Hong Kong has long been strengthening its credentials as a world-class arts hub. Since Art Basel was introduced in Hong Kong in 2013, the global art fair has brought a yearly international audience to the city (interrupted only by the pandemic), so much so that the government has designated March as “Art March”, the city’s official art month – coinciding with a slew of citywide art fairs, gallery exhibitions and related satellite events. The city is keen to continue pushing for growth in the creative sector and build on Hong Kong’s reputation as an international arts hub.
The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority recently established long-term partnerships with 21 leading arts and cultural institutions from around the globe – for instance between M+ museum and Centre Pompidou in Paris. But not all art belongs in museums, as it appears that collective nostalgia for art, film and, indeed, pop culture, is one of the main drivers of conversation – and crowds – for arts appreciation. Engendering public appreciation for art, incubating creative talent and promoting cultural dialogue has been the vision of Adrian Cheng since he established K11 Group in 2008.
At the heart of Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District, which was masterminded by Cheng, comprises the cultural-retail landmark K11 Musea, luxury service residences K11 Artus, the next-generation workspace K11 Atelier, the Avenue of Stars (a tribute to Hong Kong cinematic legends) and the five-star Rosewood Hong Kong hotel. K11 Musea, which has positioned itself as Hong Kong’s leading cultural-retail landmark, regularly hosts world-class installations, art pop-ups and exhibitions in between its retail spaces – typically with free admission for the public. Past major events include Louis Vuitton’s first men’s pre-fall 2024 collection catwalk along the Avenue of Stars, and “The Love of Couture”, a high-fashion exhibition held in collaboration with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum bridging 200 years of fashion history with contemporary Asian designers.
Another event was the installation of two 18-metre tall inflatable rubber ducks in Victoria Harbour by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, which proved very popular among Hongkongers. This summer, Asia’s beloved blue, earless cartoon cat Doraemon lands at Victoria Dockside – K11 Art and Cultural District, in the world-first “100% Doraemon & Friends” Tour (Hong Kong), where a 12-metre-tall Doraemon sculpture by original creator Fujiko Pro and design studio AllRightsReserved makes its debut at the harbourfront – along with more than 30 “life-sized” Doraemon outdoor sculptures that the public can view for free. Doraemon also leads a parade of 13 standing cartoon cut-outs of Hong Kong film icons at the Avenue of Stars.
As part of K11 Musea’s summer programme, an array of luxury fashion pop-ups also rounds out the roster, including Tod’s “Italian Garden”, the brand’s first pop-up installation in Hong Kong. It will bring a slice of Italian villa living to the city in the form of a pop-up store celebrating the elegance and craftsmanship of Tod’s leather accessories. Horace Lam, senior vice-president, regional site in charge, K11 Concepts, says one of K11’s aims is to position itself as a disruptor of culture and retail by weaving art, culture and commerce into a unique ecosystem.
“It challenges the status quo, emphasising creativity, sustainability and community,” he says. “We are trailblazing cultural commerce to enrich people’s lives. Our goal is to democratise culture, making it accessible to all who visit our world-class exhibitions and immersive experiences.
” Lam adds that Doraemon’s playful presence, as part of K11 Musea’s summer happenings and cultural offerings, aims to add nostalgia and resonate with a broader audience. Just as Doraemon is known to open up his pink “anywhere door” to infinite worlds, K11 Musea is poised to be a portal of thrills this summer, with an extended calendar of a special manga exhibition, brand pop-ups and screenings celebrating the nostalgia of childhood under the wider “Wondrous Summer – 100 Reimagined Childhood Experiences” campaign. Between now and September 1, K11 Musea plays host to 100 art and culture experiences that aim to bring the warm glow of nostalgia to adults, especially those who grew up with Doraemon.
A slew of family-friendly events is on offer, including the first screenings in Hong Kong of Doraemon The Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony, and dining from a limited-edition menu of “edible arts” at “100% Doraemon & Friends Café” (exclusive to Hong Kong) at Artisan Lounge by Lubuds. All provide opportunities for parents to pass their love for the television series, films and comic books on to their children. The calendar of events over the summer enables K11 Musea to promote culture to a wider audience, Lam says.
“Our diverse cultural offerings in the form of co-created workshops and giveaways with tenants cater to different interests and backgrounds for both locals and international visitors,” he adds. These include family-friendly activities such as paper crown workshops at Petit Bazaar, a children’s clothing and toy store, while those with an interest in luxury jewellery can join L’École, School of Jewelry Arts to experience its collection of natural art pieces, a first for Hong Kong. Lovers of fine food can craft Japanese dishes at the Oniku Kappo Jikon Onigiri workshop.
“These all revolve around our nostalgia theme and resonate with diverse age groups,” Lam says. “Art becomes a universal language, bridging cultures and fostering dialogue. Beyond the physical space, K11 Musea builds a community where people share experiences and connect over creativity.
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