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Photograph: Courtesy Gallery Ascend/Auto Moai

24 Art hubs and galleries you should visit in Hong Kong

Looking to go gallery-hopping? Here's a list of our favourite places in town

Jenny Leung
Edited by
Jenny Leung
Written by
Time Out Hong Kong
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If you believe Hong Kong is a cultural desert when it comes to visual arts, think again. From the heart of the city to the nooks and crannies, there’s art everywhere in our metropolis – as long as you know where to look for it. From art institutions that gather up-and-coming local talents under one roof to international galleries featuring works by established artists, there's plenty to satisfy your cultural cravings. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a handy guide to some of the most interesting art spots to kick off your journey as a bona fide culture vulture.

RECOMMENDED: Check out our pick of the best art exhibitions in Hong Kong this month for inspiration and discover an abundance of incredible art.

  • Art
  • Central

A collaboration between Japanese galleries Aisho Miura Arts and Nanzuka, Aishonanzuka specialises not just in Japanese art but also art pieces by established and emerging artists around the world. Works featured at the gallery often challenge norms by creating art that's original, thought-provoking, and visually impactful. Expect names like Hajime Sorayama and Nobuyoshi Araki gracing the walls of this gallery. 

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  • Art
  • Aberdeen

Following its first location in Mayfair, London, Ben Brown Fine Arts made its way to Hong Kong in 2009. Ideal for those with a sophisticated taste in art, the gallery has welcomed works by contemporary talents and 20th century masters, including the likes of Ron Arad, Claude & François-Xavier Lalanne and Vik Muniz.

  • Art
  • Aberdeen

With a primary focus on contemporary photography and image-based works, Blindspot Gallery is one of the largest gallery spaces in Hong Kong, located in the booming art neighbourhood that is Wong Chuk Hang. Representing and celebrating emerging and established local artists, the gallery hosts exhibitions by artists from Hong Kong and around East Asia.

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  • Art
  • Sheung Wan

Established in 2007, Blue Lotus Gallery is an independent gallery with a strong focus on photography and local culture. Some of the gallery’s biggest achievements include the rediscovery of local artist Fan Ho and the publication of Marcel Heijnen’s popular Hong Kong Shop Cats. Head to the gallery's online shop to discover an extensive collection of prints, postcards, and books by master photographers and emerging contemporary artists.

 

  • Art
  • Sham Shui Po

Current Plans (formerly Present Projects) is an experimental art space and shop founded in late 2020. They often showcase various contemporary art projects and produce art editions in collaboration with local and international creatives. They also have a concept shop that sells a range of limited edition products such as hand pinch ceramics, Tees, photobooks, zines and more.

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  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Tin Wan

Located by Aberdeen Harbour in Tin Wan and founded by Stephen Cheng, Empty Gallery is a one-of-a-kind space. What sets this gallery apart is that it’s almost pitch-black, like a cinema. Subverting the typical 'white cube' concept of art galleries, this space aims to present immersive and interactive exhibitions that could lead to some kind of full sensory experience of the works displayed. Get ready to experience art at a whole new level.     

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  • Museums
  • Specialist interest
  • Happy Valley

Keen to educate the populace about the world of photography and how it has evolved into an important art form through which artists express their creativity, aesthetic sense and feelings, F11 Foto Museum has exhibited the likes of Pulitzer Prize winner Sergey Ponomarev, renowned French photographer and painter Jacques Henri Lartigue and Magnum photographer Paolo Pellegrin. 

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  • Art
  • Central

Here to make Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s leading art hub an undisputable claim is H Queen’s. Since opening in 2018, the building has welcomed many new additions to the Hong Kong art scene, including the first Asian outpost of fine art gallery David Zwirner and notable Swiss gallery Hauser and Wirth. Established names in the local scene, such as Pace Gallery and Tang Contemporary Art, have also relocated to the building to take advantage of its massive venues that won't be hindered by columns and windows. 

  • Art
  • Central

Haus of Contemporary is a six-storey creative hub located along On Lan Street in Central. Through curated art shows and innovative programmes, the new space introduces a diversity of arts to folks from all walks of life and brings immersive experiences for visitors to explore. Apart from art exhibits, visitors can also enjoy a coffee break at Cafe Zendo, a dedicated space where great coffee, art, and music connect; or make use of other services on offer such as art storage, lending, framing, and more for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

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  • Museums
  • Tsim Sha Tsui

Established in 1962, Hong Kong Museum of Art is the first public art museum in the city. The museum houses an art collection of over 17,000 items and curates a broad scope of works that give a Hong Kong viewpoint. You really can't go wrong with spending half a day or so wandering around the venue. 

  • Theatre
  • Shek Kip Mei

Once a factory estate that housed the city’s cottage industries, JCCAC was given a new lease on life as a creative hub in 2008. One of our favourite spaces on-site is Lumenvisum, a non-profit art organisation that showcases local photographers and their refreshing perspectives on topics spanning from relationships with domestic helpers to LGBTI life in Hong Kong.

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  • Art
  • Central

JPS Gallery is an independent contemporary art gallery that has been around Hong Kong's art scene since 2014. Dedicated to exploring fine art and pop culture in our new digital age, JPS puts on some of the most playful exhibitions featuring artworks of different mediums and disciplines by emerging and established artists from around the world. The gallery also actively contributes to the local art scene by sponsoring various charity events and auctions. 

  • Art
  • West Kowloon

We're sure this place needs no further introduction – but we're going to do it anyway. This whopping 65,000sq m art hub – designed by renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron – is a striking addition to the city’s skyline. It's home to numerous gallery spaces that play host to exhibitions covering themes of everything from architecture and design to conceptual art and installations. There are also public spaces such as a rooftop garden, research centre, multimedia library, restaurants, shops, and even a cinema. So no matter what type of art you're into, there's bound to be something for you. Truly a must-visit.

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  • Art
  • Central

Originally founded by Gilles Dyan in Paris in 1994, Opera Gallery has established more than 10 locations around the world including London, Geneva and New York. Hong Kong's Opera Gallery is uniquely spread over three floors, where exhibitions could take over all three-levels of the gallery, or multiple shows running at the same time. The gallery opens daily, so you can drop by any time. 

  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Central

Arguably one of the best galleries in town for urban art, Over the Influence has featured a slew of talents, including the likes of Jerkface, Shepard Fairey, and Cleon Peterson. The gallery has a strong focus on art that is radical and influential, whether through its form or message. A diverse range of contemporary art has been displayed here, with mediums ranging from street art and paintings to sculptures. 

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  • Art
  • North Point

Para Site is one of the most long-standing independent art institutions in town and continues to build on its success with countless showcases for both emerging and established contemporary artists. Founded in early 1996 as an artist-run space, Para Site was Hong Kong's first venue for the expression of contemporary local art – particularly relevant at a time when the city was preparing for the handover. The gallery hosts exhibitions and educational projects with an aim of forging a critical understanding of local and international forces in Hong Kong art and civil society.

  • Art
  • Tsim Sha Tsui

Perrotin manages to take the dryness out of fine art and inject plenty of fun into its exhibitions. Mixing urban cool with highbrow appreciation, Perrotin’s popular shows in the past have featured Kaws and his figurative characters, anime-inspired artworks by Mr., and the stunning works of iconic Japanese artist Chiho Aoshima.

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  • Art
  • Sheung Wan

Founded in 2017, Streams Gallery often showcases contemporary art in various forms from paintings to sculptures. Both their Hong Kong and Beijing locations work with emerging and established artists locally and around the world to present exhibitions and collaborative projects that leave a lasting impact on their audiences.

  • Art
  • Central

Our list simply would not be complete without this beast. Since Tai Kwun opened to the public in 2018, the revitalised landmark has consistently played host to a slew of art exhibitions featuring artworks of all mediums from across the globe. There’s no limit to what kind of creativity you’ll be facing on your next visit.

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  • Art
  • Tai Hang

Housed in a 1930s Grade III heritage building, The Shophouse brings together art, culture, design, and lifestyle under one roof. With each floor dedicated to the works of various artists, it's a great place for art lovers to explore while visiting the charming neighbourhood of Tai Hang.

  • Art
  • Central

WOAW (World of Amazing Wonders) Gallery is an expansion of its original space in Wan Chai that's all about bringing contemporary art to Hong Kong with a fresh perspective. Having previously hosted a wide range of shows with artists such as Koichi Sato, Anna Weyant, Same Friedman and many more, the gallery gives art lovers the chance to view various types of work that are also being shown in cultural capitals around the world.

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