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Speech by CS at opening ceremony of "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition (English only) (with video/photos)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the opening ceremony of the "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition this evening (April 25) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum:

Consul General Berti (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Eric Berti), Dr Andrew Yuen (Chairman of the Board of Directors of Le French May), Mr Sébastien Allard (Head of the Paintings Department and Curator in Chief of the Musée du Louvre), Dr Simon Ip (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), Mr Paul Yang (Head of Greater China and Chief Executive Officer Hong Kong of BNP Paribas), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. Bonsoir. It gives me great pleasure to join you here at the opening ceremony of the "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition.

     2017 is a special year because it marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the 25th edition of Le French May in Hong Kong. Under the theme of "Together · Progress · Opportunity", the HKSAR Government organises a wide range of celebration events which include blockbuster exhibitions on art, history and science, as well as cityscape enhancement projects. The "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition is surely one of the celebration highlights.

     As Asia's world city, Hong Kong has always been a place where the East meets the West, making the city a thriving cultural hub. The 20th anniversary is not only an auspicious occasion for joyful celebration, but also an opportunity for Hong Kong to serve as a focal point to appreciate the wonderful cultural heritage in the world, by virtue of our admirable collaboration with various renowned museums such as the Louvre Museum, the British Museum and the Palace Museum in Beijing.

     This exhibition also forms part of the 25th edition programmes of Le French May, which is a highly anticipated annual cultural event of Hong Kong. Building on the resounding success of the "Claude Monet: The Spirit of Place" exhibition held also here at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum last year, we are delighted to be a major partner with Le French May again to co-present this gala exhibition as part of the celebration of these two remarkable occasions.

     The Louvre Museum is one of the most important museums in the world today, well known for its rich collection and fine tradition. It is definitely a landmark of Paris and attracts numerous visitors from all parts of the world every year. As a historical and cultural icon, the Louvre also witnessed a good number of significant historic happenings taking place there. For centuries, the Louvre Museum has never stopped evolving and expanding, whether in outlook or in function, and has reinvented itself over time.

     On display in Hong Kong Heritage Museum today is a fine selection of paintings, drawings, arts and crafts, and sculptures from the Louvre collections. Among them are treasures from the royal collections of the kings of France and artworks from donors over the centuries. They are diverse in theme, subject matter, artistic style and characteristics of different periods. This exhibition not only offers art connoisseurs the opportunity to have a closer view of some of the most famous art and artefacts of the world, but also the community of Hong Kong an inspirational journey through the development of a major museum with its affinity with world civilisations.

     We are delighted to have the privilege and honour to stage this remarkable exhibition. I would like to pay warm tribute to the Louvre Museum for bringing their invaluable collections and masterpieces to Hong Kong. I would also like to thank the Consulate General of France, Mr Berti in particular, and Le French May for their ardent support and close collaboration to make this exhibition possible. My gratitude and appreciation, of course, also goes to the sponsors, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust - Dr Simon Ip is here tonight - and BNP Paribas.

     Last of all, may I wish this exhibition a resounding success and all of you an enjoyable evening. Thank you very much for coming.
 
Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:12
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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, speaks at the opening ceremony for the "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition this evening (April 25) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, attended the opening ceremony for the "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition this evening (April 25) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows Mr Cheung (sixth right); the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui (fourth right); the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li (second right); the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Eric Berti (centre); the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Le French May, Dr Andrew Yuen (fifth right); the Chief Executive Officer of Le French May, Mr Julien-Loic Garin (third left); the Head of the Paintings Department and Curator in Chief of the Musée du Louvre, Mr Sébastien Allard (sixth left); the Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Simon Ip (third right), and other guests proposing a toast.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, attended the opening ceremony for the "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition this evening (April 25) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows Mr Cheung (fifth right) touring the exhibition after the ceremony.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, attended the opening ceremony for the "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition this evening (April 25) at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo shows Mr Cheung (first right) touring the exhibition after the ceremony.

Audio / Video

CS attends opening ceremony for "Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years" exhibition