Hong Kong Museum of History

About the museum & collection

The Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH) is a public platform for learning and enjoyment, dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, interpreting and exhibiting the history of Hong Kong and South China. Its holdings include more than 170,000 items spanning ethnography, local history, early Chinese photography, coastal defence and military history, and more. 

In late 2020, the permanent exhibition was closed for renovation. The museum notes, “As our museum collections continue to expand, and breakthroughs are made in innovative display techniques, it is important for the permanent exhibition to move with the times.” Meyvaert was contracted to supply specialised showcases that support this ambition.

Project challenges & requirements

Our scope included the design, production and installation of 234 custom cases across the refurbished galleries. The brief required 126 freestanding cases, 39 wall cases, 45 table cases, and 24 fully bespoke cases, each integrated into a large-scale exhibition architecture.

Conservation performance sat at the heart of the assignment: airtightness was critical and formally verified through a programme of air exchange rate (AER) testing. At the same time, installation had to be executed in a live construction environment, with showcase works proceeding alongside the fit out works. Daily, close coordination across the client team, designer and fit-out contractor kept the programme on track and maintained quality. 

Display case solutions & results

Object-centric by design, each case balances presentation with the preservation and protection of the collection. To meet the museum’s conservation goals in Hong Kong’s humid climate, most cases were equipped with silica gel compartments; some cases combined passive solutions with fan assisted systems and, for the most sensitive objects, active climate control. We backed this up with thorough testing: prototype tests by Meyvaert and on site AER tests by an external company gave the client documented assurance of airtightness across representative case types.

Visually, the gallery integrates hardwood finishes with Corian details and plinths. Highlights include a bespoke Z‑shaped case, ceiling mirrors and cantilevered glass shelves, all requiring daily coordination with the fit‑out to ensure seamless junctions where showcases meet set‑works. Meyvaert also developed an innovative single-pivot opening that offers both a slim design and ease of use.

The dedicated effort of our Meyvaert teams, combined with close collaboration with the client and other contractors resulted in a coherent, well-coordinated exhibition ready to “move with the times” while protecting the collection for the long term.