Contrary to what many Singaporeans think, a trip to Hong Kong isn’t always centred around street markets and Cantonese teahouses. Those looking for an edgier itinerary might flock to this bustling city for its bars and speakeasies or even to explore its secret islands, but less know that we can also get our fill of arts and culture in Hong Kong. With brand new art museums and whimsical mural villages, these are the best museums and artsy districts to explore in Hong Kong.
Your very first stop should be at the Hong Kong Museum of Art in the Tsim Sha Tsui district – it’s the main art museum and has a staggering collection of over 17,000 art pieces. Whether you’re new to Hong Kong or a repeat visitor, it’s worth strolling around this modern museum to soak in the city’s art and culture scene. Admission is free for permanent exhibitions too, with the likes of a Chinese tea drinking showcase and a Chinese ceramics display.
Another contemporary art museum to visit is M+. Now this is a brand new museum that’s only recently opened its doors late 2021, most known for their permanent collections of twentieth-and twenty-first-century artworks from around Hong Kong, mainland China and regions of Asia. You won’t miss it – it’s along the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, housed in a billboard-like facade.
But besides sleek art museums, Hong Kong also has its fair share of arts and culture out in the open. Head over to one of their many mural villages to soak up the colourful street art and wall murals. Mural villages like Sai Ying Pun and Kwong Pan Tin are some of the better-known ones, and more often than not, these artsy districts are filled with the handiwork of artists, both local and global. With picturesque alleyways and a new adventure around every bend, Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene is a pleasant surprise for many.
During your stay in Hong Kong, it’s also worth booking at least one night at Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel, an award-winning boutique hotel that’s in a prime heritage neighbourhood. They pride themselves on not only offering an excellent hotel stay but also an experience – in that, you can easily enjoy an artsy holiday with the special Art Explorer Day Pass. It’s all the perks of having a hotel plan your itinerary for you, so you can create your own aroma sachet, sip on herbal tea, and explore the hidden gems of Yau Ma Tei with an insightful heritage walk.
Go on a new arts and cultural adventure on your next trip to Hong Kong.
