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The opening ceremony of "Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court", the latest mega exhibition presented by the Hong Kong Science Museum, was held today (June 25). Officiating at the opening ceremony was the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam.
The other officiating guests were the Director of the Palace Museum, Dr Shan Jixiang; the Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Anthony Chow; the Chairman of the Science Museum Advisory Panel, Professor Roland Chin; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Ms Karen Sit.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs Lam expressed gratitude to staff of the Palace Museum for co-organising the "Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court" exhibition with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) to present this large-scale exhibition that combines science and history to the people of Hong Kong, even though they are engaged in the preparation of the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Palace Museum. The Western science and technology items being showcased in the exhibition were given in tribute by Western missionaries and ambassadors visiting China. They are an important legacy and a testimony to scientific and cultural exchanges.
Mrs Lam also said, "Dr Shan set up the IIC International Training Centre for Conservation programme at the Palace Museum and invited the LCSD to be a supporting organisation, with a view to enhancing the professional standard of conservation services in the region through collaboration and talent training. The inaugural training programme will be held at the Gugong Institute of the Palace Museum in September. I am delighted that the LCSD can participate in this programme, which will help to promote exchanges and co-operation in theoretical and technical aspects among specialists from China and foreign countries."
China has a rich cultural heritage, and Chinese science and technology contributed significantly to global civilisations in historical times. In the process of science and technological development, China had exchanges with Western countries to varying degrees. During the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi developed a strong interest in different aspects of Western science such as mathematics and natural science. Western missionaries were invited to come to China to share their knowledge. That was a time when more Western scientific apparatus was brought in.
Running from tomorrow (June 26) to September 23 in the Special Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Science Museum, the exhibition showcases about 120 exhibits selected from the Western science and technology collection of the Palace Museum.
The exhibits cover eight main themes: paintings, astronomy, mathematics, measurement, medicine, weapons, articles for daily use, and clocks and watches. Many of these historical relics are being exhibited in Hong Kong for the first time. Highlight exhibits include a gilt-silver armillary sphere engraved with the name of Ferdinand Verbiest; "All nations coming to the court to present tributes", produced by a court painter under the imperial edict of Emperor Qianlong to show off the power and might of the Qing empire; and a British-made bicycle once used by China's last Emperor Puyi.
The exhibition is jointly presented by the LCSD and the Palace Museum, and jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Palace Museum. Solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, it is one of the exhibitions in the 2015 Hong Kong Jockey Club Series.
For details of the exhibition and related programmes, please visit the Hong Kong Science Museum's website at hk.science.museum/wsi2015 or call 2732 3232 for enquiries.
Ends/Thursday, June 25, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:38
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