As the sole host of Art Basel in Asia, Hong Kong has solidified its position as among the most significant art trading and cultural arts hubs emerging in the art world. As such, overseas artists often hold art exhibitions in the city, along with the local art scene also budding. Here are the best art exhibits in Hong Kong we recommend you visit, ranging from virtual reality and interactive to thematic and graffiti displays.
Naked Flowers
The renowned Naked Flowers interactive exhibition will be on view in Hong Kong for the first time, giving visitors the chance to participate in a multisensory experience where they can “learn the secrets of flowers”. There will be eight flower-themed digital art rooms, which include a life-size book and a cherry tree-centric room with projection mapping, a flower path with scattered petals, and a kaleidoscope-like space with mirrors.
When: April 27-October 27, 2024
Where: G17B & Basement, 1881 Heritage, 2A, East Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tickets: From HK$120. Buy tickets on Trip.com.
Love in the Light
This light art exhibition takes visitors to the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex on a journey through time. The display will see the historic arched verandahs of the Old Mental Hospital lit up in an array of colours every day, in time to music. Visitors can also stroll under the arches accompanied by cartoon versions of the famed shop cats of Sai Ying Pun, courtesy augmented reality.
When: 6pm-10pm, May 22-May 21, 2025
Where: Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
Tickets: Free admission
Harmony of Rites and Music: Exploring the Qilu Culture through Shandong Relics
As part of this exhibition, there are 60 sets (about 200 items) of fine artefacts from Shandong on display for the first time in Hong Kong. Highlight exhibits include the “eggshell black pottery high stem cup with perforations” that represents the pinnacle of Chinese prehistoric pottery craftsmanship, and the “white pottery tripod ‘he’ wine vessel” solely used by nobles in the Neolithic period. There are also significant artefacts unearthed in Hong Kong on display, such as a yazhang-tablet and stone yue-axe.
When: May 28-October 6, 2024
Where: Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tickets: Free admission
I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture
This is the first major retrospective of Ieoh Ming Pei that properly appraises the work of one of the greatest architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. Pei’s high-profile projects were realised over seven decades and include the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, D.C., the modernisation of the Grand Louvre in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. The exhibition takes an expanded and closer look at Pei’s practice through six themes representing areas of focus and approaches throughout his career.
When: June 29, 2024-January 5, 2025
Where: West Gallery, M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon
Tickets: HK$160. Buy tickets on Klook
Brilliance: Ming Dynasty Ceramic Treasures from the Palace Museum, 1368–1644
Celebrate the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s second anniversary with the exciting new exhibition “Brilliance: Ming Dynasty Ceramic Treasures from the Palace Museum, 1368–1644,” running from July 10. This event features 106 stunning Ming dynasty ceramics, including 21 national treasures, plus 7 from the museum’s collection. Take a look at the artistry and history of Ming porcelain, with pieces displayed in Hong Kong for the first time.
When: From July 10, 2024
Where: Gallery 3, Hong Kong Palace Museum, West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon
Tickets: Visitors can access this exhibition with a General Admission ticket (admission to Galleries 1 to 7) or a Special Exhibition ticket (admission to Galleries 1 to 7 and to Gallery 8 and/or Gallery 9). Buy tickets on Klook
MR. FRIENDLY “LOVE ART PEACE” Touring Exhibition
AIRSIDE is celebrating its 1st anniversary with the MR. FRIENDLY “LOVE ART PEACE” Touring Exhibition, running from August 29 to October 1! Just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, the adorable Japanese social character MR. FRIENDLY will spread joy and friendship through a curated art exhibition. The exhibition will debut 55 rare art pieces, along with 5-meter-tall MR. FRIENDLY and Moon installations, as well as various graphic displays.
When: August 29-October 1, 2024
Where: AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak
Tickets: Free admission. Stay tuned on AIRSIDE website for more updates
The Love – Kong Ning Solo Exhibition
“The Love”, a solo exhibition by legendary artist Kong Ning, opens at Muse Garden from August 31 to October 12, marking her Hong Kong debut. The exhibition features seven iconic oil paintings and video documentation of her performance art, which transform personal experiences into a diverse artistic language that resonates with humanity. Kong Ning’s works simulate the senses and inspire contemplation, probing life’s essence and illuminating love as an ethical imperative.
When: August 31-October 12, 2024
Where: Muse Garden, H506-507, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Tickets: Free admission. Visit Muse Garden’s website for more updates
A.A.Murakami: Floating World
Opening on August 31, 2024, A.A.Murakami: Floating World showcases two large-scale immersive installations by the artist duo A.A.Murakami at M+. This exhibition explores the connection between physical and digital realms, featuring “Beyond the Horizon,” with floating bubbles symbolizing life’s transience, and “The Passage of Ra,” where fog rings transition into a digital landscape. Visitors will experience a unique blend of art and technology, prompting reflection on reality and existence.
When: August 31-February 2, 2025
Where: Muse Garden, H506-507, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Tickets: Free admission. Visit M+’s website for more updates
Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination
M+ in Hong Kong is gearing up for an exciting fashion showcase, opening on September 21. This major exhibition is the first in East Asia dedicated to Guo Pei, the Chinese haute couture designer known for her continuous haute couture collections in Paris. One of her most famous pieces is Rihanna’s “Yellow Empress” dress from the 2015 Met Gala, which brought the designer international fame. The exhibition will feature over forty stunning haute couture pieces, diving into her imaginative world of beautiful Eastern and Western influences.
When: From September 21, 2024
Where: M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon
Tickets: Special Exhibition ticket is priced at HKD 160 for adults and HKD 80 for visitors eligible for concessions. Buy tickets on Klook
The Dragon and Phoenix Offer Auspiciousness
Marking the grand opening of the new GuWei Museum, the special exhibition “The Dragon and Phoenix Offer Auspiciousness” takes centre stage. This new private museum is the first of its kind in Hong Kong for exhibitions, cultural education and leisure. This opening showcase explores the deep cultural significance and auspicious symbolism of these legendary creatures in Chinese tradition. Featuring over 1,000 artefacts from the museum’s diverse collection, including porcelainware, silverware, and jewellery, the GuWei Museum celebrates the cultural exchange between East and West.
When: From September 24, 2024
Where: 33/F, Global Trade Square, 21 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen
Tickets: General admission ticket at HK$50. Buy tickets on website
Fine Art Asia 2024
Fine Art Asia 2024 returns to Hong Kong from October 4-7 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Recognized as Asia’s leading fine art fair, it will display a remarkable collection of artworks spanning over 5,000 years of history. Featuring exquisite antiques, contemporary pieces, and crafts from Japan and China, the fair will host over 60 international galleries. This year’s event will coincide with major fine art auctions.
When: October 4-7, 2024
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
Tickets: From HK$220. Buy tickets on HKTicketing
Hong Kong Paintings in Sai Yuen Lane
Sun Museum will unveil its new Sai Ying Pun location with the exhibition “Hong Kong Paintings in Sai Yuen Lane.” This inaugural showcase features 132 works by 92 artists across two phases, highlighting the talents of Hong Kong artists. The installation will occupy two floors of Artisan House, allowing for larger artworks. The first phase includes pieces in various mediums, while the second phase focuses on oil and watercolor paintings.
When: Phase I: October 4 – December 8, 2024; Phase II: December 19 – February 16, 2025
Where: G/F & 1/F, Artisan House, 1 Sai Yuen Lane, Sai Ying Pun
Tickets: Free admission
VISTY PLAYGROUND @ Pacific Place
The famous Japanese graphic artist VERDY is set to bring an immersive installation, curated in collaboration with Kevin Poon, to Pacific Place. VISTY PLAYGROUND @ Pacific Place is a family-friendly carnival-themed experience centered around VERDY’s latest character creation, VISTY. The installation will transform the mall’s Garden Court into a vibrant playground. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can shop an exclusive range of curated merchandise. VERDY will be present at the opening on October 9 to warmly welcome guests to his whimsical playground.
When: October 10-27, 2024
Where: Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Tickets: Free admission
Header image credits: shotsstudio, syolacan, Leung Cho Pan via Canva
