Joanna James
The artistic side of Hong Kong often goes unnoticed in light of its more glamorous attractions. However, the city is home to many spaces showcasing the best of culture and human talent.
One of a kind, the Hong Kong Museum of Art was established in 1962. Over the years, the museum has accumulated a wealth of artworks, spanning four subject areas: antiquities, painting and calligraphy, trade art, and modern art. As of now, the museum houses over 17,000 pieces of artwork. It often hosts international displays of art, with a mix of rotating collections and permanent ones, so there’s always something new to discover.
Focusing on the study of Chinese art and culture, the Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaboration between the Palace Museum and the West Kowloon Cultural District. It opened in 2022 as an effort to promote Chinese art and culture. Currently, there is a display of 900 pieces loaned by the Palace Museum, many of which are being exhibited in Hong Kong for the first time. The museum has several galleries focusing on the Forbidden City, Chinese art, culture, and world civilisations. As you can imagine, it’s a fun and intriguing visit. The experience is sure to be educational and thought-provoking too. From a hotel in Mongkok, Hong Kong, you can get to the museum in no time. For example, the museum is only 10 minutes from Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong.
It’s a unique cultural landmark in Tsim Sha Tsui. K11 MUSEA is a shopping mall, but there’s more to it. It’s branded as a museum retail space. What does that mean? While selling international retail brands, the mall also hosts various interactive art exhibitions. During your shopping expedition, you’re sure to come across various art installations, which isn’t something you would see in a typical shopping mall. The design of the mall itself is a work of art, with green walls and a rooftop garden offering stunning views of the harbour.
This is Asia's first global museum focusing on contemporary visual art. Opened in 2021, M+ is a new addition to Hong Kong’s art scene, but it has already become one of the most popular landmarks in the city. What will you find here? An extensive collection of pieces emphasising art, design, architecture, and moving images. The building is an attraction in itself, with its LED facade and galleries. The collection includes no fewer than 8,000 pieces. What’s more, the museum hosts talk shows, screenings, and various educational programmes throughout the year as well.
In its heyday, Chinese opera was a form of art that drew large crowds, but its appeal has somewhat dimmed in recent times. However, Xiqu Centre is aiming to restore Cantonese opera to its rightful place in the art world. Opened in 2019, its exceptional design, inspired by Chinese lanterns, champions both Chinese culture and modern architecture. The Grand Theatre can accommodate over 1,000 guests, while the Tea House Theatre is reserved for more intimate, small-scale performances. The centre is busy throughout the year hosting Cantonese opera, and there are also exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours.
A lively and dynamic space located within Central Hong Kong, Tai Kwun is a revitalised compound where art and colonial-style architecture thrive. There are a total of 16 buildings, including the Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison. The coming together of historic architecture and modern design is truly amazing to see. There’s also always something happening here. Visit at any time, and you’ll find an exhibition exploring Hong Kong’s colonial-era law and order. Meanwhile, art galleries host theatre, art, and live music. Spread across the complex are restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, so you can mix in a bit of retail therapy and dining with the experience too.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
