Hong Kong, a global financial hub and gateway to China, has long been an art center. However, the city’s art scene is experiencing a powerful resurgence, fueled by a wave of new museums, galleries, and a renewed focus on local talent. After a three-year period of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong’s art scene has blossomed, cultivating a thriving local art infrastructure and a new generation of collectors keen on homegrown talent. This has led to a significant boom in art galleries, with a 27% increase in member galleries between 2021 and 2023, according to the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association.
The world’s largest auction houses are actively expanding to meet the growing demand, with record-breaking sales in 2021 and 2022. Renowned gallery Hauser & Wirth recently opened a new space in prime real estate, a rare occurrence for commercial art galleries in Hong Kong. Art Basel Hong Kong, which first launched in 2013, has returned to its pre-pandemic peak capacity, and the fair company has announced a partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to showcase Hong Kong-themed experiences at its global events.
While political tensions cast a shadow over the city, with reports of artists relocating due to concerns about censorship and the impact of the national security law, the art scene continues to flourish. Here are a few highlights showcasing the dynamic landscape of Hong Kong’s art world:
M+ Museum: A Landmark for Contemporary Art
Opened in 2021 amidst the pandemic, M+ stands as Hong Kong’s first museum dedicated to 20th and 21st-century art, design, architecture, and moving images. It has quickly become one of Asia’s most popular art museums, housing one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of contemporary Chinese art. The museum’s design, by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, is a masterpiece in itself. Situated on reclaimed harborfront land within the West Kowloon Cultural District, M+ boasts a light-filled interior and breathtaking views of the Victoria Harbor skyline. Its iconic facade doubles as a massive LED screen, displaying works from its collection and special commissions.
Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre: A Historic Transformation
Built in 1977 following a fire that devastated the Shek Kip Mei neighborhood, the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre was originally home to family-run cottage industries. After the decline of local manufacturing, the building was transformed in 2008 into a vibrant hub for artists, hosting over 140 studios and arts organizations. The building’s classic Hong Kong factory architecture, with its sunlight-filled courtyard and nine floors, provides a unique backdrop for a diverse range of artistic endeavors, from traditional crafts and folk art to contemporary installations. You can explore studios showcasing ink art, Chinese gongbi painting, installation art, and more.
Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile: Weaving a Legacy
Located within The Mills, a revitalized cotton-spinning factory complex in Tsuen Wan, the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile offers a glimpse into the rise and fall of Hong Kong’s textile industry. The museum features interactive exhibits exploring the industry’s history, from its growth in the 1940s and 1950s to its denim boom in the 1970s and its golden era in the 1980s.
Fo Tan Artists Studios: A Creative Hub Amidst Industry
Attracted by affordable rents and large spaces, artists began establishing studios in the industrial suburb of Fo Tan in the early 2000s. Today, around 200 artists work in over 80 studios, often alongside manufacturers. While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the community, artists are slowly returning to their studios, continuing to contribute to the vibrant artistic landscape of Hong Kong.
PMQ: A Creative Incubator
Formerly the Police Married Quarters, PMQ was transformed in 2014 into a creative hub featuring design studios, workshops, and indie boutiques. This seven-floor complex offers a diverse range of artistic experiences, from art studios for the public to explore to a food-themed library. PMQ also hosts a variety of art exhibitions and design events throughout the year, making it a unique destination for discovering local talent and sourcing handcrafted gifts.
Hong Kong’s art scene is a testament to the city’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to creativity. Despite challenges, the city continues to attract artists and art enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing its vibrant culture and unwavering spirit.
