For many centuries, Europeans travelled the world and the seas in search of spices. These rare plants were used for cooking and food preservation, as well as in medicines, cosmetics, and perfumes. As desirable as gold, these goods motivated numerous explorers to leave for parts unknown.

Botanists soon followed in their footsteps with the aim of identifying and collecting various plants. Besides spices, they discovered many new species of exotic woods, trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The “Indies” and China became their favourite hunting grounds. Slowly, the treasures they amassed there found their way to the West, where they acclimated to new environments in royal palaces like Versailles, as well as private residences and botanical gardens.

Speaker: Dr Estelle Niklès van Osselt, Curator, Hong Kong Palace Museum Moderator: Dr. Isabelle Frank, Consulting Curator, Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, City University of Hong Kong

Language: English  

Free admission. Limited capacity on a first-come, first-served basis.   *On-site participants must follow the anti-pandemic measures and arrangements by the Organiser. The arrangement of activity is possible to be changed in light of COVID-19 and government measures. Please stay tuned with our official page for latest notice.

*The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Outreach and Arts Education Programme is supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust