Description

Some of Hong Kong’s most beloved creatures are in the spotlight as the “Art in MTR” exhibition site at Exit J of Central Station presents ”THE COMMEOWNITY” Feline Store Managers - Heartening Photography Exhibition starting today, 4 March, 2025. Through the lens of the moderator of "Street CATography" Jonas Chan, the exhibition captures the diverse life of the city’s well-known “Feline Store Managers”, sharing a therapeutic experience for passengers. MTR has also collaborated with "dayday330" to encourage everyone to record their daily moments of happiness through gratitude cards and share positive energy.

4 Themed Zones Magnify Feline Store Managers’ Charming Lifestyle

Surrounded by skyscrapers, the “Art in MTR” exhibition site at Central Station is located in one of Hong Kong’s busiest business hubs. Two stations away, in Sai Ying Pun, lies a contrasting, enchanting old community filled with warmth. The exhibition pays homage to the neighbourhood shops that formed a celebrated community quirk with the presence of feline store managers. Spreading across four themed zones, the exhibition includes “friendly felines greeting hungry patrons at the ”COMMEOWNITY Cha Chaan Teng”, guardian felines protecting shops from thieving rodents at “COMMEOWNITY Hoi Mei Street”; and adorable felines watching time pass by at the “COMMEOWNITY Grocery Store”. Follow the footprints of these feline store managers, relish the cherished sentiments of old neighbourhoods and capture your moment with our giant mural depicting the beloved feline store managers in a delightful comic style!

Exhibition Showcases Feline Store Managers and their Loving Bond with the Neighbourhood

The exhibition is curated by photographer Jonas Chan, who is skilled for capturing touching moments between the feline store managers and their human companions. His work was shortlisted for the “2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest”.
Jonas says, “During the shooting process, I discovered these feline store managers looming in the alleys and street corners as if they were the silent guardians of the community. Passersby would stop and play with them. I also began chatting with shopkeepers and passersby because of these cats. By following their paths through the neighbourhood, I felt the warmth of the city’s embrace and its nostalgic humanity.”

Ms Linda Choy, Corporate Affairs and Branding Director of MTR Corporation, says, “MTR is not only dedicated to connecting passengers’ s journeys but also actively fosters community connections. . This photography exhibition showcases the heartening interactions between the feline store managers, shop owners, locals and visitors, reflecting an easygoing ambiance and attitude in the community and highlighting the charm of urban life. MTR welcomes you to find respite from the hustle and bustle of your day at the `Art in MTR’ exhibition site located at Exit J of Central Station. Savour the photos that Jonas has curated and feel the warm, neighbourly sentiments within.”

Collaboration with dayday 330 to debut 3 gratitude cards

MTR has joined hands with dayday330 – a public awareness campaign on mental wellbeing by non-profit New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association – to debut three gratitude cards featuring the adorable feline store managers and heartwarming positive phrases to make every day more “paw-some”. Stop by the exhibition during your journeys to relish a quiet moment (330 Micro Break) and record small blissful moments in life on these gratitude cards for a quick boost!

COMMEOWNITY Map & Souvenirs Featuring 9 Adorable Feline Store Manager’s Illustrations

Putting a spotlight on Sai Ying Pun, “THE COMMEOWNITY” exhibition invited nine feline store managers to meet everyone through charming illustrated characters. Follow the large “COMMEOWNITY Map” displayed in the exhibition to locate these feline store managers at Hoi Mei Street. They will also be transformed into limited-edition tote bags, stickers and gratitude cards, which will be gifted by MTR’s cute mascot T Chai and the nine participating shops in Sai Ying Pun.

“THE COMMEOWNITY” exhibition is being shown at the “Art in MTR” at Exit J of Central Station, offering free entry from 4 March to 30 June, 2025. Don’t miss out on free gifts from T Chai in his special edition cat costume from 3pm – 5pm on 9 March (Sunday), 15 March (Saturday) and 22 March (Saturday)!

COMMEOWNITY Photo Gallery：Take a moment to enjoy the warmth captured in the photos! With the Selected Work for the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest.

COMMEOWNITY Hoi Mei Street：The ”Cats Vibes” naturally deters mice, but the feline store managers also connect the local neighbours and even photographers from outside the area.

COMMEOWNITY Cha Chaan Teng：The feline store managers at Cha Chaan Teng are the restaurant's friendly ambassadors, making sure every guest feels welcome!

COMMEOWNITY Grocery Store：The feline store managers heal everyone’s hearts with their innocent nature, spreading warmth in the community! 