Culture

Tucked behind Admiralty, near the British Consulate and Island Shangri-La hotel, the Asia Society is a sanctuary within the city. On a site where the British army once housed ammunition, this outpost of the New York-based educational institution is a rare example of architectural preservation in Hong Kong. 

Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the centre opened in 2012 and incorporates four historic military buildings as part of a multi-tier compound that folds into the foothills of Hong Kong Island’s steep peak. Exhibitions ranging from Caravaggio to contemporary Southeast Asian artists have been shown and regular performances and screenings are mounted. Even if you’re not sure what’s on, head up to take in the views from the peaceful rooftop garden. Or grab a meal at restaurant Ammo. 

Established in 2004, Osage has become a major platform for exhibiting and promoting Asian contemporary arts over the past decade. Works by artists from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand are regularly shown in addition to international artists of Asian descent. Through exhibitions and research, founder and director Agnes Lin looks to explore cross-cultural relationships between different countries in Asia as well as the region’s global identity. 

Set in the up-and-coming district of Kowloon East, Osage is among the largest gallery spaces to be found in the city. The raw warehouse unit shows work across multiple disciplines including performance, installations and interactive multimedia.