Anchor Plaza

On the 18th of July 2025, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum announced completion of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza, marking a significant milestone for the museum. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust through the chief executive's Community Project List, the plaza is focused around the 36-tonne, 7-metre-high anchor of the Seawise Giant, the largest cargo vessel ever built, symbolising the preservation of Hong Kong's maritime heritage. It also features a walkthrough pavilion with immersive ArtTech displays and interactive screens, providing a new public learning space that showcases the city's maritime cultural heritage.

The plaza's completion indicates that this waterfront space, expected to open to the public in the third quarter of 2025, is now in its final countdown stage.

The museum held a ceremony on Friday, the 18th, and invited Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism; Nicholas Hunsworth, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Richard Hext, Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, to celebrate the event.

Rosanna Law said: "The Hong Kong Maritime Museum has played an integral role in enriching Hong Kong's cultural landscape and fostering international cultural exchange that complements the government's work in a meaningful way. The Anchor Plaza will provide a public learning space, inviting visitors to explore our maritime culture while adding yet another attraction to the waterfront."

Nicholas Hunsworth said: "This waterfront site has been transformed into a unique landmark for both locals and tourists. It will serve as a new focal point to deepen appreciation of our city's maritime legacy. The club's support for the project underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting Hong Kong's cultural heritage."

Museum chairman, Richard Hext, said: "I am delighted to see the successful completion of this project. We are eagerly looking forward to the opening day, when visitors from Hong Kong and around the world can come and appreciate Hong Kong's treasured maritime heritage."

Modern design to interpret maritime history

The plaza, designed by ARTA Architects, reinterprets the significance of maritime history taking a contemporary approach. The design of the pavilion draws inspiration from traditional boat forms, interplaying and echoing with the anchor of the Seawise Giant.

To better showcase the anchor, the designers created a set of wave-inspired concrete steps that not only highlight modern architectural aesthetics but also provide a relaxing space for visitors to gather and enjoy the harbour view. Through the plaza, both the museum and the designers aim to closely connect the people, architecture, maritime heritage, and ocean.

Additionally, a short video played inside the pavilion features two chapters: 'Our Ocean' and 'Development of Vessels'. Through this video, the museum aims to introduce the public to our marine environment, home to over 5,000 species of marine flora and fauna. The video also illustrates the different types of vessels that have been developed with advancements in technology, making it safer to navigate over longer distances. The Seawise Giant and its anchor are also featured in the video. Stepping inside the pavilion allows visitors to journey through different eras alongside Hong Kong's harbour.

About the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as a 2022 Chief Executive's Community Project List. This free access plaza is located on the Hong Kong Island harbourfront, behind Central Piers 9 and 10, and adjacent to the museum. The project is expected to open to the public in the third quarter of 2025.

The plaza will provide a brand-new interactive public learning space to showcase Hong Kong's rich maritime cultural heritage. In addition to displaying the anchor of the Seawise Giant, the plaza will feature a walkthrough pavilion with immersive ArtTech displays and interactive screens, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Hong Kong's marine life and maritime history. The project aims to create a vibrant space for education, entertainment and art. Visitors can not only appreciate Hong Kong's significant maritime cultural heritage but also enjoy an immersive learning experience through the use of art, technology and interactive elements.

About Hong Kong Maritime Museum

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is an independent, non-profit registered charity founded by members of the Hong Kong shipping industry, supported by the business community, individuals and the Hong Kong SAR Government. As a cultural institution, it is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the maritime heritage and contemporary marine environment of Hong Kong and the South China Sea. Rooted in China, but looking to the world, it aims to inspire people's appreciation of their relationship with the sea. By connecting East and West, maritime cultural heritage and sustainable ocean development, it delves into the profound ties between people and the sea. Through our rich exhibitions and educational programs, the HKMM hopes to cultivate public passion and respect for maritime culture and promote the sustainable development of the marine environment.

www.hkmaritimemuseum.org