For information on Hong Kong immigration and to understand Hong Kong culture: The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, located at 7 Castle Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, was formerly the residence of Ho Kum-tong, the younger brother of the wealthy Hong Kong businessman Ho Tung. It was designated as a statutory historic monument on November 12, 2010. The museum is a branch of the Hong Kong Museum of History, showcasing the life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, and his relationship with Hong Kong. It officially opened on December 12, 2006, one month after the 140th anniversary of his birth.
Built in 1914, the residence was constructed by Ho Kum-tong, the second brother of Ho Tung, who also passed away here in 1950. In 1960, the residence was sold to the Cheng family, who later transferred it to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for use as a meeting place. In 1990, it was classified as a Grade II historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board. In 2002, the church planned to demolish and rebuild it, which led to strong opposition from the Central and Western District Council and residents. The government recognized the historical value of the residence and ultimately purchased it for HKD 53 million, with an estimated HKD 91 million budget for restoration, to be used as the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum. The residence was designated as a statutory historic monument in Hong Kong in 2010.
The architecture of the residence is highly distinctive, connected by a wide and ornate staircase from the basement to the second floor, featuring exquisite railings. Colorful stained glass windows are also installed beside the staircase.
The residence has four floors and is designed in the classical architectural style of the Edwardian era. The first and second floors feature arched balconies supported by Greek-style columns. The exterior's colorful stained glass windows, the tiled walls of the balconies, and the indoor teak staircase are all well-preserved. It is one of the earliest private residences in Hong Kong constructed with reinforced concrete and equipped with electrical wiring, and it is one of the few buildings from the early 20th century still standing in Hong Kong.
The ceilings of the rooms are adorned with plaster panels highlighted with gold leaf, while the main staircase and other prominent locations are fitted with colorful stained glass windows, decorated with patterns in the popular Art Nouveau style of the time.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a well-known revolutionary figure, dedicated to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and establishing a republic, with achievements recognized worldwide. He is revered by Chinese people both domestically and abroad and enjoys a high reputation globally. Dr. Sun has a deep connection with Hong Kong, where he received his secondary and university education, and where he nurtured revolutionary ideas and planned revolutionary activities. In the 19th century, Hong Kong had become a modern metropolis in the Far East, providing favorable conditions for Dr. Sun to engage in revolutionary activities across political, economic, cultural, and social aspects.
The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum opened to the public in 2006. The museum has four floors, with a total floor area of approximately 2,560 square meters, housing two permanent exhibition halls that display numerous precious historical artifacts, complemented by diverse audiovisual programs that comprehensively illustrate Dr. Sun's life and the important role Hong Kong played in the reform and revolutionary movements from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum highlights the close relationship between Dr. Sun and Hong Kong. Every day, many locals and tourists visit to pay tribute to this great figure's activities in Hong Kong. Particularly touching is the presence of groups of primary and secondary school students among the visitors, indicating that Hong Kong places great importance on historical education for the younger generation.