The 15 hidden art spaces you should visit in Hong Kong

This aptly named gallery is an independent space founded by three Hong Kong artists in an industrial building in Kwai Hing. They work with creatives and curators to develop experimental installations and performance art that work as opportunities for artists looking to extend their practice within a non-commercial environment. There’s no pressure for artists to sell their work, so they can simply create and exhibit for the sole sake of their work’s creative value. The collective also runs the annual Hidden Space Award, which highlights one graduating student from a BA arts programme in Hong Kong, giving them mentorship and the opportunity for a solo exhibition.

Established in 2021, Property Holdings Development Group (PHD Group) is a private art gallery which focuses on emerging and mid-career contemporary artists from Hong Kong and nearby regions, as well as critical engagement and collaborations. The gallery is housed within a rooftop space that used to be a private clubhouse in the 70s, and is open by appointment only. The exact address will only be given out after a visit is confirmed to keep each art experience exclusive, but we can tell you that PHD sits within the Goose Neck Bridge area in Wan Chai.

Finding Juen Juen Gung in San Po Kong requires locating the right stretch of corridor within a commercial building, scanning QR codes, inputting passwords, and undoubtedly opening doors to dead ends and artsy surprises – all before getting into the art space properly.

Local artist Vaevae Chan has created her second iteration of a cave installation and is currently showcasing a highly personal exhibition, but her own studio and office is right next door even when there isn’t an ongoing show. If she happens to be around when you visit, you may be lucky enough to get invited into the adjoining space which is chock-full of interesting details and references to her work and her love for this city.

Who wants to look at artworks in a gallery when you can see them in creepy abandoned houses? First started in 2021 as a community project to hang up unwanted artwork in a little alleyway, Wang Tong Art Walk has since evolved into an outdoor hidden art gallery located just behind Silvermine Beach in Mui Wo. The artworks on display change every three months with exhibitions curated by local artist Plastered 8. As you explore around, you'll discover pop art and sculptures hidden in the forest and on the walls of abandoned buildings. At night, the space is transformed by solar-powered lighting, coming alive with backlit light boxes and disco balls floating above the alley. Wang Tong Art Walk is open to the public for free all year round; stay up to date with the latest happenings on Instagram @wangtongart.

13a New Street Art Gallery is a community-focused art space formed by a group of young artists, designers, and creators. Sitting quietly along New Street in Sheung Wan, the venue supports local and international artists by hosting regular exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to introduce a diverse range of artworks to the community. The gallery has so far welcomed the likes of Mr.Likey, 2Choey, and @surrealhk to showcase their artworks at the venue.

Marrying the concepts of an exhibition space and a retail shop, Amaz By Lokianno features different zones where visitors can discover hundreds of art toys from acclaimed creators around the world, selected collectibles available for purchase, a designer artwork area showcasing exhibits, an NFT area featuring art from the virtual realms, and a blind box zone with designer toys, IP series, mini Japanese furniture, watches and more. Perfect place to visit and shop for trendy art collectors.

Formerly an animal quarantine depot and slaughterhouse, Cattle Depot Artist Village was renovated and converted into a local art community in 2001 – well ahead of revitalisation projects like PMQ and Tai Kwun. The site is free for the public to enter and explore as exhibitions and open days are held throughout the year by different art studios based in the village. 

Current Plans (formerly Present Projects) is an experimental art space and shop founded in late 2020. They often showcase various contemporary art projects and produce art editions in collaboration with local and international creatives. They also have a concept shop that sells a range of limited edition products such as hand pinch ceramics, Tees, photobooks, zines and more.

Located by the Aberdeen waterfront in Tin Wan, Empty Gallery is a one-of-a-kind art space. What sets this gallery apart from the rest is that it’s almost pitch-black inside, like a cinema. Subverting the typical 'white cube' concept of art galleries, this space presents immersive and interactive exhibitions that lead to a full sensory experience of the works displayed. 

Floating Projects was founded in February 2010 by multi-talented creatives Linda Lai, Joelene Mok, Cheung Yu-tsz, and Lillian Fu. Tucked inside the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre in Shek Kip Mei, the gallery questions the significance of space and being while providing an experimental space for artists of different generations to meet in conversation and exchange ideas, experiences, knowledge, resource and more.

Ha Pak Nai is a picture perfect spot for admiring the sunset, take your focus off the golden egg yolk and look for the 19 stunning paintings located along Nim Wan Road. Created by local artist trio Chemiyan, each painting takes inspiration from the area's beautiful scenery and wildlife in order to promote nature conservation.

Forget Taiwan's famous Rainbow Village, we've got our own colourful village filled with cute murals and a rainbow staircase! Located on the foothill of Tai Mo Shan, Kwong Pan Tin Mural Village is arguably the most Insta-worthy villages in Hong Kong, with artworks created by residents and volunteers all around the space. To get there take bus 51 at Tsuen Wan Nina Tower Bus Terminus or minibus 80 at Chuen Lung Street and alight at Kwong Pan Tin Tsuen (Section 2), where you'll see the colourful stairs and walls by the village entrance. 

Walk down Wing On Street and keep your eye out for a colourfully graffitied doorway bearing the words ‘Leather Factory’. This doorway leads to a former – you guessed it – leather factory and a Grade III cultural monument site that has been revitalised and turned into an artsy junkyard with freeform sculptures and decorations. It's an Instagrammer's dream.

Established under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s aegis, Oil Street Art Space provides a platform for young artists to experiment with and showcase their art. Housed inside a Grade II historic building that was once the Royal Hong Kong Yacht clubhouse, this place supports the city’s emerging talents. Witness their fresh take on the world.