MTR joins hands with HK Palace Museum to bring Egyptian civilization into communities

The beloved "Pharaoh Cat" from the Hong Kong Palace Museum's (HKPM) "Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums" exhibition is making its way into the daily lives of people in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Teaming up with MTR's mascot T Chai, who has dressed as a pharaoh, the adorable pair is delighting commuters at specially designed check-in spots throughout the city.

Titled "T Chai x Pharaoh Cat — A Journey into Ancient Egypt," this collaboration is a cross-community cultural exhibition launched by MTR Corp. and the HKPM. Running from May 28 until the end of August 2026, the event features a unique cultural exploration route spanning nine major MTR stations and shopping malls in Hong Kong, as well as key Metro stations in Shenzhen.

In ancient Egyptian civilization, the Nile was not only the cradle of life but also the vital transport artery connecting different regions. Drawing inspiration from this, the organizers have mapped out a cultural route that reimagines the MTR and shopping mall networks as a modern-day "river networks." This initiative bridges daily commutes with the mystical charm of ancient Egypt, effectively promoting a new wave of cultural tourism.

The launch ceremony of "T Chai x Pharaoh Cat — A Journey into Ancient Egypt" was officiated May 28 at Hong Kong Station by Dr. Louis Ng Chi-wa (L), Museum Director of the HKPM, and Linda Choy Siu-min, Corporate Affairs and Branding Director of MTR Corporation. Photos courtesy of the organizers

The official launch ceremony was held May 28 at the Hong Kong Station, the flagship stop of the exhibition. The event was officiated by Dr. Louis Ng Chi-wa, director of the HKPM, and Linda Choy Siu-min, corporate affairs and branding director of MTR Corp. They were joined by esteemed guests, including Ms. Joyce Ho, deputy chief executive officer (corporate development) of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and well-known radio host Bonnie Wong Ching-yi (Ah Jeng).

A visitor takes a selfie with T Chai and Pharaoh Cat installations in Hong Kong Station.

Serving as the voyage's starting point (with its installation running through June 28), the Hong Kong Station has been transformed into a pop-up ancient Egyptian temple. Guided by 1.4-meter-tall installations of "T Chai" and "Pharaoh Cat," commuters can immerse themselves in a themed train carriage and a pyramid installation. Visitors are also invited to engage with a multimedia interactive screen that translates their names into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs (Hieratic script), offering a hands-on experience with one of history's most unique writing systems.  

Guests take a photo at a themed train carriage during the launch ceremony.

The cultural exploration route winds through high-traffic transit hubs, each featuring a unique "Pharaoh Cat" character inspired by genuine historical artifacts. The Hong Kong, Central, Kowloon Bay, and Kowloon Tong stations feature immersive storytelling across pillars, seating areas, and walls.

Visitors can also engage with a multimedia interactive screen to convert their names into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs (Hieratic script).

The Admiralty Station hosts the protective and fertile "Ancient Egyptian Hippo Cat" until June 28. At the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, "HSR Captain T Chai" dons a dashing pharaoh outfit alongside a regal "Tutankhamun Pharaoh Cat" to greet cross-border travelers. The Hung Hom Station showcases the rhythmic "Bastet Cat Goddess" within the "Station Rail Rendezvous" exhibition hall.

Meanwhile, the premium lifestyle mall ELEMENTS features a playful, beer-and-bread-loving cat, and the family-and-pet-friendly Maritime Square showcases a warm, heart-gesturing cat inspired by ancient pottery motifs.

To make the journey even more immersive, radio DJ Ah Jeng has provided an energetic audio guide for the stations, enabling the public to uncover the historical stories behind the characters and their connection to local community heritage.

To engage cross-border travelers and mainland residents, MTR Corp. has extended the campaign into Shenzhen. Eye-catching themed installations and photo-taking spots have been set up at the Mission Hills Station on Metro Line 4 and the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Station on Metro Line 13 — two lines operated by MTR Corp..  

Linda Choy said that MTR Corp. is an integral part of the daily commute and lifestyle of Hong Kong residents. She expressed her delight in teaming up with the HKPM to bring ancient Egyptian civilization directly into local communities. She believes this creative partnership between "T Chai" and the "Pharaoh Cat" will enrich the commuting experience, encourage exploration across the railway and mall networks, and inspire the public to unravel the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Dr. Louis Ng added that the HKPM is pleased to join forces with MTR Corp. for this cross-over event, extending the exhibition experience beyond the museum walls and into every corner of the city via MTR Corp.'s extensive network.

"Through this collaboration, millennia-old cultural stories are seamlessly woven into the fabric of our local communities," he said.

He extended his sincere gratitude to MTR Corp. for activating multiple stations, shopping malls, and Shenzhen Metro's lines 4 and 13. Ng warmly invited the public to complete this unique exploration route before visiting the museum to experience the splendid Egyptian civilization in person.

The “T Chai x Pharaoh Cat” Gift Box includes plush hangings, a train captain nametag, and mosaic-style clasps.

To commemorate the event, MTR Corp. and the HKPM have launched exclusive, limited-edition merchandise that blends ancient Egyptian motifs with distinct railway elements. The "T Chai x Pharaoh Cat" gift box is available for redemption from May 29 to June 28 via the MTR Mobile app.

Users, who collect four or more digital badges by scanning QR codes at various exhibition spots and follow the social media platforms of both MTR Corp. and HKPM, can purchase the set for HK$288. The gift box includes plush hangings, a train captain nametag, and mosaic-style clasps.

Limited-edition transparent fans feature the faces of Pharaoh Cat, T Chai, and Pharaoh HSR Captain.

Additionally, limited-edition transparent fans featuring the faces of Pharaoh Cat, T Chai, and the Pharaoh HSR Captain are available for commuters who meet specific electronic spending requirements at designated shops at the Hong Kong Station or the West Kowloon Station.

From May 28 to Aug. 31, tourists can purchase upgraded travel packages through Fliggy and Ctrip. These bundles combine HKPM admission tickets with either Airport Express round-trip tickets (between the airport and the Kowloon Station) or an Adult Tourist Day Pass, offering discounts of up to 22%. Each package also includes a HK$100 ELEMENTS dining voucher.

Additionally, MTR Mobile members can use MTR Points to redeem HKPM exhibition tickets. From May 29 to July 31, citizens can register or renew their "Friends of HKPM" membership at the Hong Kong Station or the Maritime Square. New members will receive a special-edition plush hanger or a Pharaoh Cat luggage tag alongside an exclusive guided tour of the exhibition.

The Maritime Square will also host a weekend pop-up boutique selling popular HKPM cultural products like blind boxes, postcards, and folders.  

The "Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums" exhibition is entering its final stretch at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, running until August 31, 2026. Jointly organized with the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, it is Hong Kong's largest and most comprehensive Egyptian exhibition to date, having already welcomed more than 430,000 visitors, according to the museum.

The exhibition features 250 spectacular treasures from seven major Egyptian museums and the Saqqara archaeological site, including legendary mummified coffins, animal mummies, statues, stelae, and stunning gold ornaments.

Commuters are encouraged to follow the MTR cultural route and top off their journey with a visit to the museum for an unforgettable look at 5,000 years of history.