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Hong Kong has a distinct East meets West identity. Its Chinese influences stem from Lingnan Cantonese roots, which were later fused with British colonialism. And its identities today are shaped by these historical ties. The outcome is a city that’s vibrant, celebrates festivals of many cultures, and which has two official languages – Cantonese and English. This makes it a highly desirable tourist destination for Australian, particularly those who love arts and culture.
Does Hong Kong have the best culture in the world? We’ll leave that for you to determine. In the meantime, here are 10 places to add to your itinerary if arts and culture are high on your list.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA) is a top attraction for enthusiasts who are interested in learning about traditional and contemporary art. This museum boasts a collection over 17,000 items, HKMOA curates a wide world of contrasts, from old to new, Chinese to Western, local to international, with a Hong Kong viewpoint. You’ll find Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and antique treasures, as well as an ever-changing calendar exhibitions and events.
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Opened in 2021, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents over 900 priceless treasures, some on display in Hong Kong for the first time, while others have never been shown to the public before. You’ll find a collaboration between Hong Kong and Beijing, showcasing a collection of imperial Chinese art and artifacts from the Palace Museum in Beijing. There are three floors of exhibition space with a focus on cultural exchange and education. It’s a must-see for those interested in Chinese history and art.
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Situated in the heart of Victoria Dockside, art meets culture meets shopping at K11 MUSEA. It’s what’s referred to as a “cultural-retail destination”. Besides offering high-end designer goods and exceptional dining outlets, the complex also hosts immersive experiences, large-scale installations, and an eclectic list of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops.
K11 Musea Hong Kong
The M+ building in the West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. It boasts 65,000 square metres dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting visual art, design and architecture, moving image, and Hong Kong’s visual culture of the 20th and 21st centuries.
M+
There’s something for all tastes at Xiqu Centre – a hub for traditional Chinese performing arts. With its contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience Cantonese opera, music, and dance in a modern setting. The centre aims to “build a vital platform for young, emerging and established artists to experiment, create and collaborate; a place where people of all backgrounds come to explore, participate and be stimulated; and a home for imaginative world-class exhibitions, performances and other cultural events to take place.”
Xiqu Centre
Neon signs have been an integral part of Hong Kong’s cityscape for over half a century. Master Wu Chi Kai has been in the industry over 30 years, and still fashions neon signs for commercial purposes. at this unique workshop. Visitors can try their hand at this dying art, and create their own neon signs under his guidance.
Neon Sign Workshop
Situated in the heart of Central, Tai Kwun is a cultural and heritage centre and one of the city’s largest non-profit projects, highlighting the revitalisation of local culture, heritage, and arts. Housed in a former police station and prison, it features a mix of modern and colonial architecture, as well as interactive exhibits, art installations, and cultural programs. There are also bars, restaurants, and retail shops within the complex, providing a full itinerary of inspiration and enjoyment.
Tai Kwun
Once home to factories and workshops, this area has been transformed into an artistic community filled with cultural and creative spaces. Great for those who appreciate urban art, Tai Nan Street is home to a range of street art, graffiti, and murals. Leaning on its manufacturing history this is the area to go for workshops and classes in things like pottery, leather-craft and handmade soaps to name a few.
The Mills is a landmark revitalisation project celebrating Hong Kong’s industrial history and creative future. This former textile factory turned cultural and innovation hub is the place to be to learn about Hong Kong’s textile manufacturing heyday. Here you’ll find exhibitions, community events, and everything from tech-style start-ups to local shops, artisanal cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Mills
A modern art space housed in a 1930s Grade III heritage building, The Shophouse explores boundaries between art, design, and everyday living. This creative hub located in Tai Hang is a venue for exhibitions, performances, and community events. It’s also home to several artist studios and workshops, making it a great place to explore and support Hong Kong’s creative community.
Talk to your personal travel manager about building an unforgettable Hong Kong holiday or click here to learn more about this vibrant and exciting city.
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