Hong Kong’s dynamic skyline is home to many striking buildings. One of the newest additions is the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Situated in the West Kowloon Cultural District, this landmark brings together over a thousand treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing—some of which are being shown to the public for the first time. The ticket offices stand on one side of a vast square, while on the other, the imposing museum itself rises.
A Contemporary Take on Tradition
The architecture is a masterpiece in itself. Designed by renowned Hong Kong architect Rocco Yim, the structure is a modern reimagining of the Forbidden City’s traditional aesthetic. It blends Chinese design elements with Hong Kong’s urban landscape, its bold vertical axis echoing the layout of Beijing’s Palace Museum and guiding visitors upwards through nine striking galleries. Inside, the atriums glow with a beige-gold translucency, reminiscent of bamboo curtains or the glazed roof tiles of the Forbidden City.
When I first heard about the Hong Kong Palace Museum, I was intrigued—a new institution dedicated to imperial Chinese art, set within the city’s contemporary cultural scene. While I’ve seen Chinese art in renowned museums like The Met in New York, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and the V&A in London, this museum offers something different: a grand perspective that seamlessly connects historical grandeur with a distinctly Hong Kong setting.
Stepping inside feels like embarking on a journey through centuries of Chinese art, history, and imperial life. Exquisite ceramics, imperial court fashion, intricate paintings, and calligraphy—all remarkably preserved—form a visually curated narrative of China’s imperial past. The museum is as much about storytelling as it is about heritage.
As someone who works in fashion and draws inspiration from art, design, and culture, I am always seeking out places that spark creativity. Sir Paul Smith once said, “You can find inspiration in everything.” For me, that inspiration often comes from art history and my fascination with Hong Kong’s rich Canto-Chinese heritage.
Into the Curated Art
Spanning four floors, the museum’s galleries are meticulously curated to provide a deep dive into China’s imperial culture. The intricate fashion of the era is a particular highlight. Seeing platform shoes, elaborately woven robes, and exquisite accessories up close felt like stepping into the Forbidden City itself. One standout piece was a pair of delicately embroidered silk socks—so finely crafted that they seem almost too luxurious to have ever been worn.
Beyond imperial treasures, the curators of this museum also explore Hong Kong’s role as a centre for Chinese art collecting. Private to Public: The History of Chinese Art Collecting in Hong Kong is a fascinating retrospective on how collectors have preserved and influenced Chinese art over the past century.
A particularly modern addition is an interactive digital art piece that responds to the visitor’s heartbeat. As I placed my hand on the sensor, the brushstrokes on the screen pulsed in time with my pulse—a poetic fusion of tradition and technology.
And for those looking to take in more of Hong Kong’s scenery, the museum’s rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour—an ideal social media spot (though no food is allowed).
A Contemporary Cultural Landmark
A full tour of the museum can easily take a day. There are plenty of opportunities to take a break. We had lunch at King Lung Heen, located on the fourth floor. The dim sum was perfect, served with a modern twist, and even a robot server added to the experience. My favourite dish? A delicate dumpling in ginger broth—Cantonese dim sum elevated in a contemporary way. The restaurant offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour, making it a great spot to unwind after exploring the museum.
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Location: West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong
https://www.hkpm.org.hk/en/home
