Bringing Chinese heritage to life: Institute of Philanthropy champions digital exhibition created by Palace Museum

 A new thematic exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum invites visitors into a captivating world where traditional Chinese patterns come alive through cutting-edge digital technology.

“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” is exclusively sponsored by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), and presented in partnership with Beijing’s Palace Museum and Hong Kong Palace Museum. The exhibition held its opening ceremony on 13 May and runs until 13 October.

IoP was established as an independent “think-fund-do” tank for China and beyond, through a strategic seed grant from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. The exhibition is also one of the events celebrating the Club’s 140th anniversary.

The exhibition comprises seven immersive spaces showcasing intricate patterns from Chinese architecture, ceramics, and textiles. From mesmerising light displays to interactive design activities, visitors can explore the stories behind each pattern — creating their own animated fish and birds, and gaining a deeper appreciation for China’s rich cultural legacy.

As part of a strategic five-year initiative celebrating the Palace Museum’s centennial and the Club’s 140th anniversary, the involvement of IoP underscores its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, innovation, artistic development, and being part of a pioneering journey into China’s artistic heritage — where the past and future converge in stunning digital harmony.

“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” thematic exhibition talk Yu Zhuang, Deputy Director of the Digital and Information Department of the Palace Museum To complement the exhibition, a thematic exhibition talk “Revitalising the Heritage of Patterns through Digital Technology: The Curatorial Journey of “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” was held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, attracting over 260 members of the public. During the talk, Yu Zhuang, Deputy Director of the Department of IT, Imaging, and Digital Media of the Palace Museum, shared the selection of patterns from the museum’s extensive collection, how digital technology was used to craft immersive environments, and how the design of interactive exhibits challenge traditional viewing boundaries. The lecture showcased the tremendous potential and innovative value of technology in inheriting and promoting China's outstanding traditional culture.