China, Cambodia, India, and Turkey Dazzle in Hong Kong Baptist University’s Unparalleled “Fly Me There” Exhibition at Hong Kong International Airport

Image generated with Ai

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), in collaboration with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), has unveiled the “Fly Me There” exhibition at Hong Kong International Airport. Running from December 18, 2024, to February 15, 2025, this groundbreaking exhibition invites travelers to explore over 40 cultural heritage sites across eight Asian countries, including China, Cambodia, India, and Turkey. Using a 360-degree 3D interactive LED cinema, visitors can embark on a virtual cultural journey through high-resolution panoramic views, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression.

This innovative exhibition is a key outcome of the “Future Cinema Systems: Next-Generation Art Technologies” initiative, supported by funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. The project has been curated by Professor Jeffrey Shaw, Chair Professor of the Academy of Visual Arts and Director of the Visualization Research Centre at HKBU, and Professor Sarah Kenderdine, a faculty member at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland and Visiting Professor at HKBU’s Department of Computer Science. The project also benefited from the expertise of Professor Richard Allen, a distinguished Chair Professor specializing in Film and Media Art at City University of Hong Kong.

The “Fly Me There” exhibition redefines cinematic experiences by combining the realms of digital filmmaking, video gaming, and virtual and augmented reality. This 360-degree LED cinema represents a bold new direction in immersive, interactive storytelling, offering a unique way for audiences to engage with cultural heritage. It underscores the transformative potential of technology in the arts and creative industries while fostering deeper connections with cultural treasures.

The exhibition’s launch event took place on December 18 at Hong Kong International Airport. Distinguished guests included Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Mr. Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations at AAHK; Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer at HKBU; Professor Andreas Kratky, Director of the Academy of Visual Arts; and Professor Jeffrey Shaw.

In his opening remarks, Professor Alex Wai said: “HKBU is dedicated to advancing innovative research, development, and application to foster growth in innovation and technology development, as well as the cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong and across the Nation. The University also aims to enhance its cultural soft power by promoting the development and exchange of art, culture, and creative industries between China and other countries. This initiative further develops Hong Kong into the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and contributes to the flourishing of the tourism industry.”

In his speech, Mr Steven Yiu said: “Airport Authority Hong Kong has been actively investing in integrating technology into the airport, providing a unique and pleasant passenger experience. We are glad to collaborate with Hong Kong Baptist University, City University of Hong Kong and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausannein in Switzerland, making us the first stop for the immersive interactive LED cinema ‘Fly Me There’. Combining technology innovation and art, this cinema offers an immersive visual tour of the magnificent cultural heritage of Mainland China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and other Asian regions to visitors.”

The “Fly Me There” exhibition is hosted at Aisle L, Level 7, Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a massive 360-degree 3D LED screen measuring 7.6 meters in diameter and four meters in height. With an impressive ultra-high resolution of 24 million pixels, the screen delivers a 12K panoramic viewing experience, immersing visitors in stunning visual clarity.

Stepping into this state-of-the-art installation and donning 3D glasses, visitors are transported into the skies, simulating a flight departing from Hong Kong International Airport. They soar above the clouds to explore more than 40 iconic cultural heritage sites across eight countries, including China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey. Highlights include the Lingyin Temple and Yong Dong Tianhou Temple in China, the Ajanta Caves and Chetiyagiri Vihara in India, the Istanbul Chora Church, and the famous hot air ballooning landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey. The immersive experience showcases both the exterior and interior of these historical treasures, offering an unparalleled sense of presence at each site. Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, the exhibition is free for all visitors.

“Fly Me There” is the first public presentation of the “Future Cinema Systems: Next-Generation Art Technologies” project, spearheaded by HKBU in collaboration with EPFL and City University of Hong Kong. Funded by a HK$35.4 million grant from the Innovation and Technology Support Programme under the ITC of the HKSAR Government in 2022, and supported by AAHK, this initiative highlights the convergence of art and advanced technology. The project aims to revolutionize the creative and cultural industries by offering innovative solutions that address the growing demand for interactive, immersive cultural experiences, as well as new possibilities in entertainment and education.