Spring has hit Hong Kong and the city is blooming with activity. March brings together artists to celebrate rich and diverse art in the forms of exhibitions, screenings and performing arts programmes. M+ Museum started the month with a free admission day, letting museum-goers visit the general admissions exhibitions for free, including a statement piece of wax statues resembling world leaders in wheelchairs affectionately titled “Old People’s Home”.
While paid admissions support the artists and provide an elevated experience, sometimes we’d like to experience the art and culture without breaking the bank. Here are 5 interesting and budget-friendly options around Hong Kong to experience art and culture without emptying your pockets.
Collect Hong Kong 2025
This bi-annual art event is returning for Art March and showcases over 600 pieces of artwork from nearly 400 local artists, which is double the size of its previous iteration. Collect HK was created to support local artists and provide an accessible platform to appreciate both emerging and established talents. The organisers invite local artists, regardless of age, to submit their artwork for a chance to be displayed at one of the largest collection events in Hong Kong. The pieces displayed will be selected by a jury panel and an independent curator.
Hong Kong Art Centre (HKAC) aims to establish HK as a vibrant art hub where the East-meets-West. It also aims to connect different generations through this event. In an effort to foster children and teenagers’ interest in arts, HKAC is bringing back their “Junior Docent Programme” to add a younger perspective to the exhibition. Children can showcase their skills in leading and connect with visitors of all walks of life.
The event is open to everyone and held at the Pao Galleries and Jockey Club Atrium in the Hong Kong Arts Centre from March 22 to April 4 from 10am – 8pm.
Love in the Light
The “Love in the Light” light show is held at the preserved arched veranda of Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, built on the site of an old mental hospital which the veranda originates from. The early baroque-style building is a popular wedding photoshoot location, now transformed with neon lights to bring a romantic vibe as visitors follow a cat to experience the atmosphere and music with the help of AR technology.
The complex is a 3 minute walk from exit C of Sai Ying Pun station and it’s available from now until May 21. The first session starts at 6:05pm and runs for 10 minutes. Admission is free but be sure to arrive before the final session at 9:55pm.
“Live out the Cinematic Charm of Hong Kong” Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In Exhibition
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In Exhibition recreates iconic scenes from the critically acclaimed film “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.” Visitors are transported into the movie set in the now-extinct Kowloon walled city, known for its dense population and as an integral part of Hong Kong’s culture. Organised by the Hong Kong tourism board, the exhibition features an open-concept design. The scenes include a barber’s shop, tea stall, convenience store, seamstress, and more, all drawn straight from the silver screen.
The exhibition is free to visit at Shop 108 AIRSIDE from now until April 13 from 11am to 9pm. The organizers offer English and Cantonese tours which are available for sign up here.
Perceptual and Intellectual—Explorations into Everything and Oneself
The Hong Kong Art Museum is always looking to foster art and cultural exchange between HK and the world. This year’s instalment of the “Hong Kong—Macao Visual Art Biennale” does not disappoint. Titled “Perceptual and Intellectual—Explorations into Everything and Oneself”, this collection illustrates the evolution of technology through expressive and interactive art installations. Six local artists come together to explore themes of nature, humanity, relationships and more, utilizing the collision of art and technology in our modern day lives.
“Perceptual and Intellectual—Explorations into Everything and Oneself” is the 8th edition of the Biennale. It’s open to the public starting from December 20, 2024 at the Hong Kong Art Gallery 2/F.
WEIRD SENSATION FEELS GOOD: The World of ASMR
For 30HKD, visitors can experience calming ASMR and create some of their own. ASMR is short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a physical sensation of deep calm. This trend has become a global phenomenon and has it’s roots in self-care and relaxation. This exhibition had it’s Asia debut in HK on March 14 and features a centre piece an “ASMR Arena” built with a brain-like woven pillow for visitors to immerse themselves in a curated ASMR experience.
This exhibition also includes HK-themed ASMR works as an ode to daily life in this city that never sleeps. Visitors are encouraged to get hands-on with creating their own ASMR pieces to relax to. The exhibition also offers concessionary ticket price of 20HKD and is available at Airside, GATE33 Gallery, Shop 312 from March 14 to July 13.