Step into a world encapsulated by contemporary and traditional Chinese aesthetics translated to a state-of-the-art expression to position Hong Kong as one of the global cultural institution leaders.

This is a collaborative project between the Beijing Palace Museum and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority making HKPM the cultural resource that belongs to the Hong Kong Community. The Museum Management aims to be a dynamic platform to inspire and promote community engagement, cultivating cross-cultural dialogues, and interdisciplinary creative collaboration.

Officially opened on the 3rd of July 2022, the Hong Kong Palace Museum houses more than 900 precious artefacts dating back to the different powerful Chinese dynasties to special exhibitions like the Cartier show. Many of these priceless artefacts and relics are displayed in Hong Kong for the first time. What is beneficial for the museum’s guests is the opportunity to see unseen treasures yet that was never been on this display since. This is the best opportunity to see these timeless and truly historic pieces that are part of the minute puzzle pieces of the grand epic of Chinese History.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is still running in its first year, and according to the West Kowloon website, every Wednesday of the First 12 months of operation, all visitors can enjoy free admission to the seven thematic exhibitions and this requires successful registration for the Hong Kong Palace Museum and West Kowloon platforms.

Before your visit, you have to be aware of the museum’s business hours which are as follows:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
  10:00AM – 6:00PM
• Friday, Saturday and Public Holiday
  10:00AM – 8:00PM
• Closed on Tuesdays (except Public Holidays and the First Two Days of the Lunar New Year)

Hong Kong Palace Numbers in Summary:

• Total of 7,800 square meters covering the Nine Galleries
• Total of 400 seats and 570 square meters of its grand auditorium
• Total of 1,600 square meters of the Palace Academy.

In my opinion, it is best to visit during its opening hours, since the galleries are indeed expansive. It would really take time to certainly digest each and every narrative. I am a museum lover, and for me, about 5-6 hours of time would be sufficient for me to absorb and feel the full immersion of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

The entire museum building internal temperature is kept to around 20 degrees Celsius, creating a favourable condition for the relics on display. It is best to bring an extra layer of protection if you cannot bear these lowered temperatures. The multilevel museum building is served with escalators and spacious elevators. You would notice that there are textured steel pathways that are evidently meant to guide the visually impaired guests, so be mindful if someone tries to take advantage of this inclusive architectural feature.
There are dedicated art deco seats on each gallery’s exits if one needs to rest their knees and soles after an immersive sauntering per gallery.

MODERNIZED FORBIDDEN CITY

The multi-levelled Grand Hong Kong Palace Museum is connected vertically by its three iconic atriums, they represent the horizontal spatial configuration of the renowned Forbidden City through its central axis.

Each and every atrium has its own design for linking the different levels of the museum. Additionally, each atrium features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that connects the internal galleries to the external surroundings of the buildings. One can enjoy the sweeping views of the iconic Victoria Harbour and Lantau Island – a so-near-yet-so-far experience while inside the comfortable and picturesque atriums. Do not forget to extend your vision upwards as you get to marvel at the varying ceiling design installations that are certainly a wow factor.

THEMATIC EXHIBITIONS / GALLERIES

• Entering the Forbidden City: Architecture, Collection and Heritage
• From Dawn to Dusk: Life in the Forbidden City
• Clay to Treasure: Ceramics from the Palace Museum Collection
• Encountering the Majestic: Portraits of Qing Emperors and Empresses
• The Quest for Originality: Contemporary Design and Traditional Craft in Dialogue
• Private to Public: The History of Chinese Art Collecting in Hong Kong
• No Boundaries: Reinterpreting Palace Museum Culture

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

• Cartier and Women (April 14, 2023, to August 14, 2023)
• Radiance: Ancient Gold from the Hong Kong Palace Museum Collection and Mengdiexuan Collection

MEMORIES OF THE EXPERIENCE

Upon stepping on its own expansive frontyard, It is indeed breathtaking to see its collosal facade. My eyes rummaged its every nook and crannies, each texture and shades. Since of its elevated story, the skyline of the Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island can be seen with the West Kowloon District as your backdrop. This is one of the favorite spots I really felt being in Hong Kong. The sweeping views is indeed unforgetable. And while drenching myself in this state of awe, cool breeze came around dancing like a prancing pony, blowing my stress away.

Upon entry of the building, please note that any long and protruding imaging appendages should be dismantled from the main recording body and kept in your bag at all times. This is to help avoid any untoward incident while inside the galleries. Our guide, has provided us our ticket to the Cartier and Women Gallery in a form of a digital QR Code which the Museum personally would scan prior admission.

The Cartier and Women Gallery saturated me with all the lusters and glitters I could see in my entire left. This exhibition is one of the first main event that gives emphasis and celebrates the role of women relating to its brand highlighting lifestyles, creativity and influence.Set in a low light mood to enhance and accentuate the details of the exquisite and prized jewellreys, adornments and gems. I paid attention to the crowns and tiaras worn by the influential women of various timelines. I am amazed also with their 3D projection where digital representations are projected in different axis and planes.

The Forbidden Gallery is the one I particularly enjoyed the most. I happen to have finished a Chinese Drama series depicting the lives of the Concubines inside the Forbidden City, which lets me relates ones on display. From the hats worn and intricately designed royal robes, to the grand arches and elaborately designed religious representations and relics – it seemed relatable.

FLY VIA CLARK

Wanting to fly with fewer hassles? Fly via Clark International Airport and experience an even more seamless flight process. Get to enjoy one of the most beautiful airports in the Philippines! Cebu Pacific Air flies twice daily from Clark to Hong Kong International Airport!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO CEBU PACIFIC AIR, HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD AND SELRAHCO PR FOR THIS UNFORGETTABLE HONG KONG EXPERIENCE.