Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Libraries announces the official reopening of its revitalised Special Collections and the launch of the new Open-View Conservation Laboratory in February 2026, following a six-month renovation. These enhanced facilities underscore HKU’s enduring commitment to preserving cultural heritage and advancing academic research in Hong Kong and beyond.

An opening ceremony was held at the Main Library on 10 February. The ceremony was officiated by the University Registrar Professor Ian Holliday ; Ms Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer & University Librarian of HKU; Mr Alan Hung and Mrs Ann Hung (Hung On-to Memorial Fund); Mr Kenneth Fung (Fung Ping-shan family); Ms Jane Chan Chi-ching (Granddaughter of Chan Kwan-po); and Ms Elaine Lin (Director, Wyng Foundation).

Other distinguished guests included professors from various faculties of HKU, donors of significant library collections, library professionals from other universities, and representatives from local archives and cultural institutions. Conservators in the region were also well represented, including Mr Edward Tse, Head of the Conservation Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, together with his conservation team, as well as senior conservator from the M+ Museum, all gathering to mark this important milestone.

Ms. Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian of the University of Hong Kong, remarked that the completion of the Main Library’s first‑floor renovation—encompassing the Special Collections, the Conservation Laboratory, and earlier the University Archives—clearly demonstrates the University’s long‑term commitment to teaching and research. She noted that, as a leading academic and cultural hub in Hong Kong, HKU not only preserves its own institutional history but also bears an important responsibility to safeguard our social memory and protect unique and valuable cultural heritage. She expressed her sincere appreciation for the generous financial and material contributions that made this landmark project possible.

A Renewed Home for Rare Treasures
Since its establishment in 1976, the Special Collections has served as a cornerstone for scholarly research, housing invaluable materials including 16th–19th century Western rare books, corporate and personal manuscripts, and out-of-print editions. These collections not only represent Hong Kong’s cultural legacy but also support teaching, learning, and interdisciplinary research.

The renovated space meets international preservation standards, featuring upgraded environmental controls, enhanced security, and expanded storage capacity by 59% to accommodate future acquisitions. Flexible multipurpose rooms further facilitate academic activities, from seminars to other engagements, ensuring the collections remain accessible while safeguarding their physical integrity.

A Transparent Leap in Conservation
Marking a first for Hong Kong, the new Open-View Conservation Laboratory introduces a fully transparent design, allowing visitors to observe conservators at work—bringing the meticulous craft of preservation "from behind the scenes to the front stage."

Since 2010, HKU Libraries’ Preservation & Conservation Team has been a regional leader in archival care. Beyond restoration, the team actively engages in teaching initiatives, public workshops, and research collaborations, fostering broader appreciation for heritage conservation.

HKU Libraries look forward to the newly transformed space—where education, discovery, innovation, and collaboration converge—which promises to bring renewed vitality to cultural heritage preservation in Hong Kong, while providing faculty, students, and researchers with enhanced academic resources to collectively preserve our cultural legacy.

Media Enquiries:
Special Collections: libspeco@hku.hk
Preservation and Conservation: preserve@hku.hk