The Colours of Causeway Bay

EVENT DESCRIPTION

To celebrate the 100 years of Lee Gardens’ story and revisit its milestones in Causeway Bay’s historical journey, Hysan Development will launch an exhibition of rare photos and artefacts from private collections, under the theme “The Colours of Causeway Bay”. This journey, which began when the late Lee Hysan acquired a plot of land known as East Point Hill, has seen the complete transformation of the neighbourhood. Over time, Causeway Bay has become not just a destination for work and leisure, but also a hub celebrating culture and community. The exhibition will take place in unit 304 on the 3^rd floor of Lee Garden One. 

Generations of Shared Memories of Lee Gardens’ Century of Progress

Lee Gardens has been a beloved leisure space in Hong Kong since the 1920s. The Lee Garden Amusement Park, built 100 years ago, was known for its stages, amusement facilities, dining spots and beautiful landscaped grounds. The grand and luxurious Lee Theatre, opened in 1927, hosted a variety of performances and became an iconic cultural landmark in the city’s history.

Following World War II, the Lee Theatre was home to local stars, including contestants in the early editions of the Miss Hong Kong pageant as well as the New Talent Singing Awards, like Loletta Chu and Anita Mui, respectively.

The Lee Gardens Hotel, opened from the 1970s to the early 1990s, received famous celebrities such as the Bee Gees and Brazilian soccer legend Pelé. In the hotel, Yum Sing Bar, Rainbow Room and the Pavilion were sought-after dining spots that created fond memories across generations. Although the area’s development was marked by some of the same challenges that Hong Kong faced, the enduring connection between Lee Gardens and the community has persisted over the years.

These iconic moments, which have been captured in photos and treasured artefacts from private vaults, will be on display for a rare public viewing. The artefacts include the complete set of tableware once used at the Pavilion of the Lee Gardens Hotel, a ticket stamp for the Lee Theatre, a collection of winning entries from the couplet competition for the opening of Lee Garden, and a calligraphy couplet created and inspired from a chrysanthemum appreciation event. Old news clippings will also be exhibited, recalling old neighbourhood stories and past transformations of Causeway Bay.

Iconic Moments Captured on Postcards and Audio Clips from our Glorious Past

Visitors can take home postcards by Hong Kong based artist illustrator Vanessa Leung as mementos of the exhibition. These hand-drawn postcards portray special moments in the history of the Lee Gardens neighbourhood, reflecting the unique cultural elements celebrated by the community. Visitors can also immerse themselves in a captivating experience at the audio booth set within the exhibition. The booth features the signature tune of the Lee Gardens Hotel, as well as farewell speeches by celebrities and a song dedicated to the Lee Theatre’s final night. These audio snippets will allow visitors to reminisce about the glorious farewell of the Lee Theatre, an event that remains timeless in the memories of many to this day.

Curated Tours Imparting the Shared History of Causeway Bay to Future Generations

The exhibition will also be accompanied with a series of interactive guided tours and educational activities. These tours will introduce the cultural heritage, entertainment, iconic architecture, artistic creations and shared communal values of the area, giving the public an opportunity to rediscover the transformation and distinct features of Lee Gardens and Causeway Bay over the past century. The guided tours, subject to availability, will open for registration soon, with announcements made on Hysan100’s social media.