Hong Kong is pulling out all the stops to lure in travellers, not just
with free air tickets and visitor vouchers, but also with its new and
improved art scene that's as colourful as the city itself.
While
the city’s East-meets-West heritage continues to charm visitors, its
arts and culture scene is once again taking centre stage, offering a
fresh cross-cultural perspective that few other destinations can offer.
Museums galore
/Hong_Kong_Xiqu_Centre-2302/Hong-Kong%27s-Xiqu-Museum-is-an-elegant-performance-.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "Hong Kong's Xiqu Museum is an elegant performance venue that embraces the cultural richness of Chinese opera.")
Hong Kong's Xiqu Museum is an elegant performance venue that embraces the cultural richness of Chinese opera. Photo Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
The city's art scene is flourishing with several new and refreshed
attractions. The Hong Kong Museum of Art reopened in November 2019
following a HK$930 million (US$119 million) renovation, with five new
galleries, an interactive app and over 18,800 pieces in its collection.
The brand-new M+, which opened its doors in November 2021, boasts
thought-provoking collections of contemporary visual art, design and
architecture from around the world.
Meanwhile,
the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which opened in July 2022, showcases over
900 Chinese artefacts from the Palace Museum, many of which have never
been exhibited before. These museums also offer spaces for receptions
and gala events.
A new home for arts and culture
/hongkong-2-2302/The-West-Kowloon-Cultural-District-brings-landmark.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "The West Kowloon Cultural District brings landmarks like the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+, Freespace, and Xiqu Centre into one cohesive development.")
The West Kowloon Cultural District brings landmarks like the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+, Freespace, and Xiqu Centre into one cohesive development. Photo Credit: Brooke Thio
The West Kowloon Cultural District brings several landmarks, such as
the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+, Freespace and Xiqu Centre, into one
cohesive development.
Spanning 40 hectares, the cultural district caters to visual and
performing arts, multidisciplinary creatives, and even features an Art
Park, offering food and refreshments as well as outdoor exhibitions and
performances.
Arts events: Back and bigger
Hong Kong is luring visitors back with over 250 events and festivals
taking place across 2023, including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Art
Basel Hong Kong, and Art Central.
The city's beloved Clockenflap music festival is also making a huge
comeback, with the three-day event sold out for the first time ever and
expected to bring in thousands of international visitors.
More on the horizon
/hongkong-3-2302/Titled-%22Jungle-Glow%22-this-digital-installation-imm.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "Titled \"Jungle Glow\", this digital installation immerses guests in a surrealistic jungle filled with bioluminescent creatures.")
Titled "Jungle Glow", this digital installation immerses guests in a surrealistic jungle filled with bioluminescent creatures. Photo Credit: ARTE MUSEUM
As Hong Kong reopens to the world, culture chasers can look forward
to more attractions and events. ARTE MUSEUM, South Korea's largest
immersive media art exhibition, will debut in Hong Kong in 2024 at 11
SKIES, a retail and entertainment complex located next to Hong Kong
International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo.
In 2025, the Lyric Theatre Complex will open in the West Kowloon
Cultural District, becoming the city’s hub for dance and theatre.