Tai Kwun｜Happy Valley Cultural Landscape：focuses on the cultural connections between past and present

Description

Tai Kwun is pleased to announce the opening of Happy Valley: A Cultural Landscape, this year’s major heritage thematic exhibition. Located in the Duplex Studio Block 01 from 8 November 2024 to 23 February 2025, the exhibition traces the dynamic interactions between people and the environment that have shaped the cultural landscape of Happy Valley, portraying the layered life of this evolving valley. It takes a deeper look into the historical transformation and inspires insight into a sustainable future for the well-being of communities and the environment. This exhibition is made possible with funding and support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The exhibition is one of the celebratory activities marking the 140th anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Under the banner “With You. Then. Now. Always.” the Club is celebrating its close partnership with the community, which has thrived thanks to a unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

“Happy Valley: A Cultural Landscape reaffirms Tai Kwun’s commitment to offering thought-provoking heritage programmes that promote urban heritage and create relevance for our city’s sustainable development. This exhibition offers an alternative way to look at urban heritage from a broader perspective, combining built, natural and intangible cultural heritage,” said Dr Anita Chung, Head of Heritage at Tai Kwun and the curator of the exhibition.

Embracing the Past to Shape the Future

The exhibition asks a simple question: How did Happy Valley become what it is today? It traces the processes of landscape transformation shaped by human activities, from the earliest agricultural practice in Wong Nai Chung Village to successive developments, including land-use change, drainage infrastructure development, land reclamation, and urbanisation. Interwoven stories of cultural and landscape change reveal past and ongoing challenges relating to public health, human and environmental wellbeing, climate change adaptation and resilience—some of the most significant issues that are still impacting our world today.

Celebrating the Cultural Experience of Happy Valley

The exhibition explores themes relating to the cultural experience of Happy Valley: horse racing culture; sports and recreation; rituals, memories and communities; and living. These interrelated themes define our everyday experience of Happy Valley, highlighting the meaning derived from human interactions with the environment. An important component is the inclusion of community voices to enhance engagement with diverse communities. Permeating the exhibition space are sound installations that immerse visitors in the natural, urban and human environment of Happy Valley. Traces of these sounds are also embedded in the community film that documents Happy Valley as it is today.

Innovative Design and Multimedia Presentation

Other exhibits include rarely-seen historic photos, archival maps, and film footage. Another highlight is a large topographical model at the centre of the Duplex Studio, inviting visitors to identify and learn about the integral elements of Happy Valley. In addition to highlighting a wide range of community assets in Happy Valley, the interactive design encourages visitors to think more broadly about urban heritage in connection with the built and natural environment, intangible components, cultural diversity, drivers of socio-economic growth, and more. Behind this topographical model is a perspectival representation of the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Tank—an engineering marvel for flood prevention.

Uncovering forgotten stories and offering a fresh perspective on one of Hong Kong’s most iconic places, Happy Valley: A Cultural Landscape advocates a holistic vision of urban heritage, encouraging us to build an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.