Special Exhibition
Exhibition Summary
Curated by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM), special exhibition "Across Victoria Harbour," is held from 1 March 2024 to 15 May 2024. Delving into the rich history of Cross-Harbour Vessels such as sampans, ferries, motorboats, as well as cargo vessels like lighters, tugboats, and barges, the exhibition unveils their cultural significance and invites audiences to reconnect with the Harbor, ships, and our collective memories.
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Section 1: The Harbour, the City and the People
Highlighting the development of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon City, and Victoria Harbour from 1842 to the 1930s, featuring the thriving trades and shops on both sides of the coast, and the vital role of sampans in harbor activities.
Section 2: Crossing the Harbour
As the population grew, travels across the harbour also increased. This led to the rise of cross-harbour transportations such as ferries and motorboat, catering to the demand for crossing the Victoria Harbour since late 19th century.
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Section 3: Freight Transport
Traditional lighters were unable to meet the growing demands of cargo shipping after the post-war period. Tugboats and barges become the major vessels to facilitate the efficient movement of goods in Victoria Harbour.
Section 4: Changes in Harbour Voyages
The opening of the Cross-harbour tunnel in the 1972 had a profound impact on passenger ships industry. Walla-Walla was diminished, while other vessels like ferries repositioned as a cultural and tourist experience. Nowadays, modern vessels such as cruises and container ships appear more frequently in Victoria Harbour, bringing a new scenery on the horizon.
 Model of sampan |  Star Ferry Sailor Uniform |  “Walla-Walla” motorboat fare rate chart |  Certificate of Incorporation of motorboat company |  Model of “Walla-Walla’ |
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 Model of tugboat |  Proposal of water taxi |  Tallyclerk's licence |  Local Certificate of Competency (Master) |  Stevedores at the wharf |
Organsier
Exhibition Sponsor
A legacy made by the Choi Family in memory of the late Mr Choi Kim Kwong.
Media Partners
Exhibition Supporting Organizations and Individuals
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Asia Television Ltd.
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Hong Kong & Kowloon Motor Boats & Tug Boats Association Ltd.
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Hong Kong Cargo-Vessel Traders' Association Ltd.
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Hong Kong Public Libraries
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Hongkong Salvage & Towage Services Ltd.
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National Library of Australia
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Po Leung Kuk Museum
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Public Records Office, Government Records Service
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South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd.
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Ta Kung Po (Hong Kong) Ltd.
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The "Star" Ferry Co., Ltd.
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The Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Company Ltd.
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The Marine Department
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The Robert H.N. Ho Family
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The Transport Department
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The University of Hong Kong Libraries
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Ms Chan Lin Mui
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Mr Chan T.C. Peter
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Ms Choi Hoi Shuen Athena
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Mr Choi Kim Lui, JP
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Mr Ko Tim Keung
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Mr Kwok Wai Hung
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Mr Kwok Wai Lung
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Mr Leung Cho Fai
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Mr Leung Fook Chuen
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Mr Leung Kam Ming
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Mr Leung Siu Wing
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Mr Wong Yiu Kwan
Curated by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM), special exhibition "Across Victoria Harbour," will be held from 1 March 2024 to 15 May 2024. Delving into the rich history of Cross-Harbour Vessels such as sampans, ferries, motorboats, as well as cargo vessels like lighters, tugboats, and barges, the exhibition unveils their cultural significance and invites audiences to reconnect with the Harbor, ships, and our collective memories.