Photo Exhibition at Pacific Place, Admiralty | Celebrating the 28th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - A Journey through the History of Central and Western District, Starting from Hollywood Road, Exploring the Social and Cultural

Description

From 20 June to 7 July 2025, the Central and Western District Office presents the exhibition 'Celebrating the 28th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - A Journey through the History of Central and Western District, Starting from Hollywood Road' at Pacific Place, Admiralty. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the vibrant history of Hollywood Road, one of the busiest streets in Hong Kong a century ago. Through four chapters - lifestyle, culture, cityscape, and landscape - and a range of micro and macro photographic perspectives, the exhibition uncovers the rich history captured in each frame, bearing witness to the evolution and progress of the city and its communities.

As one of the earliest developed areas in Hong Kong, the Central and Western District is home to Hollywood Road, the city's first completed street, built in 1844, connecting Central and Sheung Wan. This exhibition not only showcases a collection of photographs from the surrounding area but also transforms the exhibition venue into a replica of a section of present-day Hollywood Road, employing a unique design that slices through the building to mimic the street's layout and architectural features. Visitors will feel as if they have stepped into a time tunnel, immersing themselves in the rich history of Hollywood Road.

With over ninety photographs on display, dating back to 1905, the exhibition progresses from black and white to color, revealing the development of the Central and Western District layer by layer. From the micro perspective of citizens' daily lives and emotions to the macro view of the urban landscape and scenery, the exhibition presents a comprehensive history of the district. The Central and Western District Office hopes that through these historical images, the public can trace the social and cultural landscape of the district through different eras, deepening their understanding of the Central and Western community while celebrating the 28th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The exhibition is divided into four chapters: 'Lifestyle and Street Stories', 'Cultural Entertainment and Festivities', 'Urban Architecture', and 'Panoramic Vistas and Historical Insights'. Through these themes, the photographs offer diverse angles and a holistic understanding of the district's past and present:

Chapter One: Lifestyle and Street Stories

While times change and daily habits and customs evolve, traces of the past remain, allowing us to reminisce about days gone by. This section features a selection of photographic works that capture the lifestyle of residents in the Central and Western District, freezing fleeting moments in time through light and shadow.

Chapter Two: Cultural Entertainment and Festivities

Festivals, cultural arts, and recreational activities not only bring vitality and cohesion to the community but also foster deeper connections between people. From dragon dances to the Central and Western District Sports Festival, the preservation and innovation of various cultural activities enrich the lives of residents.

Chapter Three: Urban Architecture

With a long history of development, the Central and Western District has witnessed the construction and evolution of numerous buildings and community facilities in step with the city's progress. This chapter invites visitors to reflect on the changing cityscape through photographs, exploring the unique community characteristics hidden between the old and new architecture.

Chapter Four: Panoramic Vistas and Historical Insights

Hong Kong is blessed with natural beauty, and the Central and Western District boasts a diverse landscape, from mountains to the sea, including the stunning views from Victoria Peak and the waterfront. This chapter showcases photographs that capture the district's captivating scenery from various angles, painting a picturesque portrait of its geographic charm.