Past Special Exhibitions
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Julius Caesar – Military Genius & Mighty Machines |
| (07-12-2012 to 10-04-2013) |
The Roman Empire is one of the greatest ancient powers in world history. In the heyday of the Roman Empire, its territory was extended to Europe, Asia and Africa. If we travelled back to the time of ancient Rome, we would be astonished by the ingenious design and creativity of Julius Caesar and the ancient Romans. They applied basic scientific principles to develop many war machines for attack and defence, large machinery and construct magnificent structures. Nowadays, we still apply those knowledge and technology that inherited from this great empire in our daily lives. Due to the ravages of time, very few pieces of Roman technology and machinery have survived in their entirety, as a majority of the materials used such as regional timber, ropes, canvas and primitive metals have deteriorated significantly since the golden age of the Roman Empire nearly 2,000 years ago. Divided into four zones including "Military Genius", "All Roads Lead to Rome", "Building Rome" and "Entertainment and Lifestyle", this exhibition is the lifetime work of three generations of expert Italian Artisans who specialised in the reconstruction of the ancient and lost technology of the world. Reconstructing the ancient and lost technology using the same materials and techniques that the Romans used thousands of years ago gives us the opportunity to use and interact with some of these incredible inventions and machines, which is a wonderful way to understand how they function, and provides all visitors with a truly unique way of experiencing ancient history and the marvellous technology of the Romans. Exhibition is created by The Artisans of Florence – NICCOLAI TEKNOART S.N.C. (Firenze) |
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Brain and Cognition Exhibition |
| (02-06-2012 to 28-11-2012) |
The human brain is a highly complex organ comprising hundred billions of neurons. It is the core of our nervous system that regulates and integrates a wide range of functions, and serves as the centre of all our physiological and psychological developments and their coordination. For a very long time in history, we had only little knowledge about how our brain worked. Thanks to the advancement of science and technology, in particular, brain scanning and imaging technologies, scientists have begun to understand the functions and mechanisms of various brain regions in respect of human cognition. Through a giant brain model, graphic panels and some interactive games, the exhibition introduces interesting aspects about the structure and functions of human brain, and depicts disorders caused by impairment of neural transmission such as cognitive impairment, aphasia, dyslexia, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. This may enable us to have a better understanding of such disorders and the needs of the patients. Organisers: Leisure and Cultural Services Department and The Hong Kong Brain Foundation Supporting Organisations: Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Hong Kong Association For AD/HD; Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society; Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association - Neurology Specialty Group; Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Neurological Society; Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Hong Kong; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University |
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Creatures of the Abyss |
| (29-06-2012 to 17-10-2012) |
The ocean provides more than 99% of the space available for living things on the planet, but only 3% or so of such space has been explored. Scientists will discover new species almost every time they visit the deep ocean. "Creatures of the Abyss" exhibition will take audiences on a journey to the most inaccessible ecosystem on Earth – the deep ocean. The marine world is far more wonderful and mysterious beyond a human's imagination. Inhabiting in this vast underwater environment are a wide range of organisms, many of which are countless in quantity. However, we know very little about them. It is home to some of the strangest creatures living under some of the most inhospitable conditions on the planet. In this cold and dark environment, the communication of many animals takes place through light emission of their bodies, and no terrestrial creatures can withstand the enormous water pressure there. The exhibition features about forty exhibits including full-scale models of marine life, mechanical interactive exhibits, multimedia programmes, full-image graphic panels with text and maps. All these will enable visitors to discover and learn about both the physical environment of the deep sea and the fascinating creatures that inhabit there. The arrangement of presentation leads visitors to travel down into the depths of the ocean, traverse the vast seafloor, climb up seamounts, and enter into undersea canyons and hydrothermal vents. It is an awe-inspiring glimpse of a vast and mysterious world in the deepest parts of the ocean and where extraordinary strange creatures reside. It is easy to think of someone being entangled by the tentacles of a colossal squid when you see the life-size model of this largest known species of squid! Inside the Bioluminescence Theatre, you will learn how some creatures of the abyss produce fantastic, colourful light shows for communication purposes in complete darkness! "Creatures of the Abyss" beckons you to explore the ocean environment that is totally beyond our imagination! The exhibition is a production of Science North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada |
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Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Docking Mission |
| (12-08-2012 to 26-08-2012) |
China launched Shenzhou-9 on 16 June 2012 and taking three astronauts into orbit. The crew stayed in space for 13 days and carried out manual docking and a range of scientific experiments. This is a major breakthrough for the Chinese Manned Space Engineering. The successful docking of Shenzhou-9 and Tiangong-1 is a critical step towards the goal of building a space station. To celebrate the China's first manned space docking mission delegation visits Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science Museum specially organises this exhibition, allowing the public to know and understand the achievements of China manned space technology and the importance of Shenzhou-9 mission. This exhibition features numerous exhibits including the Shenzhou-9 re-entry module, spacesuit, bicycle ergometer, more than 100 amazing photos in relation to this mission and a holograph projection of Tiangong-1 specifically produced for this exhibition. All the exhibits demonstrate the elevating standards of China's aerospace technology and shows how China has been contributing to men's determined operation to explore the outerspace. Organised by: Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government China Manned Space Engineering Office In association with: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation China Astronaut Research and Training Center Solely sponsored by: Chen Ningning Culture Fund Company Limited |
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I Love Lyuba: Baby Mammoth of the Ice Age Exhibition |
| (14-05-2012 to 10-06-2012) |
The "I Love Lyuba: Baby Mammoth of the Ice Age" exhibition showcases the world's most well-preserved baby mammoth, Lyuba, which is having her first official public exhibition in Asia. The exhibition depicts how scientists explore the ecology and behavior of mammoths through studying Lyuba. Other exhibition elements include: several rare pieces of long-extinct Ice Age mammal skulls, interactive games, precious audio-visual programmes that inspire the public to discover more about the mysteries of the prehistoric Ice Age. This exhibition has received overwhelming response from the public at ifc mall, and by moving it to the Hong Kong Science Museum for exhibition, enabling the public more opportunity to visit this lovable baby mammoth. The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum with the support from ifc mall, Henderson Land Development Company Limited and Sun Hung Kai Properties. |
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It's a Tasty World - Food Science Now! |
| (14-10-2011 to 01-02-2012) |
As an old Chinese saying goes, "People is of the utmost importance to an emperor, and food the common people". Since ancient times, humans have been paying much attention to food and drink, and that have revolved around various kinds of human activities such as family gatherings, leisure and entertainment. As food culture is integral to all human societies, we can even learn about a country's history, livelihood, customs, geographical environment and climate, etc. from it. Despite our quick pace of living in modern cities, we do not just eat to satisfy our hunger. We also take into account the nutritional value, production processes and safety of food as well as the effects of food on our body. Are you interested in knowing how instant noodles are made? Japanese food is the favourite of many Hong Kong people, but how much do you know about the food culture of Japan? How can we take advantage of technological advancement to eat fresh tuna sashimi? What are the secrets of delicious chocolate? Are food additives really harmful? Come to visit the "It's a Tasty World - Food Science Now" Exhibition and you will find the answers. It is not something just about eating. It is memorable for visitors because of its rich and interesting contents. More than 60 exhibits of the exhibition will, from a scientific perspective, introduce how humans taste delicious food; describe the production processes of packaging foods; explain various methods of food preservation; demonstrate the recycling of food waste; and think seriously about food crisis and food in the future. We hope, through this exhibition, the public may have a better understanding of food science, and that some fallacies about food are clarified. Hopefully, we may eat happier with ease out of better knowledge. As food is indispensable to us and we must eat for survival every day, it deserves our respect and value, no matter what food it is and what appearance it has. So please remember the "delicious moments"! The exhibition is produced and supplied by the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Japan |
