The top 6 art exhibits you need to visit this summer in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is buzzing with creativity, from street photography to world-class galleries.

The top 6 art exhibits you need to visit this summer in Hong Kong

If you're looking to soak up some culture and maybe spice up your Insta-feed, Hong Kong's art scene is where it's at. The city is buzzing with creativity, from street photography to world-class galleries. As Asia’s sole host of Art Basel, Hong Kong attracts international artists and nurtures local talent. This month, you can dive into everything from virtual reality and interactive displays to thematic and graffiti art. Snag stunning pieces for your collection, or explore unique sculptures and paintings tackling issues like fabric waste. Hong Kong’s art scene is vibrant and diverse, ensuring there’s something to captivate every art lover this summer. So be sure to check out these exhibits and installations before they're gone.

NAKED FLOWERS

Naked Flowers Hong Kong
Source: Naked Inc.

Get ready to blossom at the Naked Flowers interactive exhibition, which is making its grand debut in Hong Kong. Located at 1881 Heritage, this magical experience by Japanese artist Ryotaro Muramatsu promises to captivate all your senses. With eight immersive rooms, you’ll wander through a digital garden, dodge giant petals and even turn into a butterfly to explore flowers from a new perspective. Start with the towering "NAKED BIG BOOK," unveiling the secrets of various flowers, and let the "Flower Path" guide you through a mesmerizing tunnel of falling petals. The "Microcosmos of Flowers" offers a kaleidoscope-like room with rotating mirrors, and the "Wild Flower Garden" lets you interact and grow digital flowers. Don’t forget to treat yourself at the Naked Café Bar with Yuzu Osmanthus or Peach Rose Sparkling Water. Perfect for art lovers, Instagrammers and anyone looking to add a touch of floral magic to their day.

Quick facts

  • Where – Shop 17B, G/F, 1881 Heritage, 2A, East Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • When – April 27 - October 27, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Price – Prices start at HK$150
  • Tickets
  • Website

Yuan Ming Yuan

Check out the grandeur of the Qing dynasty at the Hong Kong Palace Museum's special exhibition on the Yuan Ming Yuan, or "Garden of Perfect Brightness." This June, you can wander through over 190 stunning artifacts – paintings, calligraphy, ceramics and architectural models – many of which are making their Hong Kong debut. Get lost in the lush landscapes, intricate designs and festive celebrations that once graced this magnificent imperial residence. With five thematic sections exploring everything from imperial family life to the garden’s eventual destruction, this exhibit is a vivid journey through history. Tickets are HK$150 and include access to other museum exhibitions, or opt for the HK$220 combo ticket to also catch the "Botticelli to Van Gogh" exhibit. Plus, don't miss the fascinating documentaries on The Lei Family, the genius architects behind this splendor.

Quick facts

  • Where – Gallery 8, Hong Kong Palace Museum, 8 Museum Drive, West Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • When – March 20 - August 12
    • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    • Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    • Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays)
  • Price – Prices start at HK$150
  • Phone – +852 2200 0217
  • Tickets
  • Website

Another Day in Hong Kong

Take a blast to the past at the "Another Day in Hong Kong" exhibition, where six local artists and collectives use archival materials to reimagine a single day in Hong Kong’s past. Inspired by Oscar Ho’s 1990 "One Day in Hong Kong" show, this new take dives into October 19, 1996, capturing the diverse people and events of that day. Artists like KK Cheung and Florence Lam breathe life into ordinary moments, transforming them into vivid snapshots of history. Through a mix of personal memories, imagination and artistic interpretation, this exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the fabric of Hong Kong’s everyday life. Perfect for anyone looking to gain fresh perspectives on the city's history and culture, this is a must-see art exhibit this summer.

Quick facts

  • Where – CCG Library, Asia Art Archive, 11/F Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
  • When – March 18 - August 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 2844 1112
  • Website

A Path to Glory

Celebrate a century of Jin Yong, the master of martial arts fiction, at the "A Path to Glory" exhibition at the Central this June. Head to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to marvel at 22 sculptures of Jin Yong’s iconic characters, crafted by the talented Ren Zhe. This tribute also includes Ren Zhe’s sculpture manuscripts, offering a behind-the-scenes peek into his creative process. Beyond the museum, check out "The World of Wuxia" at Edinburgh Place, where 10 sculptures, including beloved characters like Xiaolongnü and Yang Guo, are on display. Don’t miss the chance to dive into Jin Yong's legendary world with interactive experiences, AR technology and even a Mongolian yurt inspired by "The Eagle-shooting Heroes."

Quick facts

  • Where –
    • Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin
    • Edinburgh Place, Central
  • When – March 15 - July 2 (see website for daily hours) 
  • Price – Free admission to public
  • Phone – +852 2180 8188
  • Website

People Mountain, People Sea

British artist Gary Card is holding his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong with his whimsical and vibrant world of "People Mountain, People Sea," this summer. Taking over the century-old Oi! Warehouses, Gary's eclectic mix of sculptures, paintings and videos brings Hong Kong's bustling energy to life. The exhibit, which plays on the duality and cultural exchange hinted at by the Chinglish idiom it's named after, features everything from Chinese Gods reimagined with Hong Kong icons to the outdoor spectacle, "The Dream of Mr. Somebody," on the Oi! Lawn. With animation and sound adding layers to the experience, this exhibit is a must-see fusion of East meets West through the eyes of a renowned British artist.

Quick facts

  • Where – Oi! Warehouse 1 & 2, 12 Oil Street, North Point
  • When – March 20 - July 28: Monday, 2 - 8 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Price – Free admission to public
  • Phone – +852 2512 3000
  • Website

I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture

Marvel at the magic of modern architecture with M+’s first full-scale retrospective of the legendary Ieoh Ming Pei, or simply I. M. Pei. Kicking off on June 29, this exhibit celebrates Pei's groundbreaking designs like the Louvre Pyramid and Hong Kong’s own Bank of China Tower. With over 300 items on display, including never-before-seen models and stunning photos, you’ll get a deep dive into the life and philosophy of one of the 20th century's greatest architects. The exhibition is organized around six themes that highlight Pei's unique approach and the social, cultural, and biographical contexts of his work. These themes include cross-cultural foundations, urban redevelopment, civic form, political patronage, material innovation, and historical reinterpretation​. Plus, don’t miss the opening talk featuring Pei’s son, Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, and his closest collaborators, who will provide personal insights into Pei's career and legacy​.

Quick facts

  • Where – West Gallery, M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon
  • When – June 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025
  • Price – Prices start at HK$160
  • Tickets
  • Website