Cover Here are Hong Kong's hidden public art spaces (Photo: The Mills)

On the hunt for the hidden art spaces in Hong Kong? Read on to find out where they are

Hong Kong is a very art-friendly city—we see it in the numerous galleries, street art and photogenic locations alongside the many artists that choose to have their work exhibited here. But if you’re looking for more unique places to see the artsy side of Hong Kong, there are plenty of art spaces that are a little lesser-known.

Venture into these hidden art spaces that you may not have known exist before, and get ready to appreciate a new side of Hong Kong and fall in love with art even more.

See also: 8 Of The Most Instagrammable Museums In Asia

1. Cattle Depot Artist Village

Art lovers and locals might have heard of Cattle Depot Artist Village but this former slaughterhouse-turned art space is truly a hidden gem in the sleepy neighbourhood. Located near To Kwa Wan and Ma Tau Kok, Cattle Depot Artist Village is now much more accessible thanks to the opening of the Tuen Ma line. This artistic hub is recognisable even from afar—a contrast to the high-rise older buildings surrounding it—thanks to its red brick exterior.

The art space was renovated into a local art community in 2001, well ahead of other notable places like Tai Kwun or PMQ. It’s the only surviving pre-war cattle slaughterhouse in Hong Kong, making it a place to truly visit both for the art and the history.

Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2364 2959

See also: 6 Hong Kong Galleries That Focus On Local Artists

2. My Secret Garden

The quaint island of Peng Chau is already worth a visit on its own but even better is its hidden art space, My Secret Garden. This hidden art oasis is tucked away in a dark alleyway, so keep your eyes peeled for the sign, “Leather Factory My Secret Garden”. The colourful array of ornaments at the entrance is enough to beckon anyone to check this place out.

My Secret Garden is located on a former leather factory and a Grade III cultural monument site that has been revitalised into an artsy hipster’s dream. The junkyard is filled with creative sculptures and installations made from unwanted waste materials such as chairs, chandeliers, metal scraps among many others. There are colourful murals and designs all over the place as well, making it an Instagrammable wonderland.

My Secret Garden, Leather Factory, Wing On Street, Peng Chau, Hong Kong

See also: 10 Secret Islands To Visit In Hong Kong

3. Gallery by the Harbour

Hidden amidst all the bustling stores and buzzing high-end brands is Gallery by the Harbour in Harbour City. This floor-to-ceiling art space is truly an art lover’s hidden paradise, with views of Victoria Harbour to boot. The works on display here are much more contemporary and appeal to the artsy youth, think colourful illustration and hit pop culture artists, especially Asian ones that strike a chord with the young crowd.

If you need a break from all that shopping, Gallery by the Harbour is the place to be.

Gallery by the Harbour, Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, harbourcity.com.hk

See also: Hong Kong Art Fair Unscheduled Returns This September

4. Oil Street Art Space

The newly opened Oil Street Art Space is the latest art space to visit in the city. Besides being a place for art lovers to visit, it’s also where young artists can hone their craft. The art space is housed inside a Grade II historic building built in 1908 as the clubhouse of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

Now, they are nurturing young artists, promoting community art and serving as a venue to encourage collaboration and creation in art through exhibitions and workshops. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of North Point, be sure to put this local art space on your radar if you haven’t already.

Oil Street Art Space, 12 Oil Street, North Point, Hong Kong, +852 2512 3000, facebook.com/oilstreetartspace

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: What To Eat, Drink And Do In North Point

5. The Mills

The Mills, a former cotton mill has been revitalised to become a new art and design hub. Among its many independent shops, The Mills also has a dedicated space for its creative community, a heritage conservation project called Chat which stands for Centre for Heritage Arts and Textiles.

The ground floor gallery space hosts exhibitions and events for the art community. Beyond The Mills, there are also murals painted by local artists outside, making it an Instagrammable space for many.

The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, +852 3979 2300

See also: The Tatler Guide To The Mills: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop

6. Yim Tin Tsai

This island, once the home of the early Hakka over 300 years ago, has been transformed into a weekend destination. While the island and the village itself is mostly abandoned, the island has been undergoing preservation efforts after receiving its UNESCO recognition, allowing the revival of its heritage, customs and folklore.

Now, the island has also become a public art space, thanks in part to the annual Tim Tin Tsai Arts Festival which transforms the island into an “open museum”, showcasing artworks and installations under various themes. The festival only runs for a limited time but the artworks stay on the island for visitors’ appreciation until the festival happens again.

Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung District, Hong Kong

See also: 6 Hidden Traditional Villages To Visit In Hong Kong

7. Tuen Mun River Park

Tuen Mun River Park may seem like a random choice for an art project but it certainly makes the area much livelier, thanks to the Viva! River project which placed six sets of art pieces along the Tuen Mun River. The artworks comprised of sculptures take are based on the stories of local residents, emoticons that have been transformed into urban furniture and pieces from a community weaving project helmed by La Belle Époque, a knitting studio.

The art pieces here are mostly created by local artist groups, aiming to re-energise the district and connect its residents and community through art.

Tuen Mun River Park, Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong

See also: Urban Oases: 8 Beautiful Green Spaces In Hong Kong

8. Ha Pak Nai

Ha Pak Nai is a famed sunset spot but it’s also a hidden paradise for both nature and art lovers. Sprawled across the Nim Wan Road are 19 paintings created by local artist trio, Chemiyan. Each of these paintings is created from recycled insulation broad and based on Ha Pak Nai’s stunning scenery and wildlife. The paintings not only serve as eye candy for art lovers to see but also as a way to promote nature conservation.

Besides the paintings, you can also find colourful wooden cabins at App Store Cafe & Barbecue and admire the beautiful butterfly mural on the patio. Next time you head over to Ha Pak Nai to see the sunset, make sure you stop by those beautiful art pieces too.

Ha Pak Nai, Yuen Long, Hong Kong

See also: 9 Unique And Beautiful Places To Watch The Sunset In Hong Kong

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