On the invitation of the Palace Museum, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the unveiling ceremony of the Hospital for Conservation, the Palace Museum Learning Centre and the Jianfu Honour Roll of Architectural Conservation Donors at the Palace Museum in Beijing this afternoon (December 29).

     The Hospital for Conservation is the largest science institution on cultural relics conservation in China, and the Palace Museum Learning Centre is an important base for public education at the Palace Museum. The Jianfu Honour Roll of Architectural Conservation Donors was commissioned to acknowledge donations given by individuals and organisations for conservation of palace architecture.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said that heritage conservation, public education and private donations are important elements for museums. She expected that cultural organisations in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority of the HKSAR Government, would develop closer collaboration with the Palace Museum. She also took the opportunity to express gratitude again on behalf of the HKSAR Government to the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) and the Palace Museum for their staunch support for the Hong Kong Palace Museum project.

     This morning, Mrs Lam also called on the Director General of the SACH, Mr Liu Yuzhu. She expressed appreciation to the SACH for its recognition and support over the years for Hong Kong's work in the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings. They also discussed the strengthening of exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland with respect to heritage exhibitions. Upon her arrival in Beijing yesterday (December 28), Mrs Lam visited the Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

     The Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Culture), Dr Louis Ng, has accompanied Mrs Lam throughout the visit. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong this evening.

Ends/Thursday, December 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:28

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