An exhibition on Hong Kong’s classic crime films opened at the old Yau Ma Tei police station on Friday, with an intricate replica of a detective’s office among the immersive displays captivating long-time fans of the genre.
Curated by local filmmakers and titled “Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey”, the exhibition at the revitalised and newly reopened 103-year-old venue is sold in 25-minute sessions, with each session catering to just 20 people. Tickets for the first three days have sold out.
Paying homage to Hong Kong’s classic police films such as Infernal Affairs and New Police Story, the show’s key exhibits include a replica Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detective’s office from the 1970s and 1980s.
Another highlight is an armoury featuring various firearms used by the city’s police officers, with visitors able to pick up and examine the revolvers on display.
Retiree Terence Kwan, 64, was among the first visitors tp arrive at the station on Friday.
“It completely exceeded my expectations,” he raved to the Post. “There were items used for suspect identification. There were guns that I could hold in my hand for taking pictures. There was also a suspect detention cell, which was something that I really wanted to see.”
Kwan said he was a big fan of Hong Kong’s many famous police films and had booked his ticket early to beat the crowds at the station, which is also a popular photo spot among mainland Chinese tourists.
