"International Museum Day 2005, Hong Kong" launched in Hong Kong Saturday, with the participation of more than 30 museums and cultural institutions from Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao.

The two-day event, organized by the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), is in support of the International Museum Day, first designated on May 18, 1978, by the International Council of Museums.

People are be able to visit 26 local museums and cultural institutions free of charge and view more than 100 exhibitions. More than 200 programs have been organized for this special event.

A museum panorama with a theme "Museums Bridging Cultures" which contains three main parts -- Theater Program, Interactive Zone and Courtyard Carnival -- is the highlight of the event. It provides visitors with entertaining booth games and a series of educational activities.

Furthermore, booths of 18 museums and cultural institutions from Guangdong Province, Macao and Hong Kong is featured in the Courtyard Carnival. It provides details of individual museums, their characteristics, services and activities.

The "Gems of Museums" held at the Thematic Gallery 3 and 4 at the Heritage Museum, is another highlight. Representative collections selected from more than 10 major local museums are on display, giving visitors a glimpse of diversified collections of local museums.

Other programs for International Museum Day include lectures on the work and functions of museums, demonstrations on art and traditional handicrafts, model making, children's programs, free guided tours and behind-the-scenes tours.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2005)