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If there’s one thing about Hong Kong that’s more iconic than anything else, it would be the Victoria Harbour. As tightly squeezed as it may be, our glistening waterfront consists of more than just office towers and shopping centres. It also plays host to innovative art institutions, architectural gems, and international art events. Not sure where to look? Follow this guide to some of the most interesting art and cultural hubs along the harbour and kick-off your journey as a bona fide culture vulture.
Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC)
Established in 1977, the Hong Kong Arts Centre plays host to a variety of artistic events including live performances, movie screenings, and art exhibitions by local and international artists. Don’t forget to check out the art shop at HKAC, which offers beautiful art pieces by local artists ranging from handcrafted ceramics and accessories to books, paintings, and much more.
Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade
Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade has become one of the city’s most sought-after Instagrammable hotspots thanks to home-grown artist Prudence Mak. The promenade features a series of fun paintings, floor murals and installations under the theme of ‘Chocolate Rain’, a cartoon design inspired by childhood dreams and adventures. The artworks also double up as different childhood games like hopscotch and mazes, encouraging the public to not only look, but also play, interact, and create special memories with them. In addition to artworks by Mak, selected works from the Harbourfront Public Furniture Competition can also be found near Wan Chai Ferry Pier.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
The Hong Kong Cultural Centre and adjacent historic clock tower are visitor favourites for capturing photos of the harbour. Built in 1989, the curved and concave shaped building is the go-to venue for international touring theatre shows, world-class concerts, operas, and live performances.
Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA)
After renovation, the Hong Kong Museum of Art reopened its doors to the public with a sleek new look and upgraded facilities. Admire the museum from the outside where the ripple effect of the building facade echoes the waves of Victoria Harbour.
Avenue of Stars
Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Avenue of Stars pays tribute to some of the city’s most illustrious names in the film industry. Grab a selfie with sculptures of cinematic icons by the waterfront — even the beloved local cartoon character McDull has a prime spot in front of the harbour’s skyline — and discover over 100 celebrity handprints on the boardwalk’s wooden railings. While you’re there, learn more about each film icon by scanning the QR codes from each set of prints to read the artists’ bios or watch selected clips from their films.
K11 MUSEA
K11 MUSEA is a pioneering cultural-retail landmark located on the Victoria Dockside harbourfront area of Tsim Sha Tsui. Besides offering high-end designer goods and exceptional dining outlets, the complex also hosts immersive experiences in world-class art, culture, nature, and commerce. Art is an integral part of the landmark — it is not uncommon to see large-scale installations in the middle of a walkway or mounted on a side wall. Coupled with an eclectic list of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops that run throughout the calendar year, visitors will have no shortage of things to see and do here.
Xiqu Centre
A premier performing arts venue dedicated to promoting and celebrating the art form and rich heritage of xiqu, or Chinese opera, Xiqu Centre houses two theatres, four professional studios, a seminar hall and a souvenir shop, as well as restaurants and cafes. Head to the Tea House Theatre for an experience with short excerpts of Chinese classical music, or relax in the atrium where regular events such as exhibitions, music performances, and xiqu demonstrations are held. Even the building itself is a marvel on its own. The striking architecture, designed by Revery Architecture and Ronald Lu & Partners, was inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, while the main entrance is shaped to resemble parted stage curtains.
M+
M+ is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world, located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District. Officially open to the public at the end of 2021, the museum boasts 65,000 square metres dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting visual art, design and architecture, moving image, and Hong Kong visual culture of the 20th and 21st centuries. There are 33 galleries as well as a number of public display spaces, retail stores, F&B outlets, and vantage points to admire vistas of the waterfront.
Read more: M+: an enthralling world of contemporary visual culture
West Kowloon Art Park
Sitting prominently along the waterfront, the West Kowloon Art Park offers vast green spaces and ample venues for art and cultural events. Of course, there are plenty of Instagrammable spots too. Take a photo of the beautiful sunset by the waterfront with an unobstructed view of the skyline, or check out the 35-metre-long mural by local artist Calvin Ho which consists of over 25 quirky characters, ranging from aquatic centaurs to mushroom people to extraterrestrial beings.
Image by Hong Kong Palace Museum
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture, while advancing dialogue among world civilisations through international partnerships. The museum presents the finest objects from the Palace Museum in Beijing and other important cultural institutions around the world. In addition, it also leads community engagement programmes to promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration to the public.
Read more: Hong Kong Palace Museum: a world-class cultural landmark
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