Crazy for Art

Situated amid the hustle and bustle of Central, Fringe Club distinguishes itself from the surrounding highrises with a neoclassical exterior made of milky white and brown bricks.

Since it inhabited part of the Old Dairy Farm Depot in 1984, the Fringe Club has been a celebrated exhibition and performance venue, and has helped transform the city’s arts scene with experimental works.

Take a break at The Vault, a café that used to be a storage depot for ice, dairy and meat. Aside from light meals and drinks, you can also catch poetry reading sessions, exhibitions or performances here — check out the latest happenings before you visit.

Formerly the Police Married Quarters, PMQ now houses works by promising young artists and designers in Hong Kong. Here, not only will you find a fascinating line-up of creative studios and designer products, but there are also exhibitions and workshops all year round, giving you insights into the local creative scene.

From PMQ, move on to Hollywood Road, one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong and now home to a great variety of art galleries and antiques shops.

Yan Gallery was founded by Fong Yuk Yan, a seasoned Chinese art dealer with over three decades’ experience. The gallery houses Chinese modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures, and represents legendary artists such as the late Wu Guangzhong.

The collection of Parkview Art Hong Kong comprises important works by modern and contemporary artists, from world-class masters such as Fernando Botero and Zao Wou-ki to up-and-comers.

La Galerie is one of the very few photography galleries in Hong Kong nurturing talent in both Asian and Western photography. ‘1839’ in the gallery’s name refers to the year the French Government acquired the invention rights from Louis Daguerre to offer photography to the world.

Opposite to PMQ is Karin Weber Gallery, which was established in 1999 and elected one of the ‘500 Best Galleries Worldwide’ by Blouin Artinfo in 2015 and 2016. Besides an exceptional showcase of international art pieces, the gallery also hosts Hong Kong-themed exhibitions to support local artists.

The historic neighbourhood of Hollywood Road, with its old buildings and interesting boutiques, is an ideal area for a relaxing stroll. Keep an eye out for tucked away street art and graffiti in some of the streets and alleys that intersect the road.

Entitled Large Mouth Dragon Boy, the first overseas artwork by Japanese celebrity and promising artist Shingo Katori is created in celebration of Hong Kong Arts Month.
Address: Intersection of Hollywood Road and Shelley Street

This mural of old townhouses is a popular photo spot for visitors.
Address: Intersection of 46 Graham Street and 48 Hollywood Road. Central

Mural at 8 Tai On Terrace
Address: 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan

Yuk Yip Desserts on Elgin Street is a traditional dai pai dong, which forms an interesting contrast with the murals of urban pubs behind it.
Address: 2 Elgin Street, Central

This mural of Bruce Lee is done by Korean graffiti artist Xeva using his signature mosaic technique.
Address: Staircase between Hollywood Road and Square Street, Sheung Wan

The majority of murals around Central and Sheung Wan are curated by local graffiti group HKwalls. This portrait is one of them.
Address: Staircase between Hollywood Road and Square Street, Sheung Wan

A vibrant mural of Brooklyn. At the bottom right corner, a door is drawn to invite passers-by to step into the adjacent American bar Brooklyn Bar & Grill.
Address: 29 Staunton Street, Central

Peel Fresco Music Lounge on Peel Street has live shows almost every night, with performances ranging from jazz to rock to Cantopop. Feel free to get on the stage and jam with the band on Tuesday and Sunday nights.

At The Popsy Room, art is something to relish gastronomically and visually. The gallery by day becomes a private kitchen at night, demonstrating a perfect fusion between art and gastronomy.