The Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM), with the support of the Swire Group Charitable Trust, launched the Swire Marine Discovery Centre at the museum, featuring a new permanent gallery dedicated to marine science. The Marine Science Gallery officially opens to the public on February 22. Featuring an immersive space, interactive installations, marine life photographs, and informative research programmes, the gallery aims to raise awareness of the human impact on the underwater world, highlighting the potential loss of Hong Kong's rich marine life in the absence of conservation efforts, and to educate visitors about the ongoing initiatives to sustain and conserve the local marine environment and biodiversity. The opening of this new gallery is a key event amongst the celebrations marking the 20th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

Swire Marine Discovery Centre (Photo: OrangeNews)

Coral Table 

Climate change has led to rising water temperature, increasing sedimentation, and extreme freshwater discharges, which all cause coral to become sick and bleached. Marine wildlife living among and depending upon corals suffers when coral communities are lost. Take your first step on the path of carbon reduction to slow down global warming and return colour to the corals.  (Photo: HKMM)

The exhibition space unfolds into two distinct narratives: “Under Threat” and “Hope for Tomorrow”. Following the enchanting journey into the marine wonders of Hong Kong, visitors will confront the harsh realities of the human impact on this delicate ecosystem. From the pressures of the fishing industry to the implications of seafood consumption patterns, the exhibition will shed light on the myriad ways in which human activities are challenging the marine environment.

The subsequent section will highlight current marine conservation initiatives in Hong Kong, including projects led by the government and NGOs, and current policies aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the marine environment. The overall aim is to motivate the public to commit to marine conservation and empower them with actionable ways to contribute. Complementing the exhibition’s theme of advocating for a sustainable maritime world, a diverse array of talks, workshops and public programmes will be curated alongside the exhibition to enrich the visitor experience and foster a community of marine stewards dedicated to preserving our oceans.

Seafood Dish 

In our pursuit of delicious cuisine, we seldom think about the impact behind its production. Touch these dishes with chopsticks to see how they are produced, what their hidden negative impacts are, and the sustainable choices we could make instead.  (Photo: HKMM)

By incorporating interactive installations and engaging props, the museum hopes to attract more visitors, particularly the younger audience, this will enhance their overall experience by immersing them in the narratives through hands-on and tactile interactions. These elements not only foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter but will leave a lasting impression, making the gallery truly memorable. The exhibition includes several installations, such as the "Immersive Space – Our Ocean”, which makes visitors feel as if they are underwater; touching the "Seafood Dish" with chopsticks reveals the hidden negative impacts behind the cuisine; the "Coral Table" showcases how corals are affected by climate change and how carbon reduction actions can promote protection; through the "View-Master," audiences can learn about the impact of human activities on the great creatures of the sea; finally, the initiative "Pledge - What can we do?" encourages individual actions aimed at restoring the balance and making the marine environment healthy again.

Pledge --- What can we do? 

Restoring the balance and making the marine environment healthy again depends on our individual actions. Pledge to contribute and leave a better world for the next generation. (Photo: HKMM)

Ticketing information

Adults: HK$30

Seniors (aged 60 or above), full-time students (with valid ID), children (under 18) and people with disabilities (accompanied by a carer): HK$15

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday:

09:30 - 17:30

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays:

10:00 - 19:00

*Closes on the first two days of the Chinese New Year.

Venue

Marine Science Gallery (Swire Marine Discovery Centre), A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier 8

Gallery Details

https://bit.ly/4hGV2UH

Click HERE for more information.

Photo: HKMM