A transformed museum documenting China's resistance against the Japanese invasion is set to open on Wednesday, with Chief Executive John Lee calling it "an important base" for patriotic education.

On Tuesday, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence was renamed the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, focusing on the history of the War of Resistance and the city's military affairs, to cultivate a stronger sense of national esteem and patriotism.

The name change was made on Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Lee said the museum now combines the existing relics of coastal defence with exhibitions on the war, to allow visitors to experience "the resolute resistance" of the Chinese people.

"The history of the war against Japan reminded us to cherish the hard-fought peace. It is an important teaching material for young people to learn the deeds of the martyrs, and deepen their feeling for the nation and traditional cultural connotations," Lee said at an unveiling ceremony.

"The Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence will become one of the important bases for patriotic education."

The revamped museum will see its first thematic exhibition, jointly presented by local and mainland authorities, highlighting the resistance activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong during the war.

The museum's curator, Rebecca Cheung, said the exhibition is very important to "convey the idea of patriotism" and to understand the war.

"The East River Column was not only a pillar of the resistance of southern China, but also made a significant contribution to the national victory in the war," she told RTHK.

Cultural and tourism minister Kevin Yeung said people are encouraged to donate items and photos relating to the war to the museum for future exhibitions and research.

There will also be four exhibition galleries to showcase the history of the War of Resistance at the museum in Shau Kei Wan.