A look at Bruce Lee’s childhood home in Kowloon, now the Prudential Centre, where a new exhibition marks his 85th birth anniversary in Hong Kong.
On Nathan Road in Kowloon, the former home of Bruce Lee once stood among dense residential blocks. Today, the site is occupied by the Prudential Centre, but its past still draws visitors.
The building replaced the old Katherine Building, where Lee moved with his family in 1941. He spent part of his childhood here, a period often linked to the formation of his character and his early interest in martial arts.
Recently, an exhibition titled “Bruce Lee Homecoming – 85 Years Later” opened at the site. It marks the 85th anniversary of his birth. A life-size “Be Water” statue stands at the centre, alongside a selection of previously unseen photos. Visitors pause to take pictures, while others linger over the details.
For some, the memory is personal. A staff member at the venue spoke of Lee with quiet admiration. He recalled a time when Chinese faces were rarely seen in global cinema, and said Lee “fought his way onto the international stage.” Even now, he added, it is hard to find action scenes that feel as direct and physical.
Lee’s influence also took shape in his own system, Jeet Kune Do. It brought together different martial traditions and emphasised adaptability. His phrase, “Be water, my friend,” continues to circulate, often quoted beyond martial arts contexts.
That presence extends across the city. At the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin, a long-running exhibition offers a broader view of his life and work. Meanwhile, the MTR Corporation has introduced themed displays in several stations, including Central, as part of the anniversary.
Visitors arrive for different reasons. Some come out of long-standing admiration, others out of curiosity. The site itself remains easy to pass by. Still, for those who stop, it offers a brief point of connection between the city as it is and the figure it once helped shape.
Additional reporting by Tan Chang.
If you liked this article, why not read: When the Wind Still Blows: Remembering Leslie Cheung 23 Years On
