15 May 2025 

Co-organised by The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Development Bureau, and Hong Kong Chu Hai College, the “Virtual Reality: The ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ of Tiger Balm Garden” exhibition will be open to the public at Haw Par Mansion from 16 May 2025. Visitors will be able to explore the historic “Ten Courts of Hell” diorama from the former Tiger Balm Garden by immersing themselves in virtual reality (VR) technology.

The exhibition has been extracted from a VR metaverse platform developed by HSUHK and Hong Kong Chu Hai College that focuses on the recreation of the historic “Ten Courts of Hell” diorama at the Tiger Balm Garden. By wearing VR headsets, visitors will be able to explore the intricate details of the “Ten Courts of Hell” reliefs and engage with interactive interfaces to learn about their cultural and historical significance. The exhibition also features informational panels and a project video which introduces the “Ten Courts of Hell” folklore.

Dr Eugene Wong, project leader, and Director of the Virtual Reality Centre at HSUHK said, “We are delighted that this exhibition has been sponsored by Aw Boon Haw Foundation and supported by the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office and the Antiquities and Monuments Office from The Development Bureau, allowing this university-based education project to be shared with the public. Through VR technology, the public will be able to explore the historical appearance of the ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ diorama from the Tiger Balm Garden, as well as the traditional mythology associated with the depiction. This immersive experience will also allow visitors to appreciate historical facets as a whole and participate in this digital cultural inheritance.”

The heritage-themed metaverse platform reconstructs Tiger Balm Garden in a virtual form. The reconstruction was completed by referencing old photographs of the Mansion. Through VR devices, users will be able to visit and appreciate the reliefs of the “Ten Courts of Hell” diorama and the Tiger Balm Garden from the perspective of historical sites, culture and architecture.

Haw Par Mansion, located at 15A Tai Hang Road, Hong Kong, was once the private residence of overseas Chinese entrepreneur, Aw Boon Haw. It was accorded Grade I historic building status in 2009. To visit the “Virtual Reality: The ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ of Tiger Balm Garden” exhibition, the public will have to join a guided tour of Haw Par Mansion. Reservations can be made via the Antiquities and Monuments Office website.