Virtually Versailles set for HK

Hongkongers will be able to immerse themselves in the four-century-old Palace of Versailles - albeit virtually - during next year's French May arts festival.

France's new consul general in Hong Kong, Christile Drulhe, who took office two months ago, told The Standard she aims to "relaunch relations" between her country and the SAR by boosting cultural and scientific exchanges.

And the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence built by King Louis XIV, is one of the world's most popular tourist attractions, being noted among other splendors for its Hall of Mirrors - there are 357 of them.

In a preview of the consulate's annual flagship French May next year, Drulhe said French artists and academics have been invited to fly to Hong Kong in one of the largest arts events in Asia.

In that event, the Virtually Versailles exhibition - an immersive sound and light art display - will make visitors feel like they are in the historic French palace. It is being held from April to May at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the palace thanks to new digital technologies, said Drulhe, who added that it will be the highlight of French May.

French luxury brand Cartier will also present its latest designs and products at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in another festival feature.

Although the arts event has been held in Hong Kong despite Covid, some performances and lectures had to feature online due to pandemic curbs. "We are very proud French May could take place even during the pandemic," Druhle said. "Of course, some events were restricted.

"Since Hong Kong is reopening, for next year we will be able to give a new dimension to French May. We will organize another major exhibition about masterpieces from France."

Indeed, said Drulhe, "France's expertise in arts and culture can significantly contribute to Hong Kong's ambition to become a new hub in arts and culture, and our cultural institutions are happy to develop exchanges.

"For example, the Louvre Museum is presenting a number of masterpieces at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the framework of an exhibition they have organized for the opening of the museum."

Meanwhile, the consulate is hosting the French Science Festival and Digital November to showcase the latest technological developments in France.

High-level conferences between top French and Hong Kong researchers have already been held, Druhle noted, and there have been exhibitions and workshops on environmental protection and micro-plastics.

Many French start-ups focusing on innovative technologies have arrived in Hong Kong and are based in Cyberport, she added.

"France is a start-up nation and a digital republic, so our companies have a lot to offer in the innovation sector."

Druhle also pointed to French companies based in Hong Kong participating in the ICT Expo, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to showcase information and communications technology firms from around the world.

And more French companies and start-ups will participate in the next edition of the Expo in April next year.

Drulhe also said there is a potential to further develop two-way investment between France and Hong Kong, adding that France has for several years been regarded as "the most attractive country for investment in Europe."

On that, she said, Hong Kong businesses may consider investing in smart, innovative and sustainable industries in France.

Helping establish academic exchanges between Hong Kong and French universities is also one of the consulate's priorities, Drulhe said. "Our consulate offers various scholarships to help students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, who wish to study in France," she said.

She added that an ability to speak French is not essential to study in France as there are many programs taught in English.

There is also "big potential" to explore more cooperation between France and Hong Kong in various areas, Druhle said, including the health care sector.

Many French health-related businesses are located in Hong Kong, she said, including some that have been in the SAR for more than 20 years.

And some had been happy to offer expertise to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some companies are also working on their own scientific research programs, including cancer studies.