Notable note: The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited was the only note-issuing bank to issue a HK$1 note.

The "Banknotes that Tell a Story" exhibition, a joint presentation of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, will open from April 28 to November 8 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

The display features 317 invaluable historical banknotes and artefacts, including never-before-shown banknotes, sketches, artwork and printing plates that have been selected from HSBC's collection.

Other valuable exhibits include the newly launched 2003 banknote series, the gold models of HSBC headquarters buildings completed in 1935 and 1985, and historical photographs.

The 110 banknotes on display are meant to introduce the history and changes of banknote design in Hong Kong. The show will also investigate the ways in which banknote design is affected by such factors as societal, economic and technological advancement.

Colour, size, patterns, features change over time

Banknotes designed in different eras have different characteristics. From the early simple banknotes printed with only two colours to the lively and complex design of the present day, banknotes in Hong Kong have undergone significant changes in their colour, size, patterns and security features.

The exhibition summarises the characteristics of banknote design during the past 150 years in four phases, as the time of simplicity from 1845 to 1899, the time of variety from 1900 to 1958, the time of localisation from 1959 to 2002, and the time of new-era design starting in 2003.

With valuable banknotes on show, the evolution of banknote design - from simplicity to the great variety and the adoption of mythical figures and vignettes - is investigated. There is also a video show featuring the design process of the new HSBC-issued banknote series.

To give visitors a better grasp of the history of banknote design, a "time line" is featured at the entrance of the exhibition gallery. With a barrel vault ceiling decorated with a vast and colourful mosaic illustrating the themes of trade and finance between East and West, the exhibition gallery reflects the splendour of the HSBC headquarters building hall in 1935.

Visitors can also take part in the weekly quiz and the banknote design competition. The quiz will run throughout the exhibition period. Five winners will be selected every week and will receive a crystal model of the HSBC Main Building.

Design your own banknote

The "My Hong Kong Banknote Design Competition" will be held in July and August. It will be divided into two divisions, an open division and one for children. The winner, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up of the children's division will receive a book coupon and a chance to visit the HSBC Treasury. Three winners of the open division will receive a set of new HSBC banknotes, each comprising denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, HSBC and other local note-issuing banks have loaned their invaluable banknotes and artefacts to support the exhibit.

For details of the activities, please visit the Heritage Museum's website or call 2180 8260. For details of the exhibition, call 2180 8188.