International Museum Day 2008 opened today with the launch of a two-day Museum Panorama carnival.

Officiating at the opening, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau said people should learn more about their living environment, including the customs, culture and history of a place and new technological developments, to keep up with the pace of change and enjoy their lives.

"Museums should enhance their services and bring the educational function into full play to satisfy the needs of society," she said.

The panorama will open from 10am to 6pm today and tomorrow in the Cultural Centre Piazza providing entertaining booth games and educational activities. More than 80 illustrated catalogues and books published by Leisure & Cultural Services Department museums, along with more than 40 souvenir items, will be on sale.

Souvenirs will be given to those who buy a museum yearly pass this month. Educational and entertaining programmes will also be organised at different museums during the month.

For more programme details, click here or call 2724 9042.