A Tale of Two Cities highlights stories of life in Hong Kong and in the Chinese communities in London over the last 80 years. It explores and celebrates the impact of regular air services connecting the two cities.  

Among the stories shared through the exhibition are those of around 100 female orphans who were sent to the UK via the International Social Service (ISS) UK Hong Kong Adoption Project in the 1960s to 1970s. During that period, orphans between the ages of two and four flew from Hong Kong to London to start a new life with their adopted families.

The exhibition also includes artefacts that demonstrate the history of the aviation link between the two cities including large aircraft models, vintage uniforms and inflight menus used on routes from decades ago, showing visitors the profound impact of air travel on the cultural and economic exchange between the people who call Hong Kong or the UK, or both, “home.” 

Free lectures accompany the exhibition. Please let us know you are coming by using the registration links below:

Mapping the Airways – rescheduled to Friday 24 February at 14:30

Paul Jarvis, Curator, British Airways Heritage Collection

Register here.

Tuesday 21 February 15:30-17:00

Are You Ready for China?

Avi Nagel, China Business Adviser, China-Britain Business Council

Register here.

The exhibition is presented by MingAi Institute and supported by British Airways