A port city steeped in history, Hong Kong serves as one of the most influential global hubs for finance, trade and culture. Alongside the US and UK, Hong Kong is also located within one of the top three art markets in the world. With 7.4 million residents and 44 million annual travelers, the region’s identity is formed by its diversity — of traditions, artistic legacies and communities — and a commitment to nurturing the future of art and culture. Its monumental institutions, international galleries, auction houses, fairs and festivals platform some of the most cutting-edge creatives, projects and ideas, pushing the conventional boundaries of art, photography and more. Read on to find out more about all that makes Hong Kong an unmissable destination for any art lover.
Kowloon: Home to World-Class Museums and Historic Sites
The catalyst of Hong Kong’s contemporary cultural renaissance, the West Kowloon Cultural District is made up of numerous world class museums, performance art centers and public art spaces. Opened in 2021 as a first-of-its-kind global contemporary art museum in Asia, the M+ Museum is already among the top 20 most visited museums in the world. While looking through its sprawling galleries, make special time for the M+ Sigg Collection, offering a comprehensive view of contemporary Chinese art, and take a much deserved break at CVIEW or Mosu Hong Kong, the highly rated restaurants housed in the museum. Next door, take a journey through Hong Kong’s long cultural history at the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), the city’s oldest museum, known for its collections of calligraphy, ceramics and painting. And lastly, visit the newest museum in the city, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, known for its rare artifacts loaned from Beijing’s Palace Museum, many of which have never been on display to the public before. Phillips also relocated its Asia headquarters to the West Kowloon Cultural District, adjacent to the M+ and close to the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Spend the evening in the Art Park by the harbor, an open-air venue for cultural events.
If you find yourself with some spare time, venture a bit deeper into Kowloon and visit the historic Cattle Depot Artist Village, once a slaughterhouse which was converted to the city’s first artist colonies to house those displaced from the short-lived but vibrant art hub of Oil Street in North Point. With more than 20 exciting arts spaces, the Village includes the media art institution, Videotage and the independent contemporary art organization 1a space.
Central Harbourfront: Panoramic Views and Art Fairs Galore
Across the river, Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront on Hong Kong Island offers unparalleled views of the megalopolis and its iconic skyline. Take a walk through the beautifully landscaped promenade, board a relaxing cruise on a star ferry, or get a bird’s eye view of the city on the 60-meter high Hong Kong Observation Wheel. For a historical perspective on Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum on the Central Pier tells the story of Hong Kong through ancient navigational instruments, historical maps and artifacts from maritime trade.
The Central Harbourfront comes especially alive in March during Hong Kong Art Week, as the city welcomes the international contemporary art world to this iconic site for a week of major art fairs — including Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and, in 2025, the first edition of PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong. This latest addition to the city’s cultural calendar provides a new focal point as the only art fair dedicated to photography during Art Week.
Cutting-Edge Public Art Institutions across Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong is known for its vibrant homegrown contemporary art scene, supported in large by its many public art institutions. Designed by the acclaimed Herzog & de Meuron, Tai Kwun Contemporary is housed in the former Hong Kong Central Police Station compound and combines heritage with contemporary art and performance. Nearby, the old Victoria Barracks is home to The Asia Society, presenting some of the most exciting exhibitions of artists from Asia and around the world. The peaceful library space of The Asia Art Archive is a must-visit for anyone curious about the contemporary art history of Asia. One of the oldest independent art institutions in Asia, Para Site offers one of the most rigorous programmes of interdisciplinary art practices.
For cinephiles who recognise Hong Kong from iconic movies such as Police Story (1985) and In the Mood for Love (2000), a visit to the Hong Kong Film Archive is essential. Round out your day with a meal at the Michelin-starred Hansik Goo, known for its sophisticated modern Korean cuisine.
Hong Kong Central: headquarters to the World’s Leading Galleries
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a day spent gallery hopping in Hong Kong Central, densely packed with international blue-chip galleries. Located in the prime Queen’s Road Central, the H Queen’s building includes outposts of leading galleries such as David Zwirner and Pace Gallery. Additionally, Gagosian, The White Cube, Hauser & Wirth and Lehmann Maupin can be found nearby, resulting in an environment where prominent galleries can be reached within walking distance. Besides, auction house Christie’s has expanded its office space in the district, which adds to the area’s vibrant art scene in the same frequency as London and New York. Cultural institutions like the Fringe Club offer dynamic programs and exhibitions, enriching the cultural landscape of Hong Kong Central.
The area is also a hotbed of stylish boutiques, high-end retail stores and a vibrant culinary scene. In between galleries, spend some time shopping or window-shopping through the glamorous neighborhood.
Wong Chuk Hang: Discover the Contemporary Art of tomorrow
Once an industrial area, Wong Chuk Hang in the South of Hong Kong Island is now a vibrant hub for art, culture, and creativity, and a number of galleries are housed in industrial buildings, giving them a distinctive flavor. Lining along the Wong Chuk Hang Road — Blindspot Gallery is known for its diverse roster of artists from Hong Kong and Asia working with photography and new media. Additionally, local galleries, including Empty Gallery, MOU PROJECT, Sin Sin Fine Art, and international galleries, such as Ben Brown Fine Arts, DE SARTHE, Rossi & Rossi and Axel Vervoordt Gallery, are located within a distance of a 10-minute walk.
As you round out your culture-filled visit to this incredible city, drive to Hong Kong’s famous Repulse Bay, close to Wong Chuk Hang, known for its sand beaches.
PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong will take place 26-30 March 2025, (VIP Preview March 26), at the Central Harbourfront.
