On May 13, 2025, the opening ceremony for “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” was held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM). The exhibition is jointly organized by the Palace Museum and the HKPM, and exclusively sponsored by the Institute of Philanthropy. Among the distinguished guests attending the ceremony were Luo Xianliang, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and deputy director of the Palace Museum, Leo Kung, chairman of the HKPM Board, Ann Kung Yeung Yun Chi, trustee of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and vice chairwoman of the Institute of Philanthropy, Betty Fung, chief executive officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and Dr. Louis Ng, director of the HKPM.

This exhibition marks the first digital exhibition jointly organized by the Palace Museum and the HKPM. Themed around “patterns” and grounded in the concept of “immersion,” the exhibition draws traditional patterns from the Palace Museum’s architecture, ceramics, and embroidered textiles, reimaging them through cutting-edge digital technology, presenting both the cultural significance behind these traditional motifs and their contemporary artistic interpretations.

The exhibition seeks to showcase the beauty of traditional Chinese culture through the use of digital technology. It invites audiences to explore the charm of this culture from a new perspective and to witness the rebirth of traditional patterns in the digital age. Through dynamic lighting and shifting forms, auspicious motifs rich in cultural connotations, such as bat-and-peach symbols, sea-and-dragon designs, and intertwining lotus patterns, are brought to life with renewed vibrancy. Visitors may feel as if they were stepping into a dreamlike landscape constructed entirely of traditional patterns.

“The Institute of Philanthropy is committed to advancing the exchange and development of charitable endeavors nationally and globally. This exhibition represents a key milestone in our five-year cooperation plan with the Palace Museum. The initiative aims to promote fine traditional Chinese culture, nurture talent in arts technology, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a hub for international cultural exchange. The timing makes this event especially meaningful, as it coincides with both the Palace Museum’s centennial celebration and the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 140th anniversary;” said Ann Kung Yeung Yun Chi.

Luo Xianliang expressed that the inaugural joint digital exhibition between the Palace Museum and the HKPM reflects their shared commitment to showcasing Chinese cultural treasures to audiences worldwide and promoting mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. He is eager to leverage digital technology to advance traditional culture in a global context.

Leo Kung said that traditional Chinese patterns are known for their enduring vibrancy and charm. “The Ways in Patterns” breathes life into the static motifs found in artifacts and architecture through technology, guiding audiences from around the world into an immersive world of elegance within traditional Chinese aesthetics. “The Ways in Patterns” is the third exhibition co-organised by the HKPM and the Palace Museum this year. The HKPM will continue to work with the Palace Museum to promote and preserve China’s rich cultural heritage through innovative curatorial approaches, further leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role in international art and cultural exchange.

Last May, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Institute of Philanthropy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation with the Palace Museum. Titled “Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong,” the MOU outlines the Institute of Philanthropy’s commitment to promoting Chinese culture and values across Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and globally. It also supports initiatives aimed at developing talent in the art technology and cultural sectors. The exhibition is a key initiative under the collaboration, offering Hong Kong citizens and visitors an intimate opportunity to experience the Palace Museum culture while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” will open to the public in Gallery 7 of the HKPM on May 14 and run through October 13, 2025.