Hong Kong Science Museum's new exhibition leads members of public to explore different science fiction themes (with photos)
14.12.2023

The Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) will launch a new special exhibition, "Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination", tomorrow (December 15) to lead members of the public to explore different themes of science fiction. Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the new exhibition is a roving exhibition and developed by the Science Museum, London. Hong Kong is the first stop of this worldwide tour. Addressing the opening ceremony today (December 14), the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said science fiction can help nurture curiosity, ignite one's imagination, and inspire future generations to push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. The growing popularity of science fiction will spark young people's interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) and inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology, thereby contributing to the country's strategic development and the growth of Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem. He added that this exhibition will uncover fascinating connections between significant scientific innovations and celebrated science fiction works. The exhibits will interweave science, arts, movies and literature, appealing not just to science fans but also movie buffs as well as art and literature lovers.ã Other officiating guests today included the Deputy Director of the Science Museum London, Dr Julia Knights; the Chairman of Science Sub-committee, Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Ching Pak-chung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee. The exhibition is comprised of six immersive zones, namely "Shuttle and Cargo Bay", "Exploration Deck", "Bio Lab", "Planet Mission", "Visualisation Deck" and "Observation Deck". The zones explore respectively significant themes within science fiction, including space exploration, cyborgs, and future habitats through iconic exhibits featuring a variety of science fiction including films, literature and arts. Visitors may feel as if they have entered an interactive science fiction story which takes them beyond classical space travel to different themes of science fiction. The exhibition will inspire visitors to reflect on the societal implications of advancing technology as well as the opportunities and challenges they are facing today and tomorrow. Highlight exhibits include a screen-used NS-5 robot from "I, Robot", a rare replica (one of the 12 in the world) of Xenomorph from the Alien made from the original casts held by the designer, a replica of U.S.S. Enterprise from "Star Trek" signed by the actors, a replica of Dalek from the long-running science fiction TV series "Doctor Who", a replica of Darth Vader Helmet from "Star Wars: A New Hope" and a replica of Mark III Armour from "Iron Man". Apart from the collection of the Science Museum, London, the exhibition also includes many interactive elements developed by the HKScM. A mural created by local artist Vivian Ho is on display, showcasing the intersection of science fiction and technological advancement together with animation. Visitors can also join a game by scanning QR codes at the exhibition gallery with their mobile devices and following instructions to collect gemstones for a reward of specially designed mobile wallpapers by the artist. The HKScM will also launch a series of amazing programmes to tie in with the exhibition. They include the museum's collaboration with the Hong Kong Public Libraries on the selection of various science fiction books at the exhibition, and the collaboration with the Film Programmes Office to offer free screening and post-screening talks under the programme "the !magine Fest" from December 2023 to January 2024. Audiences can revisit the two classic movies, "A Trip to the Moon" (1902) and "Forbidden Planet" (1956). For more information of the event, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=56 . Moreover, the Research Grants Council will present four lectures on December 16 and January 20, 2024 to introduce the latest research results of local higher education institutions on artificial intelligence and robotics. The exhibition will run from December 15 to May 29, 2024 at the special exhibition hall of the HKScM (2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East). For more information of the exhibition, admission fee and details of the programmes, please visit hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/scifi2023.html , or call 2732 3232 for enquiries.