Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of "Virtually Versailles" exhibition (English only)
19.4.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of the "Virtually Versailles" exhibition today (April 19): Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. Welcome to the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Virtually Versailles". Since the launch of the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign, we have been welcoming back to Hong Kong our Mainland and international visitors, as well as our art and cultural partners from all over the world. Blockbuster events are springing up here in recent months. From the inspiring and insightful Museum Summit to the stunning and vibrant Art Basel, and from the first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival to Hong Kong Sevens taking place just recently, Hong Kong as Asia's world city is always bustling with an array of exciting events, exemplifying and further enhancing our city's status as a well-known hub for international cultural exchange and mega events. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has been collaborating with the French May Arts Festival for decades to promote Hong Kong-France cultural exchange through this marvellous season-long festival each year. Being an iconic part of Hong Kong's cultural scene, the Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and brings to Hong Kong an extraordinary exhibition, "Virtually Versailles". This exhibition marks our first collaboration with the Palace of Versailles. The LCSD is indeed honoured to join hands with one of the most prestigious designated World Heritage Sites and popular tourist attractions in the world to stage this creative and intriguing exhibition that features the grandeur of the entire palace complex through digital assets. There will be a number of unique and interactive installations which integrate the senses of vision, hearing and smell into the gallery display, adding a new visiting experience to this immersive exhibition. The exhibition provides a vivid example of the use of the cutting-edge technology in interpreting art and history and facilitating cultural exchange, which will bring new inspiration to our visitors and creative industries. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has been striving to develop into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I trust that our collaborations with leading museums and cultural institutions in the world like the Palace of Versailles could further strengthen our role in facilitating dialogues between different cultures and groups for enhancing mutual understanding. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the Palace of Versailles for showing to local visitors beautiful and magnificent scenes of the Palace and its invaluable collections in such an innovative way. I would also like to thank the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, and the French May Arts Festival for their support and close collaboration to make this exhibition a reality. My sincere gratitude and appreciation also goes to the sponsors, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the BNP (Paribas), as well as the digital display partner, LG Electronics Hong Kong. Last of all, may I wish this exhibition a resounding success and all of you an enjoyable evening. Thank you very much.