Peak of Civilisations

The  Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates Chinese cultural history in a series of exhibitions

Photos: Hong Kong Palace Museum and The Palace Museum 

Ask a tourist what makes Hong Kong unique and the answer will likely be one of two things: food or the neon-lit vibe. But aside from being a foodies’ paradise and a garish temple to commerce, Hong Kong also has a fast-growing artistic side with art projects and collaborations popping up across the city.

In a quest to forge a vibrant cultural quarter and nurture new art rooted in Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority has teamed with the Palace Museum to create the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Dedicated to exploring and celebrating Chinese art and culture, the museum also aims to catalyse artistic exchanges among global civilisations.

This year, Hong Kong Palace Museum is unveiling a series of exhibitions that showcase the riches of Chinese art and cultural dialogue. Highlights to check out in 2024 begin with “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: YUAN MING YUAN – Art and Culture of an Imperial Garden-Palace”. The exhibition features over 190 spectacular paintings, architectural models, and works associated with Yuanmingyuan, the Old Summer Palace where five Qing dynasty emperors resided. It offers a vivid glimpse into the life, aesthetics and relations within the Qing royal families. Packed with towering artistic and historical achievements, the exhibition is open to the public until August 12, 2024.

If history is your passion, delve into the origins of Chinese civilisation at Gallery 8 in September. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, September’s exhibition showcases fresh archaeological discoveries that uncover the rich, glorious roots of the country.

Throughout the year, Hong Kong Palace Museum also offers themed exhibitions dedicated to various aspects of Chinese art and history.

This year, special exhibitions are being held to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France. In June, the spotlight falls on fashion in France from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries. The museum’s first major exhibition on fashion will feature over 200 exquisite men’s and women’s costumes, jewellery, and accessories – all showcasing why French craftsmanship has dominated the world of fashion right up to the present day. From December, meanwhile, the focus will be on cultural and artistic exchanges between China and France from the 17th to the 18th centuries.

With so many interesting exhibitions, both current and yet to be scheduled, don’t forget to browse Hong Kong Palace Museum to feed your inner culture vulture next time you’re in town.

Hong Kong Palace Museum West Kowloon Cultural District, 8 Museum Drive, Kowloon; www.hkpm.org.hk