Hong Kong's Port Stories
B Deck
Permanent Exhibition
The exhibition illustrates the stories of how Victoria Harbour has been developed as the modern port of Hong Kong since the mid-19th century. It also includes tangible and intangible local maritime heritage as well as underwater archaeology.
K H & K W Koo Gallery -
Creating Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong has a long maritime history and has been a must-visit destination for travelers to and from Guangzhou since ancient times. Before 1841, Hong Kong had a small population of sparsely populated fishing and farming villages, but with the best natural Victoria Harbour, the maritime industry developed rapidly and became one of the most advanced ports in the 1880s. The exhibition showcases the transformation of Victoria Harbour through paintings and models of modern ships.
The gallery is sponsored by Tai Chong Cheang Steamship Co. (H.K.) Ltd. in honour of the company's founders, Mr. K H Koo & K W Koo.
Hong Kong Ships and Shipyards
The evolution and improvement of shipbuilding technology led to the development of the port city, with its ever-improving and upgrading facilities. The transformation of the shipping industry was supported by shipping agencies, tallyclerk, and a large number of labourers, including dockers and tugmen.
The exhibition uses a series of photographs and models to recreate the planning of the port.
Making of a Modern Port
After the Second World War, Shanghai shipowners came to Hong Kong to set up shipping companies, and with the political changes in the surrounding area, Hong Kong became a major hub in Southeast Asia. The shipping industry underwent major changes after containerization, when the manual loading and unloading of cargoes was swept away.
The exhibition introduces the modernization of the Victoria Harbour over the past 60 years through various interactive installations.
Hongkong International Terminals Gallery -
Harbour Viewing Gallery
Located at Central Pier 8, the Museum offers a panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour, with ferries, cargo vessels, tugboats, barges, police and fire vessels plying both sides of the Harbour.
A map of the Victoria Harbour is printed on the carpet for you to compare with the view in front of you.
Sir Yue-Kong Pao Wing -
Carrying People
Ferries are a vital mode of transport in Hong Kong. There was no road to Sai Kung before 1945, while land access to Lantau only in the late 1950s. There are models of different vessels in the exhibition, including the disappeared motorboat “Walla Walla”.
The exhibition also features exhibits related to the ocean liner RMS Queen Elizabeth.
Sir Yue-Kong Pao Wing -
Life, Faith and Fun on the Water
Explores the lives and faith of the local boat people, the intangible maritime heritage, and the diverse and entertaining range of water sports available in Hong Kong. Exhibits include swimsuit and swimming cap donated by Hong Kong athlete Siobhán Haughey.
Sir Yue-Kong Pao Wing -
The Underwater World
The ocean is rich in resources and with the help of technology, we can explore for oil, conduct different scientific expeditions and salvage shipwrecks. The exhibits include dozens of old diving helmets and artifacts from shipwreck dating in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Sounds of the Sea
Visitors will be able to recognize the different jobs at sea through the sounds of waves, ship's engines and foghorns, as well as the sails and rigging being rattled by the wind.
Humans and the Ocean
We can learn about the connection between humans and the sea through the exhibition at HKMM, and by the end of the tour, explore some of the representative collections.
C S Koo & CY Tung Gallery -
Special Exhibitions & Events Gallery
Apart from a venue for thematic exhibitions, it is also available for public rental for different activities, with proceeds reinvested to support the Museum’s public remit.
The gallery is sponsored by the Valles Group in honour of the Group's founder, C S Koo and by CY Tung and the Tung Foundation.
