A Comprehensive Guide to Art Week 2025 in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Art Week 2025, centered around late March, transforms the city into a vibrant global hub for art and culture. Anchored by major events like Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central, this annual celebration showcases a dynamic mix of contemporary and historical works, emerging and established artists, and a fusion of Eastern and Western creative traditions. With the current date being March 24, 2025, Art Week is just days away, promising an exciting lineup of fairs, exhibitions, performances, and more. Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating and enjoying Hong Kong Art Week 2025.
Key Dates and Cornerstone Events
Hong Kong Art Week revolves around two flagship art fairs, both held in late March 2025, alongside a plethora of satellite events, exhibitions, and cultural happenings across the city.
1. Art Basel Hong Kong
- Dates: March 28–30, 2025 (VIP Preview Days: March 26–27)
- Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
- Details: Now in its 12th edition, Art Basel Hong Kong is Asia’s premier art fair, featuring 240 galleries from 42 countries and territories. Over half of these galleries hail from the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the fair’s commitment to showcasing regional diversity. This year welcomes 23 new galleries from places like India, Australia, Kosovo, Guatemala, Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond. Expect a rich mix of historical masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary works, alongside large-scale installations in the Encounters sector.
- Highlights:
- Film Program: Curated by Hong Kong’s Para Site, this new collaboration brings a cinematic dimension to the fair, featuring works that transcend regional boundaries.
- MGM Discoveries Art Prize: A fresh initiative awarding a cash prize and exhibition opportunity in Macau to an emerging artist and their gallery, fostering new talent.
- M+ Facade Commission: Co-commissioned with Art Basel and presented by UBS, “Night Charades” by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen reimagines iconic Hong Kong film scenes through algorithm-driven animation.
- Tickets: Available online only, starting at HK$400 for standard admission. Discounts apply until March 16 (already passed by today’s date), with concessions for students, seniors, and people with disabilities.
2. Art Central
- Dates: March 26–30, 2025
- Location: Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
- Details: Celebrating its 10th edition, Art Central is a cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Week, spotlighting emerging Asian artists alongside international talent. Held in a purpose-built structure overlooking Victoria Harbour, the fair features over 100 galleries and attracts over 300,000 visitors across its decade-long history. Curated by Europe-based artist Enoch Cheng, this year introduces a new “Legend” section honoring pioneering yet lesser-known artists, plus a dedicated screening space for video art.
- Highlights:
- Creative programming including commissioned installations, performances, talks, tours, and workshops.
- A focus on innovative contemporary art, bridging local Hong Kong talent with global perspectives.
- Tickets: Weekday tickets at HK$260, weekend tickets at HK$340, with advance discounts available (check the official site for remaining options).
Beyond the Fairs: Must-See Exhibitions and Events
Art Week extends far beyond the main fairs, with museums, galleries, and public spaces hosting an array of exhibitions and cultural events. Here are some highlights:
1. M+ Museum
- Location: 38 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District
- Exhibition: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia—A Conversation (ongoing through July 2025)
- Features over 60 works by Pablo Picasso from Musée National Picasso-Paris, alongside 80 pieces by 20 Asian and Asian-diasporic artists from M+’s collection. This groundbreaking show explores dialogues between Picasso’s legacy and Asian artistic perspectives.
- Tickets: HK$120 (general admission includes this exhibition).
- Note: The M+ Facade’s “Night Charades” runs concurrently, offering a free public art experience.
2. Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA)
- Location: Tsim Sha Tsui
- Exhibition: Cézanne and Renoir: Looking at the World (January 17–May 7, 2025)
- Showcases 52 masterpieces by Impressionist pioneers Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir from Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée d’Orsay. A rare chance to see these works in Hong Kong.
- Tickets: HK$50 (standard).
3. Tai Kwun Contemporary
- Location: 10 Hollywood Road, Central
- Exhibitions:
- Hu Xiaoyuan: Veering (January 24–April 13, 2025)
- Alicja Kwade: Pretopia (January 10–April 6, 2025)
- Waiting Pavilions by Alicja Kwade (December 20, 2024–December 20, 2026)
- A special focus on female artists during Art Week, with solo shows by ultra-contemporary talents exploring identity, materiality, and societal themes.
- Event: Artists’ Night (March 28, 2025) – Features emerging experimental musicians and visual artists from Asia and Europe across multiple venues.
- Tickets: Vary by exhibition; some events free.
4. HKWALLS Street Art Festival
- Dates: March 22–30, 2025
- Location: Central and Western District (hub at PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street)
- Details: Marking its 10th year, HKWALLS brings local and international artists (e.g., NeSpoon, Stohead, Emic, Hopare) to create murals and digital displays on LED screens citywide. Includes workshops, talks, free bilingual tours, and the HKWALLS ROOMS pop-up exhibition during Art Basel week.
- Tickets: Free viewing; some workshops require registration.
5. Collect Hong Kong 2025
- Dates: March 22–April 4, 2025
- Location: Hong Kong Arts Centre, Pao Galleries and Jockey Club Atrium
- Details: Organized by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, this biennial event showcases innovative works by students, alumni, and local artists, fostering collaboration and appreciation of Hong Kong’s art scene.
6. Under-the-Radar Shows
- “In Our Own Backyard” at Asia Art Archive (through August 30, 2025): Explores 1980s South Asian women’s movements through archives of artists Sheba Chhachhi and Lala Rukh.
- “Lining Revealer” at Centre for Heritage Arts & Textile (through July 13, 2025): Features works like Han Mengyun’s The Unbearable Purity and Yim Yen Sum’s From Here to There II, blending folk crafts with contemporary art.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Getting Around: Hong Kong’s MTR system is efficient; key stops include Wan Chai (HKCEC), Central (Art Central/PMQ), and West Kowloon (M+). The Star Ferry offers a scenic route between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
- Tickets: Book online in advance for Art Basel and Art Central to secure spots and potential discounts. Check museum websites for special exhibition fees.
- Timing: VIP previews (March 26–27) are ideal for collectors; public days (March 28–30) suit casual visitors. Arrive early to beat crowds.
- Dress Code: Smart casual works for fairs; comfortable shoes are a must for exploring galleries and street art.
- Stay Updated: Follow official event websites and social media for real-time updates, as schedules may shift.
Cultural Context and Atmosphere
Hong Kong Art Week 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for the city’s art market, amid economic challenges and shifting sociopolitical dynamics. Despite a global art market slowdown and a 63% drop in China’s auction sector in 2024, the city remains a resilient cultural bridge between East and West. The focus on women artists—seen in Tai Kwun’s programming and solo shows by figures like Lynne Drexler at White Cube—reflects growing diversity and leadership in the art world. Meanwhile, local talent shines alongside international stars, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s art hub.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Fine Dining: WING offers modern Chinese cuisine; YAT LOK serves iconic roast goose.
- Cocktails: Argo and Artefact near the fairs provide stylish ambiences.
- Art Week Hangouts: The Peninsula’s Art in Resonance program pairs drinks with art installations by Phoebe Hui and Chris Cheng.
Hong Kong Art Week 2025, kicking off this week, promises an unforgettable blend of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an emerging artist enthusiast, or a curious newcomer, the city’s galleries, streets, and institutions offer something extraordinary. Dive in, explore beyond the fairs, and immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s vibrant art scene—March 24, 2025, marks the countdown to an inspiring experience!
