MTR and Palace Museum launch ancient Egyptian journey across the city

MTR Corporation and the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) have partnered in a cross-sector collaboration to launch the thematic experience “T Chai x Pharaoh Cat: A journey into ancient Egypt” (當鐵仔遇上法老貓──古埃及文明奇遇).

Available until the end of August, the experience features MTR’s mascot, “T Chai”, transformed into a pharaoh and joining the HKPM’s beloved “Pharaoh Cat” (法老貓) from the special exhibition “Ancient Egypt unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian museums” (古埃及文明大展——埃及博物館珍藏).

Together, they will appear at nine MTR stations and shopping malls, curating a citywide cultural discovery route. Extending the museum experience into the community, the initiative invites the public on a cultural journey through 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

As the cradle of ancient Egyptian civilization, the Nile was both a lifeline for growth and a key transport route. Inspired by this great river, the campaign connects multiple MTR stations and malls into a cultural discovery trail. By weaving the legendary waterway into the MTR network, it invites the public to travel from stop to stop, uncovering the mysteries and charm of ancient Egypt while promoting cultural tourism.

The thematic experience begins at Hong Kong Station, which has been transformed into an ancient Egyptian temple scene for a limited period from 28 May to 28 June. Guided by 1.4-metre-tall “Pharaoh T Chai” and “Pharaoh Cat”, visitors are led into a themed train compartment and a giant pyramid installation, travelling in an instant from a modern MTR station back to ancient Egypt. An on-site interactive hieroglyph installation also allows participants to convert their names into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, offering a hands-on encounter with the unique charm of ancient Egyptian writing.

Furthermore, “Pharaoh T Chai”, together with “Pharaoh Cat” in different designs inspired by treasured artefacts, will accompany the public on a journey across nine stops, including Hong Kong Station, Admiralty Station, Central Station, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Hung Hom Station, Kowloon Tong Station and Kowloon Bay Station, as well as two MTR malls - ELEMENTS and Maritime Square - linking together to form a citywide cultural discovery route. 

At Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, High Speed Rail’s Captain Go (高鐵隊長) also makes a special appearance in a pharaoh-inspired outfit, joining the majestic Tutankhamun Pharaoh Cat to welcome passengers. Accompanied by Radio Host Ah Jeng’s audio narration, each stop brings to life a cast of themed characters and cultural stories, inviting the public to explore the route, capture moments and discover the connections between ancient Egyptian civilisation and local communities.

To extend the journey and preserve the memories, MTR and the HKPM are jointly launching a range of limited-edition souvenirs that blend ancient Egyptian cultural elements with railway features, making them highly collectible. A key highlight is the “Pharaoh T Chai x Pharaoh Cat” limited-edition gift set, which includes plush key charms of Pharaoh T Chai and Pharaoh Cat, together with decorative accessories such as a train captain name badge and a mosaic-style key charm for added collecting fun. The gift box will be available for public redemption purchase.

Participants can also take part in an “exploration mission” by collecting digital badges via MTR Mobile, while seizing the final opportunity to visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” exhibition.

In addition, MTR is launching a special package that combines admission to the Hong Kong Palace Museum, a round-trip Airport Express ticket, and an Adult Tourist Day Pass, offering visitors an enhanced travel experience. Meanwhile, MTR Mobile members can redeem exhibition tickets for the “Ancient Egypt unveiled” exhibition with MTR Points.

Linda Choy, corporate affairs and branding director of MTR Corporation, said: “MTR is part of people’s everyday journeys and daily lives, connecting communities across the city. We are delighted to collaborate with the Hong Kong Palace Museum to bring the wonders of ancient Egyptian civilisation into the community. When Pharaoh T Chai meets the Pharaoh Cat, this new pairing not only adds fun to every journey, but also encourages the public and visitors to explore different MTR stations and malls along this cultural discovery route, rediscover the mysterious charm of ancient Egyptian civilisation, and bring new colour to their journeys."

Louis Ng, museum director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with MTR Corporation on this joint initiative, which extends the museum’s exhibition experience from the galleries to different corners of the city through MTR’s extensive railway and mall network. Through the imaginative journey of Pharaoh T Chai and Pharaoh Cat, treasured ancient Egyptian artefacts in the exhibition are thoughtfully connected with the stories of communities around various MTR stations and malls, bringing a civilisation spanning millennia closer to local audiences and visitors from around the world.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to MTR Corporation for more information.

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