Museum removes Zhang He ship model

HKers mourn but unable to say goodbye

Hong Kong’s museums have been closed since January due to the coronavirus. In late April, the Hong Kong Science Museum posted on social media that it has removed the model of the Zheng He treasure ship and the pool it was in. But the museum also posted photos of paper wishing boats in the pool next to the ship model before the moment of goodbye.

The museum said they were removing the pool and the ship model, which were located on the second floor, to improve services, and the ship model has fulfilled its purpose. The post said the museum is glad that there were so many memories connected to the exhibit, such as children playing with the water.

Some Hongkongers said they will miss the ship, especially since they cannot go into the museum and have a last look. They even suggested that the ship model should be given to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and displayed there. Others pointed out that old exhibits need to be retired for new ones to come.

(This article is published on Goodies on 18 May 2020)