How a thriving private museum scene can drive Hong Kong’s East-meets-West cultural hub goal
Out of 35 private museums on record, only one gets regular government support. A lawmaker says a diverse sector can add more value to city
Hong Kong is set to welcome one of its newest private museums this month, with Pauline and Franco Cutrupia’s collection of nearly 700 artefacts going on display.
The husband and wife duo’s brainchild, the GuWei Museum, showcases exhibits that span seven categories – including Chinese porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties produced for the European market.
They have been assembling their collection since the 1980s when Franco, a former chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, worked on the mainland and met Pauline, from Hong Kong. Both have an interest in highlighting items that showcase the crossroads between East and West.
“I’d like to bring to the city a place where people can see East meets West,” Pauline said, adding it was also a reflection of the character of Hong Kong as a cosmopolitan city and where they felt most at home.
One of the most striking features of the museum is the wall of porcelain tankards – European drinkware produced with a Chinese material but often with Western motifs and decorations. Other exhibits included silverware, paintings, textiles and more.
“In recent years, we understand there is a real push to promote Hong Kong also as a cultural centre, not only a tourist centre, not only the traditional financial and trade centre,” Franco added.
