Hong Kong will open many of its museums free of charge on May 15-16 in celebration of the International Museum Day 2010, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Saturday.

All museums under the Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and other participating local museums will allow free admission on May 15-16, according to a news release issued by the Information Service Department of the HKSAR.

Thirty-two cultural institutes will join the museums' open days on May 15 and May 16, including the Hong Kong Museum of History and its branches, Hong Kong Museum of Art and its branch, and Hong Kong Heritage Museum and its branches.

Museums for Social Harmony is the theme of this year's International Museum Day around May 18 and people will be encouraged to visit the venues to foster goodwill, enhance peaceful coexistence and help build a harmonious society.

A variety of educational programs and activities will be conducted by various museums. Highlights include "Ethnictricity", the first ever stand-up "dramedy", and a Fun Cultures Bazaar to be held by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum on May 16.