-yin, a distinguished HKU alumnus and Honorary University Fellow. Dr Lam, a steadfast advocate for education, established the Chi Wah Foundation in 1992, which also lends its name to the Learning Commons housing the Gallery.
The Gallery chronicles the beginnings of the University and the milestones in its development since its founding in 1911. This rich collection of historic and current records can now be found in one place on campus, and offers revelatory insights into the University’s traditions, rich history, notable events, and the lives of past leadership figures and related individuals.
With a floor area of 227 square metres, the Gallery is comprised of two primary components: digital and physical exhibits designed to enhance and complement one another. In the digital section, you’ll find four distinct zones: ‘The Founding of the University of Hong Kong’, ‘HKU Comes of Age’, ‘History of Faculties’, and ‘Campus Development and the Future’. Central to the Gallery is an LED pillar displaying the University’s motto, ‘Sapientia et Virtus’ – a glowing reminder of the University’s guiding principles. Through immersive digital projection technology, selected historic black-and-white photographs are animated and colourised to create an engaging and interactive experience for visitors.
The physical section contains timeline panels and replicas of selected physical records. The timeline panels are positioned throughout the Gallery and guide guests through pivotal moments in HKU’s history, enriched with archival captions and imagery. Two prominent display cabinets exhibit over 20 replicas of treasured artefacts, including the oldest and most valuable items that bore witness to the very beginnings of HKU – the Coat of Arms and the Foundation Trowel. Two other replicas, the Redevelopment Trowel and the Centenary Trowel, are each displayed separately in a mini showcase. And if you were wondering: what’s so special about the HKU Coat of Arms? And why would these trowels be so valuable – the answers await you at the Gallery!
Inside the Gallery, two large replica portraits are exhibited: Sir Cecil Clementi (1875–1947), who served as Chancellor of the University from 1925 to 1930, and Sir William Hornell (1878–1950), the Vice-Chancellor from 1924 to 1938.
Additionally, the original stone plaque from the East Gate of the Main Campus, inscribed with the University’s name in calligraphy by Professor Jao Tsung-I in 1992, is now displayed at the entrance of the Chi Wah Learning Commons. Adjacent to the Gallery, an open study area continues to serve students, symbolising the connection between HKU’s heritage and its future.
An opening ceremony for the Gallery was held on October 28 and attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of HKU Council; Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU; Dr Colin Lam Ko-yin, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Henderson Land Development Company and benefactor of the Gallery; and Ms Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian of HKU.
At the ceremony, Professor Zhang said of the Gallery, “Since its founding in 1911, HKU has grown from modest beginnings into one of Asia’s leading academic institutions. Its journey is marked by excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to knowledge and service. As we approach our 115th anniversary, this Gallery stands as a tribute to that legacy. A place where history breathes, and the spirit of HKU shines.”
The Gallery is open to all, and we invite to you to visit the University’s new home for its own history. It will provide a deeper appreciation of the University’s development and achievements over the past century, while also standing as a testament to its enduring impact on Hong Kong, the nation, and the world.
For visitor and other information, please visit: Official Website of the HKU History Gallery
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Original as a gift of Shelagh Meade
October 30, 1984
(Courtesy of the University Archives, The University of Hong Kong)
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Gift of Shelagh Meade
(Courtesy of the University Archives, The University of Hong Kong)
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(Courtesy of the University Archives, The University of Hong Kong)
1909
(Courtesy of the University Archives, The University of Hong Kong)
