“What’s the story of West Kowloon? It’s the people’s lives. The dynamicity, the vibrance,” says historian and director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Dr Louis Ng. Growing up in the neighbourhood, Ng is part of the story. His work is also intimately involved with some iconic pieces of history in the area, such as the Museum of History, St. Andrew’s Church, and now the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Although some parts of the neighbourhood have changed, the memories remain.

The locals are what keep the neighbourhood grounded, and vice versa. A neighbourhood favourite, preserved bean curd shop Liu Ma Kee, is still one of Ng’s frequent haunts. “You can talk to the people to understand their past. There are lots of good stories there,” he says. Local household names also have ties to the neighbourhood. Ng shares, “The first successful Café de Coral restaurant was on Ferry Street. Although they closed down the restaurant around 10 years ago, they kept the building as their office.” He marvels, “It’s quite incredible that you can explore the history, heritage, and the past, but in the meantime you can also see very modern buildings.”

Ng thinks the museums have a duty not just to preserve and showcase history, but to enrich it as well. By working with local artists and designers, a connection with the local community is formed — presenting facets of daily life that can be construed as artistic, the general public is able to engage and identify with art pieces. “To me, what is most important is that the art piece can touch people’s hearts and minds,” Ng adds. “When the M+ opens, you can find some interesting pieces within, such as neon signs on display. This is a memory of the local Hong Kong people.” For the neighbourhood that made him, Ng will now return the favour — by celebrating the parts of daily living that make the neighbourhood.