1 July 2020 onwards
Long Gallery

2020 is a challenging year for Hong Kong and the rest of the world. We have been contemplating how best to practice social distancing while presenting our maritime heritage, Hong Kong harbour and global shipping stories to the public, in an entertaining yet informative way. With the implementation of a new online exhibition platform, we hope our latest exhibition titled "Return!" will provide you with a safe and enjoyable visitor experience. Visitors can now enjoy our amazing exhibitions both in our museum and anywhere around the world.

We sincerely invite you to view our newly-interpreted exhibitions, “The Dragon and the Eagle” and “The Silver Age”, to gain an in-depth understanding of the stories behind global maritime trade. Visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in these fascinating trading tales and legends with music, artefacts and interesting multimedia campaigns in the Long Gallery.

It's only a quick step from the museum to the online exhibitions! We hope visitors from all walks of life will experience an unforgettable visit, explore their horizons, and always learn something new at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

    • “The Dragon and the Eagle” online exhibition: Click here!
    • “The Silver Age” online exhibition: Click here!

October 2019 onwards, B Deck Underwater World Gallery

Our underwater heritage encompasses the rich cultural relics of humankind. Such heritage, discovered through underwater archaeological investigations, provides testimony to our shared history and the Maritime Silk Routes which Chinese, Arab, Asian and Western traders followed for over 2000 years. 

The term, “die Seidenstraße” (The Silk Routes), was first coined by the German geologist Ferdinand Von Richthofen in 1877. The name was given to the ancient and extensive transcontinental trade network connecting the East and the West. In the second century BCE, the imperial envoy Zhang Qian was dispatched to Central Asia during the time of the Han dynasty. Maritime trade starting from South China towards Central and West Asia was developed and commercial relations between the East and the West began to flourish.  

The spread of culture, decorative style and religious ideas came as a result of centuries of maritime trade between China and the world. The artefacts on display include materials from different cultures such as export ceramics from China and Southeast Asia and gemstones from Southeast and Central Asia. Some relics were even recovered through local underwater archaeological investigations. They all reflect trade development and cultural interactions between China and other countries.

With the generous support of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust for the “Activating Local Records – the Story of High Island (Leung Shuen Wan)” project, as well as the support of the Museum’s Collections Committee and distinguished local collectors, it has been possible for the Museum to present this permanent exhibition about “maritime silk routes”. It covers recent underwater archaeological discoveries and topics related to High Island and the Sai Kung sea, and aims to help visitors to understand Hong Kong’s role in the ancient maritime trade network that stretched across the Pearl Delta River Region, Southern China, Asia and beyond.  

Maritime Routes

Land Routes

The current exhibition “East Meets West: Maritime Silk Routes and Underwater Gallery” is supported by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust.

B5 “The Underwater World” , Sir Yue-Kong Pao Gallery is sponsored by BW Group Limited.

May 2019 onwards, B Deck

The ocean has always played a fundamental role in the development of human civilization. The close relationship between humanity and the ocean is reflected in the growth of early settlements in river valleys during the pre-historic period, the rise of global maritime trade and modern economic developments. At the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, you will learn about many seafaring narratives across different eras and see how Hong Kong is connected to the world via the sea.

The Museum displays more than 1000 objects in 15 themed galleries across three decks. The themes include “China’s Maritime Heritage on C-Deck, “Maritime Cultures and Hong Kong Stories” on B-Deck and “Maritime Technology” on A-Deck. In this showcase, we exhibit some key artefacts that highlight these themes. Enjoy your visit and exploration of maritime history in Hong Kong and beyond.

To find out more about our exhibitions, please click here!