Why you need to visit Hong Kong during Art Week 2026

Every March, Hong Kong becomes the epicentre of the international art calendar with the arrival of Hong Kong Art Week—a city-wide celebration of creativity that draws global attention. At its core is Art Basel Hong Kong, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 2025 edition marked its 12th year, featuring 240 galleries from 42 countries, with nearly half hailing from the Asia-Pacific region. Running alongside it was the 10th edition of Art Central, featuring over 100 galleries and providing a contrast to Basel’s more established, blue-chip galleries.

But Art Week extends far beyond these two flagship fairs. Across the city, an eclectic mix of satellite exhibitions, alternative salon-style fairs like Supper Club Hong Kong, cutting-edge displays by rising galleries, and a packed public programme bring the entire city to life. From museum blockbusters to neighbourhood murals, local and international artists converge to turn Hong Kong into a living, breathing art space. With the 2025 edition now wrapped, here’s why Hong Kong Art Week 2026 deserves a top spot on your cultural calendar.

The art fairs

View of Art Basel Hong Kong 2025. © Art Basel

#FLODown: Art Basel and Art Central provide the foundation of Hong Kong Art Week. Art Basel’s 12th edition in 2025 saw a record-breaking 91,000 visitors across its VIP and public days, featuring works from both established masters and cutting-edge contemporary artists. From museum-quality solo presentations to bold new commissions, the fair provides a deep dive into the current state of the art world. Art Central, just a short walk away on the Central Harbourfront, continues to spotlight dynamic young galleries and artists from across Asia, positioning itself as a launchpad for emerging talent. Together, these fairs create a compelling contrast of prestige and discovery that defines the week.  Meanwhile, Supper Club Hong Kong, a curated salon-style fair, championed emerging voices, while HKwalls, the city’s renowned street art festival, turned entire neighbourhoods into open-air galleries. With this blend of global prestige and grassroots energy, Art Week offers a multilayered cultural experience unlike any other in Asia.

Click here for our pick of pick of artists to watch out for from Art Basel Hong Kong 2025.

Explore Hong Kong’s leading art establishments

Image credit Virgile Simon Bertrand.

#FLODown: Hong Kong’s cultural institutions are at the core of Art Week, playing a vital role in shaping the city’s identity as a global arts destination. Museums like M+, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art offer more than just exhibitions—they provide historical and cultural context that deepens the entire Art Week experience. M+ is dedicated to contemporary visual culture, with a focus on art, design, architecture, and moving images from Hong Kong and across Asia. The Hong Kong Palace Museum explores Chinese art and history through a global lens, often highlighting cultural exchange and the richness of imperial heritage. The Hong Kong Museum of Art bridges tradition and modernity, showcasing both Chinese classical works and contemporary art in a way that reflects Hong Kong’s evolving cultural narrative. Independent spaces like Para Site bring a critical edge to the week, known for their research-driven and socially engaged exhibitions. These are must-visit locations during Art Week, but they are equally worth a visit at any time of the year.

Gallery shows

‘Louise Bourgeois. Soft Landscape’ at Hauser & Wirth Hong Kong. Image credit MTotoe.

#FLODown: During Art Week, Hong Kong’s galleries offer an exceptional blend of international prestige and local talent. Renowned global players like White Cube, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and Pace showcase solo exhibitions and curated displays from iconic artists. However, it is the diversity and strength of Hong Kong’s homegrown galleries that truly define the scene. Blindspot Gallery, celebrated for its focus on photography and lens-based media, Blue Lotus Gallery, which champions the city’s cultural identity; and 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, specialising in contemporary Asian Pacific art, are just a few highlights. Additionally, the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre offers a platform for emerging talent. For those navigating the art scene, picking up one of the Art Week guides available at most galleries is highly recommended. These guides offer valuable information on exhibitions and gallery locations across key districts—from Central and West Sai Ying Pun to West Kowloon—making it easy to plan your route and take in the full scope of Art Week.

The public programme

© Art Basel Hong Kong.

#FLODown: One of the most exciting aspects of Art Week is its expansive public programme, which brings the energy of the art world beyond the fair booths and into the city. Art Basel’s Conversations series offers engaging panel discussions with leading artists, curators, and critics, creating space for critical dialogue and fresh perspectives. Its Film Programme explores the intersection of cinema and contemporary art through a carefully curated selection of screenings. Offsite installations, often placed in unexpected corners of the city, invite spontaneous encounters with large-scale works that transform everyday spaces. Meanwhile, Tai Kwun’s Artists’ Night, supported by Art Basel, turns the heritage complex into a lively celebration of music, performance, and visual art. It’s one of the best ways to connect with Hong Kong’s creative energy—whether you’re discovering new artists, engaging with bold ideas, or meeting the city’s cultural community. And of course, the parties tied to the fairs—if you’re lucky enough to snag an invite—are always great fun.

Cultural attractions

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Image credit Ryan Mac (ryanmac.com).

#FLODown: When you’re not hopping between galleries, there’s plenty more in Hong Kong to keep the inspiration flowing. Wander through peaceful spots like Man Mo Temple, Chi Lin Nunnery, and the beautifully landscaped Nan Lian Garden for a breather from the city’s art buzz. History lovers can swing by the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum for a glimpse into the city’s revolutionary roots, while film fans will appreciate the many nods to Hong Kong’s cinematic legacy scattered throughout the city. Architecture and engineering buffs will appreciate the city’s striking mix of historic buildings and cutting-edge skyscrapers. Don’t miss the view from Victoria Peak—it’s iconic for a reason—or hop on the Star Ferry at dusk for one of the best (and most affordable) ways to watch the city glow as day turns to night.

Sport

New Zealand and Argentina celebrate winning their respective tournaments at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang.

#FLODown: Coinciding with Art Week this year was one of Hong Kong’s most highly anticipated events: the Hong Kong Sevens. The international rugby tournament attracts fans from all over the world, but the Sevens is much more than just a sporting event—it’s a full-blown celebration, with colourful costumes, lively parties, and plenty of fun. Whether you’re cheering from the legendary South Stand or squeezing in a game between gallery visits, it’s an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures Hong Kong’s vibrant, infectious spirit. While the tournament overlapped with Art Week in 2025, the exact timing for next year has yet to be confirmed, though it typically falls around the same period.

Food

Yat Lok Restaurant (Central). Image credit MTotoe.

#FLODown: Art isn’t the only thing Hong Kong does exceptionally well—its culinary scene is second to none. From Michelin-starred fine dining and food markets to hole-in-the-wall noodle joints that are seriously good, the city offers a smorgasbord of flavours that reflect its East-meets-West identity. The city’s bar scene is equally vibrant, from rooftop lounges overlooking the harbour to cool hidden speakeasies. And don’t miss the lively nighttime markets, where you can sample delicious street food, shop for unique souvenirs, and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere. With so much to taste, eating in Hong Kong is itself an art form.

Exploring the rest of Asia

Khao Sok National Park, Khlong Sok, Thailand. Image credits Colton Duke.

#FLODown: One of the biggest advantages of visiting Hong Kong is its proximity to the rest of Asia. Whether you’re planning a post-fair beach escape or a regional art tour, the city serves as a perfect springboard. Bangkok is just three hours away, Singapore under four, and Bali just five. High-speed rail can take you to Shenzhen in under an hour, while flights to Melbourne clock in at just over nine. With such seamless connections, your trip to Art Week can easily extend into a broader cultural adventure across the region.

While exact dates for Hong Kong Art Week 2026 have yet to be announced, it’s never too early to start planning.