Hong Kong Science Museum 5.09

The Hong Kong Science Museum is a science-themed museum in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, located next to the Hong Kong Museum of History.HistoryThe Hong Kong Science Museum was first conceived by the Urban Council in 1976. The council hired American firm E. Verner Johnson and Associates in 1984 to help plan the museum. Three more design firms were later engaged to work on the exhibits: West Office Design, Toshihiko Sakow Associates, and Levy Design. In 1986, the council hired Hong Kong architecture firm Palmer and Turner to design the museum. It was built by Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited.Construction began in March 1988 and was completed in November 1990. The museum cost HK$340 million. It was officially opened by Governor David Wilson and Urban Council Chairman H.M.G. Forsgate on 18 April 1991.In 2000 the Urban Council was disbanded, and management of the museum became the responsibility of the newly-formed Leisure and Cultural Services Department.ExhibitsThe museum has Cathay Pacific's first DC3 airliner suspended from the ceiling.The most popular exhibition items for children are a computer area, a real (but stationary) car in which visitors can attempt to drive in a driving simulation while avoiding accidents, speeding, and excessive fuel usage, and a small life-sized stationary aircraft with a video of a flight around Hong Kong playing inside the cockpit. Refreshments are provided at a small cafe.