In collaboration with the Consulate General of Hungary in Hong Kong and Macao, the Library is pleased to present For Freedom and Independence: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 exhibition at the 2nd Floor Atrium/Exhibitions Area of the Main Library from 20 – 31 October 2016.
The Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956 lasted for no more than two weeks. Nevertheless, it shook the world. It wrecked the regime established by the great powers after World War II and unveiled the cruel reality of the Soviet-type terror apparatus. Once and for all, the world woke up from the illusions of communism. In October 1956 the Hungarian nation proved that it was capable of taking control of its own destiny.
The desperation and anger that had been bottled up for so many years finally broke to the surface during the revolution. The spontaneous uprising grew to become a revolution, and since the prerequisite of freedom is to regain national independence, it became a freedom fight. Sixty years ago the whole world turned its attention to Budapest. This life-and-death struggle that barely lasted two weeks made it clear for everyone that the then existing great powers did not allow the Hungarians’ fight for freedom to have the least chance. Yet, the death defying courage of the boys of Pest inflicted an incurable wound upon communism and shook the Soviet empire. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian revolution and freedom fight, this exhibition pays tribute to the “boys of Pest”.
The documentary exhibition tells the story of the revolution through visual wall displays, supported by documentary films, books, photographs and other realia related to the revolution. In addition, it presents a unique selection of South China Morning Post articles related to the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 researched and selected from the Libraries’ Special Collections. The exhibition is complemented with photographs of artwork related to the revolution from the Hungarian Academy of Arts. (sic)
Details of the Exhibition
Date: 20 – 31 October 2016
Time: 08:30 – 22:00 (Monday to Friday) / 08:30 – 19:00 (Saturday) / 10:00 – 1900 (Sunday)
Closed on Public Holidays
Venue: 2/F Atrium/Exhibitions Area of the Main Library, HKU
For enquiries, please contact Marina Yeung (Tel: 2859 8903 / email: friends@lib.hku.hk).