Nation

HSBC Celebrates 160 Years with a Spectacular Rube Goldberg Machine Installation!

2025-04-21

Author: Wei

A Unique Anniversary Celebration

In a dazzling display of creativity, HSBC is celebrating its 160th anniversary by unveiling an extraordinary Rube Goldberg Machine installation at its iconic Main Building in Hong Kong. This remarkable partnership with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Hong Kong is more than just a tribute; it’s a captivating journey through the bank's rich history.

Kinetic Art Meets Banking Legacy

Local artist Joseph Chan has transformed this concept into an interactive work of art that showcases HSBC's remarkable 160-year legacy through a captivating series of mechanical movements and storytelling. The adventure kicks off with a ball rolling past Thomas Sutherland's desk and the bank’s famed bronze lions, Stephen and Stitt, setting the stage for what’s to come.

A Journey Through Time

As the machine operates, it elegantly transitions to pivotal moments in HSBC's history, including the creation of the iconic hexagonal logo by designer Henry Steiner and the striking illumination of the main building. Visitors will witness the bank's early days in shipping services—a cornerstone of its trade and communication legacy—followed by an engaging timeline of financial innovations, from historical banknotes to the evolution of chequebooks and credit cards.

From Vintage Ads to Digital Revolution

Nostalgia comes alive as viewers watch vintage HSBC commercials on a retro TV. The narrative then leaps into the digital world with the introduction of the mobile banking app, heralding HSBC’s transformation into a modern banking powerhouse.

The Grand Finale with PayMeow

The experience peaks with a showcase of PayMeow, the mascot of the PayMe app, symbolizing the bank's strides in digital innovation. The journey concludes with a piano tribute to the composer of HSBC's theme song, weaving together a tapestry of innovation and tradition.

Art Meets Experience

Chilai Howard, Creative Director at Fuse, expressed, 'We aim to integrate art seamlessly into brand experiences. This installation serves as a dynamic timeline of HSBC’s history, inviting audiences to not just observe but actively engage and explore.' Natalie Yu, Content & Communication Director at OMG Hong Kong, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the power of creativity to tell compelling stories.

A Cultural Must-See

More than a promotional initiative, this installation promises a culturally enriching experience, merging art, history, and technology into one immersive attraction that's bound to leave visitors in awe.

Exciting Video Launches

Accompanying the Rube Goldberg Machine is a 30-second video released on March 4, providing a sneak peek into the marvelous sequence and inviting audiences to delve deeper into HSBC's storied legacy. A more comprehensive version of the experience was shared on April 4.

Beyond the Machine: Additional Installations

Fuse has also collaborated with HSBC on two other stunning projects: a mesmerizing immersive time tunnel that strolls guests through pivotal bank moments, and a grand birthday cake display that visually celebrates the bank's 160th anniversary.