In Time of History – “Manhole Covers Exhibition”

While walking along the main streets and alleys, people rarely pay attention to the humble manhole covers under their feet. But in fact, they are an indispensable part of the city’s public facilities and infrastructures. They serve as entry points for workers to conduct underground inspections of vital utilities and ensure that we all enjoy reliable water, gas, and electricity supplies as well as the broadband networks which all help to maintain our comfortable lives. The covers also act as openings for an advanced urban drainage system that protects residents against flooding under extreme weather conditions. They have also had a long historical development in Hong Kong. Their unique and evolving designs, materials, and production technology illustrate the century-old development of the city’s pig iron casting industry and the evolution of public works.

“In Time Of” has partnered with The Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage (CACHe) to present the “Manhole Covers Exhibition” at Nan Fung Place, Sheung Wan. The unique exhibition showcases a selection of the city’s manhole covers to encourage the public to discover the history and industrial story of Hong Kong from one of the most common, yet rarely examined, aspects of the urban landscape.