Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum - 2025 Highlighted Activities
In 2025, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the theme of “Anchoring the Past, Navigating the Future“.
Over the past 20 years, the museum has showcased Hong Kong's unique maritime culture and history and has become a bridge connecting the past with the future. As a platform for education, research, and cultural promotion, HKMM has significantly contributed to fostering public understanding and appreciation of maritime knowledge.
During the anniversary year, we will launch a series of exciting programmes and invite the public to join us to explore the captivating world of maritime culture.
1. Gala Dinner
HKMM held its 20th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on January 10, themed “Towards A Greener Future”. The event brought together over 150 guests from various sectors, including government officials, long-term partners from the shipping industry, business leaders, professionals from the cultural and arts fields, and marine enthusiasts.
We were honoured to invite Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, GBS, IDSM, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to deliver the opening speech at the Gala Dinner. The guest of honour included Ms. Mable Chan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Mr. Wong Sai-fat, Director of Marine; Mr. Tung Chee-chen, GBS, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKMM Trust; Mr. Richard Hext, Chairman of HKMM; and Mr. Richard Kendall, Chief Executive of HKMM. Additionally, the museum took this opportunity to present Lifetime Contribution Award to our Emeritus Chairman, Mr. Anthony Hardy, BBS as appreciation for his contributions to HKMM over the past 20 years.
In addition to fine food and wine and captivating musical performances, the evening featured a charity auction and crowdfunding activities to raise operational funds for the museum. Auction items included artworks, travel packages, dining experiences, and leisure products. All contributions will directly support our operations and educational projects, allowing more people to recognize the importance of maritime history and ocean conservation. We sincerely thank all our distinguished guests for their generous support. See you next year!
2. A Deck Swire Marine Discovery Centre Gallery
The exhibition space of the Swire Marine Discovery Center on A Deck will be transformed into a vibrant new permanent exhibition of marine science. Upon completion, an interactive and immersive space will be installed. The new permanent exhibition is expected to open in early 2025.
The exhibition space will unfold 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 human impacts on this delicate ecosystem.
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 all visitors 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.
3. Anchor Plaza
Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza, a free access plaza on the Hong Kong Island harbourfront behind Central Piers 9 and 10 and adjacent to the museum. Sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club as a 2022 Chief Executive’s Community Project.
The plaza will showcase the anchor of the tanker Seawise Giant, the largest cargo ship ever built, which was acquired for the museum in 2012 by its Emeritus Chairman, Mr. Anthony Hardy BBS, and will also contain a walkthrough pavilion with immersive ArtTech displays featuring Hong Kong’s marine life and maritime trading vessels over the ages, with interactive displays outside for curious visitors to find out more. The completion of the project and its opening to the public (after licensing approvals) are expected in the third quarter of 2025.
4. 2025 Forum for Asia-Pacific Maritime Culture in association with the International Congress of Maritime Museums Regional Meeting
The Asia-Pacific Maritime Culture Forum was held for the first time to coincide with the commemoration of the 620th anniversary of Zheng He’s first voyage to the West and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of HKMM. The Forum aims to bring together the wisdom and insights of scholars from both the East and the West, and to facilitate in-depth exchanges to stimulate new perspectives on maritime heritage and the pressing issues the marine environment is facing.
New In – Special Edition 20th Anniversary “Friends of HKMM” Membership Gift Card
In the celebration of HKMM’s 20th Anniversary, we have launched a special edition 20th Anniversary “Friends of HKMM” Membership Gift Card – the perfect present for your friends of family. Each card comes with space for a personalized message, allowing you to share your heartfelt wishes while giving the gift of a captivating journey through maritime history.
Three membership categories are available for option:
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Individual (HKD 300)
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Family (HKD 600)
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Premium (HKD 880)
With the gift card, your loved ones will enjoy the exclusive privileges, including unlimited free admission to HKMM, KKBOX music service, limited-edition HKMM souvenirs, 10% off at the Museum Café & Museum Shop. Visit the Museum Shop to purchase your gift card and make every visit a memorable experience!