ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences,
established in 1996, is an unique institution charting the historical development
of medical sciences in Hong Kong. The Museum occupies 10,000 square feet,
comprising 11 Exhibition Galleries, 1 Gallery for Tai
Ping Shan View, 1 Library and 1 Lecture Room, each presents
in a variety of ways to arouse interests and to help members of the community
know more about health and diseases, including past conquests, current developments
and future challenge of special relevance to Hong Kong. It also explores the interface
between Chinese and Western medicine and encourage research in this area. It intends
to serve both as an educational venue and to restore and conserve medical objects
of historical value. As such, it is the first of its kind amongst medical museums
in the world!
History
The
Old Bacteriological institute, established in 1906, was the first purpose-built
medical laboratory in Hong Kong, situated near to the site of Tai Ping Shan plague
outbreak. Originally, there was the main building and two subsidiary blocks -
one designed to accommodate the attendants, the other as an animal house containing
stables. Over the years, the Institute played a significant role in the development
of Hong Kong's medical service. With time, its role changed as did its name, becoming
the Pathological Institute. It continued to be used as a laboratory until the
1950's. Ever since Government declared it a listed building, the Hong Kong College
of Pathologists, knowing the building's potential and the importance of public
awareness of the history and development of medical science in this region, petitioned
for its uses as a museum. The Hong Kong Government agreed, and the Hong Kong Museum
of Medical Sciences was founded.
The Building
The
building is a British architectural design, drawing references from the Edwardian
period, and representing Hong Kong architecture in the first decade of the century.
It was transformed to suit tropical conditions, with expansive balconies and well-placed
windows to encourage cross-ventilation. The use of Chinese roof tiles is probably
due to the sensitivity to the local materials and deference to the local culture.
It is interesting to imagine that in order to encourage the creativity of the
exploring pathologists, the architect's impulse allowed a folly of obelisks to
sprout forth from the top of the building corners in stoic formation.
Click here for more photos......
Highlights
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A moulded plaster ceiling in the entrance
hall adds to the sense of grandeur which complements the austere heavily
balustraded stairs, which suggests Indian influence.
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A manual dumb-waiter originally operated
by ropes, allowed for the convenient transportation of specimens between
floors. Only one bell remains of those provided for each floor, presumably
to announce collections.
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The rarity of seeing a real fireplace,
not to mention several in one building, is a source of fascination.
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The terra cotta tiles on the floors are
made up of creative patterns, one can admire in the first floor laboratories
and on the verandahs.
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Ultimately, it is the internal space that
matters. ;One would be impressed by the generous natural light and good
ventilation, and with such dignified interiors.
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© The Hong Kong Museum of
Medical Sciences, 2004