Hong Kong plans to replace science museum with new one focusing on national development

Hong Kong plans to relocate its science museum to Sha Tin and use the site in Tsim Sha Tsui East as well as nearby expansion areas to build a new museum to showcase the development and achievements of China. 

The latest details were revealed in a document tabled to the Legislative Council by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau on Wednesday. 

This came as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in his policy address that the government will set up two museums to introduce national development and war history as part of authorities’ plan to further promote patriotism education. 

The bureau hopes the museum of national development and achievements can sit in the heart of town center to facilitate convenient visits for citizens, students and tourists. 

As the museum will need more room to cover different content, the bureau plans to build the museum at the site of the Hong Kong Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui East, as well as expansion areas near the science museum and the Hong Kong Museum of History. 

The bureau said its proposal can help shorten the overall construction time required. If the proposal obtains approval, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will amend the content and the budget for the pre-construction work and submit the information to LegCo for vetting. 

The bureau also suggests rebuilding the science museum at the current site of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin, saying this can provide more area for development in the future. 

The bureau said the new museum will introduce national development and achievements through ways that allow teenagers to understand and accept easier, with a view to strengthen recognition towards China. 

The content will include Chinese history, such as foreign invasion and soldiers’ “fierceless resistance”, the development of the Chinese Communist Party, the establishment of the new China, the economic reform, sports achievements and aerospace technological advancements, etc. 

The government will also cooperate with Chinese museums to organize themed exhibitions and borrow their exhibits for display. 

As for the second new museum, Lee had earlier said that the existing Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence into the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence next year.