A two-metre high bronze statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the first exhibit of the soon-to-be opened Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, has been unveiled.

The statue, which depicts Dr Sun holding Chinese and Western books in his hands, was cast by local sculptor Chu Tat-shing.

The statue not only highlights Dr Sun as a book lover, but also shows his erudition encompassed both Chinese and Western learning, and his lofty ambition to save the country and the people.

Historical hero: Peter Sun, Dr Sun Yat-sen's great-grand-nephew, attends the statue unveiling ceremony. The Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum will open next month.

December opening

To coincide with the 140th anniversary of Dr Sun's birthday, the museum will open next month.

There will be two permanent exhibition galleries: Dr Sun Yat-sen & Modern China; and Hong Kong in Dr Sun Yat-sen's Time. Through the display of historic relics from museum's collection and on loan from other collectors, the museum provides a glimpse at Dr Sun's life and Hong Kong's role in modern Chinese history.

The museum also has a thematic exhibition and lecture hall, reading room, video rooms, interactive study rooms and activity room for organising special exhibitions and other activities.

It also provides a wide range of services and education programmes including an audio-guide, guided tour, teaching kits, school lectures, slide shows and travelling exhibition panels.

Conversion plan

Located at 7 Castle Road in Central, the museum was converted from Kom Tong Hall, built in 1914. It was originally the residence of Ho Kam Tong, a brother of Sir Robert Ho Tung.

In 2004, the Government acquired the Edwardian classical building and announced its plan to make it the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum.