A territory wide collection campaign launched Hong Kongand#39:s newest and largest museum before its opening in December 2000. In a sixth month period curators were rewarded with over 5000 items surrendered for safekeeping. Many came from New Territories villagers rehoused in the new towns who had left behind a centuries-old lifestyle. Since then additional donations to the collections have formed the basis of two of the most popular permanent galleries.

1. The New Territories Heritage Hall

The New Territories Heritage Hall displays over 300 artefacts in tableaux from a way of life now gone forever.

The Hall with its series of time tunnels leads the visitor through 6000 years of history from the early Neolithic settlers to the wealthy farming clans and poor fishing communities to British colonial rule which ended with the handover of Hong Kong to China on July 1st 1997. Look for a Cantonese brideand#39:s sedan chair Hakka farming tools and Hoklo fishing peopleand#39:s childrenand#39:s clothing embroidered with auspicious symbols and tiny silver amulets worn for protection from evil spirits. items like these though once common place have now disappeared from daily life.

2. The Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall

The Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall with its gaudily decorated and sequined costumes stage makeup and props gives a fascinating insight to this much loved Chinese theatre. Items include those worn by famous Cantonese opera artists as well as a reconstructed theatre in a bamboo shed. There are a variety of multi medai programmes to give the visitor a true understanding of this regional opera.

3. Famous Collector and Philanthropist T T Tsui

On the top floor another permanent gallery is devoted local businessman and world-renowned collector T.T.Tsuiand#39:s priceless collection of Chinese art including ancient bronzes jade carvings Tang dynasty pottery horses and Qing imperial porcelain. The collector died in March 2010 but his collection lives on to give pleasure to others.

Temporary galleries rotate displays that appeal to young and old. On show this year include a photography exhibition showing old photos of Hong Kong an exhibition devoted to two masters of Cantonese opera Tong Tik San and Yam Kim Fai. and a selection of paintings by renowned painter of the Lingnan School Professor Chao Shao-an [1905-1998].