Sunday, March 23, 2008

Hong Kong Museum of History

So this is the first museum that I have ever visited that begins the history of the city in paleolithic era. It's somewhat odd to walk in from the thriving metropolis (even on a Sunday) and start examining fossils and types of rock that have existed in the area for millions of years.

That said, y'all probably know that I dork out for any kind of history, even the arrowheads and "fish salting" procedures. You throw in taxedermied animals and paper puppets and I have found a new home away from home. The History Museum was also strong on creating "sets": a typical home in the 17th century, a pawnbrokers shop, a tea house. They also liked to add soundtracks to their exhibits, which can be heard several exhibits ahead. So while you're examining sandstone, you hear the roars of a tiger (from the Flora and Fauna exhibit) and from Flora and Fauna, you can hear the Dragon Dance, which actually sounds like two girls having a swordfight. It's sort of like when you're waiting in line for a roller coaster and you can hear the people screaming at each loop and bump. Ominous.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Wow, I didn't go to the museum of history, where was that?? That sounds great. Was it big, and in an old colonial building? Like the museum of natural history?