Every year, museums around the world host International Museum Day (IMD) on or around 18 May, the date originally designated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1978 to celebrate the significant role played by these custodians of knowledge. Since 2001, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has organised an array of extension activities in mid-May every year with the aim of raising public awareness about the roles and functions of museums in society.

Reflecting the theme “Museums and Tourism” chosen by the ICOM this year, more than 30 museums and heritage organisations from Beijing, Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong will join together over the weekend of 16–17 May to present “Museums On the Go: International Museum Day 2009, Hong Kong”. Specially designed to reach out to the public, an eclectic mix of programmes presented in a carnival atmosphere will celebrate our local culture and heritage and showcase Hong Kong’s rich and unique multiculturalism to tourists visiting the city. The highlight of the event is a car parade entitled “Museums On the Go”. Touring the sightseeing attractions and shopping areas on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon and the New Territories, a fleet of parade cars will display the rich offerings of our museums and encourage public participation in art, cultural and museum activities.

The Performance Team of the International Museum Day 2009, Hong Kong