Hong Kong M+ Museum – Review guide to HK’s best museums

The Hong Kong M+ Museum is one of the recent additions to the city’s world-class museums. Located at the West Kowloon Cultural District, it displays visual art, design, moving images and architecture. In fact, the museum of modern and contemporary visual culture is the first of its kind in whole Asia. The newly opened attraction is also one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This sightseeing attraction is highly recommended.

Tickets are available from ticket counters and many authorized sellers. To save time and avoid waiting in line, it is recommended to secure tickets in advance online.

Below are all the info you need to know about the popular M+ Museum, including e.g. entrance fees, ticket prices, how to get to the museum, what you can do, activities, exhibitions, movie screenings and events.

What is the Hong Kong M+ Museum?

The M+ Museum or MPlus is one of the latest sightseeing attractions. Opened on November 12, 2021 at the West Kowloon Cultural District, it is the first museum of modern and contemporary visual culture in Asia. And also one of the largest in the world. The museum is one of the world-class facilities in Hong Kong.

This world-class museum showcases 20th and 21st century visual culture on 17,000 square meters. 33 galleries and 3 cinema houses wait to be explored and discovered. So, make sure to plan sufficient time when visiting this excellent museum.

Architecture of the M+ Museum

The impressive museum of modern and contemporary visual culture is already visible from far distance. The slender 18-storey building has been designed by famous Herzog & de Meuron, TFP Farrells and Arup. Needless to say that the MPlus immediately became one of the iconic buildings of the city.

It is situated just next to the Hong Kong Palace Museum. In close proximity is also the city’s tallest building – the International Commerce Centre (ICC), where you will also find sky100 – the highest observation deck in town.

Taking a closer look at this elegant and impressive building, you might be reminded of an upside-down ‘T’ shape. The building combines modern construction elements, space and lighting concepts with traditional Chinese and local elements.

The facade is e.g. inspired by traditional Chinese roofs. In fact, the facade uses custom-designed cladding, some made of terracotta. Other unique elements throughout the building include different textured wood and concretes highlighting the use of durable materials.

In addition, the facade of the M+ building consists of 5,664 LED tubes. The giant screen is facing Victoria Harbour and can be seen from far distance.

The impressive M+ facade functions not only as an innovate digital exhibition space. It is also part of the nightly A Symphony of Lights and Laser attraction show. It is visible from the Kowloon as well as Hong Kong Island side.

The design concept of the museum reflects art and modernity. Needless to say that the newly building itself became with an blink of an eye one of the city’s famous landmarks. In addition, it is one of the recent Instagram and selfie hotspots.

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Highlights of the Hong Kong M+ Museum

The MPlus houses a large range of exhibitions and art collections. The art works have been collected primarily from Hong Kong, Mainland China and the rest of Asia. But you also can find artists and their works from the rest of the world. One highlight of the visual culture collection is to showcase the interdisciplinary of different fields of art. Explore and discover some of the world’s best art works of architecture, design and moving images. So, let’s take a closer look.

Permanent Exhibitions

The MPlus has 4 collections that are permanently on display. Currently, there are over 6,700 art pieces, items and objects. The collections have been structured in the following 4 permanent exhibitions:

– Design and Architecture

This collection focuses on 20th and 21st-century design and architecture. The exhibition features primarily work from Hong Kong and Asia. Among thousands of objects, you can admire e.g. posters, textiles, fashion, furniture, electronics and of course architecture and interior designs.

– Moving Image

The Moving Image collection focuses on the development of films over the last two centuries. The collection is very broad and covers a wide range of objects. These include e.g. animations, video games, videos, movies, digital art installations and even web-based works.

– Visual Art

The Visual Art collection is for all who love photographs, prints and sculptures. This collection feature a wide spectrum of modern and contemporary drawings, paintings and live art.

– Hong Kong Visual Culture

The fourth permanent collection focuses on Hong Kong. The collection objects are from various disciplines and fields of arts.

Special Thematic Exhibitions

Another highlight of the MPlus Museum are the regular changing Special Exhibitions. These exhibitions are just temporarily available. They focus on specific art topics, artists or specific works. Below are some of the most popular exhibitions of the past:

• Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China
• M+ Sigg Collection: From revolution to Globalisation
• Yayoi Kusama: Pumpkin
• Hong Kong: Here and Beyond
• Beeple: HUMAN ONE
• Angela Su: Arise, Hong Kong in Venice
• Young-Hae Chang: Heavy Industries
• Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now

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What can you do at the MPlus Museum?

The permanent and special exhibitions are not the only things you can do at the HKMP. Besides the 33 galleries, the museum also houses the Moving Image Centre. This centre consists of 3 cinemas houses (40, 60 and 180 seats), Grand Stair and a Mediatheque.

Besides the exhibition halls and the cinemas, there is a roof top garden and the M+ Playscape. The rooftop garden offers beautiful views of Victoria Harbour. Visitors can rest on the benches at the M+ Playscape and enjoy the sculptures from famous designer Isamu Noguchi.

Moreover, there is e.g. a learning hub, restaurants, cafés and a gift shop with some unique products and souvenirs. Furthermore, the museum organises e.g. special lectures, guided tours, workshops, talks, performances, movie screening and activities.

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Ticket information: prices, Where to get tickets of Hong Kong M+ Museum

Ticket prices are categorized to General Admission and Special Exhibition.

All the tickets (general admission and special exhibition tickets) can be purchased directly from the ticket counters of Hong Kong M+ Museum. Be prepared that the museum may be very popular and there will be long queue at the ticket counter. To save time, you also can secure ticket from authorized platforms online.

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How much is M+ Museum ticket?

So, how much are the ticket prices, entrance fees and admissions to the Hong Kong M+ Museum? Ticket prices and entrance fees depends which part and galleries of the museum you want to visit.

– General Admission tickets

Ticket prices for the permanent thematic Exhibitions Halls are:

• Standard Ticket – HKD 120
• Concession Ticket – HKD 60 (Children age 7 to 11, full-time students, seniors age 60+, people with disabilities and CSSA recipients))

– Ticket prices for the Special Thematic Exhibitions

In case you would like to visit and explore the special thematic exhibitions (e.g. Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China), you need to purchase tickets for the Special Exhibitions Galleries. These tickets also include a General Admission ticket. Hence, you can enter and enjoy the exhibitions of the whole museum.

Ticket prices for the Special Exhibitions are:

• Standard Ticket – HKD 140
• Concession Ticket – HKD 70 (Children age 7 to 11, full-time students, seniors age 60+, people with disabilities and CSSA recipients))
• M+ Members – HKD 98
• M+ Patrons’ Guests – HKD 70

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Where to buy admission tickets?

In general, both types of admission tickets are available from the official ticket counter of the museum as well as through internet online booking platforms.

• From Official Ticket Counter

  General admission tickets as well as tickets for the Special Thematic Exhibition galleries can be purchased directly from the official ticket counters of the museum.

  In case you plan to purchase tickets directly at the counter, be aware that you might have to wait long times in line. This attraction is very popular. And it is not unusual to see visitors queuing up hours before the official opening hours of the museum.

  In order to avoid disappointment try to purchase and secure your entrance tickets in advance. This can be done through one of the following official online booking platforms.

• From Online Booking Platforms

  The M+ Museum cooperates with several big online booking platforms such as e.g. Cityline, China Travel Service (CTS), Fliggy, Ctrip, Trip.com, Klook and KKDay.

  China Travel Service (CTS), Fliggy, Ctrip and Trip.com cater mainly to Chinese tourists. Klook and KKDay offer discounted tickets to the rest of foreign travellers.

  Booking through one of the platforms has the several advantages. First, you can immediately see which days are sold out. Second, you can immediately secure your preferred day of visit (instant confirmation). Third, booking from the online discount providers entitles the visitors with direct admission. And lastly, don’t forget to check tickets for other sightseeing attractions. These platforms provide discounted admission tickets to all kind of attractions.

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Is it worthwhile to visit the M+ Museum?

The M+ Museum is highly recommended not only if you love or are interested in modern art, design and architecture. Focusing on various disciplines as well as having thematic collections such as e.g. Hong Kong’s visual culture makes this museum a must-visit.

The large collections are very well curated. Interactive exhibits, latest technologies (e.g. use mobile devices to interact with the collections), M+ Playscape, the gigantic outdoor LED screen all add to the overall experience and make it worthwhile to visit.

Furthermore, the contemporary designed building itself is an highlight. Especially, if you are interested in design and architecture, you should not miss this unique landmark. There is plenty to discover inside and outside.

So, if you have visited MoMA in New York or the Tate Modern in London, you will enjoy and love this museum. In fact, this world-class museum doesn’t need to hide. Having said that, the M+ Museum is a must-visit and not only a great choice on a rainy day. Expect to stay the whole day.

Read More About:
What can you do on rainy days in Hong Kong

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Hotels close to the M+ Museum – or where are the best places to stay

No matter if you are a first-time or repeating visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended to plan your stay ahead. Choosing to either stay on the Kowloon or Hong Kong Island side is not the only thing to decide. Hotel rooms and accommodation fill up quickly and room rates skyrocket. Having said that try to book and secure your hotel room as early as possible!

Stay in Western Kowloon (close to M+ Museum)

The closest location to the Hong Kong M+ Museum is Western Kowloon. There are three hotels located within walking range to the museum. The area is convenient and has several other top sightseeing attractions, restaurants and shopping options in close proximity. All three hotels are in close proximity to the city’s MTR subway system, Airport Express train and High Speed Rail (HSR) system.

The Airport Express train travels directly from Hong Kong International Airpot to West Kowloon within 22 minutes. The Kowloon station of Airport Express is conveniently only steps away from M+ Museum.

1. W Hotel
2. The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong 麗思卡爾頓酒店
3. The Harbourview Place Hong Kong 港景匯

Stay in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)

Alternatively, you can think to stay in Tsim Shat Tsui. This district is one of the most popular to stay. It has plenty of accommodation, dining, sight seeing and transport options. Tsim Sha Tsui is the transportation center connecting to street markets in Mongkok, other museums (history, science, art and space) as well as Hong Kong Island (to the Peak).

Best Hotel options in Tsim Sha Tsui:

1. Regent Hong Kong (former InterContinental Hong Kong) 香港麗晶酒店 (原香港洲際酒店)
2. Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 香港喜來登酒店
3. The Peninsula Hong Kong 香港半島酒店
4. K11 Artus (new) K11寓館
5. Rosewood Hotel (new) 香港瑰麗酒店
6. YMCA Salisbury 港青酒店
7. FWD House 1881
8. Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel 馬哥孛羅酒店
9. Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel 九龍香格里拉酒店
10. Langham Hotel 香港朗庭酒店

Stay in Wan Chai or Central (center of the city)

In case you can’t find any hotel room around the museum or would like to experience another side of the city, you might want to check out some of the following hotels along Central and Wan Chai areas. Both districts are the most popular areas for visitors. There are plenty of hotel options and you can easily reach Western Kowloon district by subway.

Best Hotel options along Wan Chai area:

1. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 香港君悅酒店
2. The St. Regis Hong Kong 瑞吉酒店
3. Renaissance Harbour View Hotel 香港萬麗海景酒店
4. The Fleming Hotel 芬名酒店
5. Gloucester Luk Kwok Hotel 六國酒店

Best Hotel options along Central/Admiralty area:

1. JW Marriott Hotel 香港JW萬豪酒店
2. Island Shangri-La 港島香格里拉大酒店
3. The Murray 香港美利酒店
4. Conrad Hong Kong 香港港麗酒店
5. The Upper House 奕居
6. Four Seasons Hong Kong 香港四季酒店
7. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong 香港文華東方酒店

If you prefer to check out hotels in other locations, you can start with where are the best places to stay.

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What are the Opening Hours and when is it the best time to visit the Hong Kong M+ Museum?

The official opening hours of the Hong Kong M+ Museum are:

• 10:00am – 6:00pm (Tues – Thu, and weekends)
• 10:00am – 10:00pm (Fri)

The museum is closed on Mondays. The museum is open on all public holidays unless it fall on a Monday.

So, when is the best time to visit? It is always a good idea to plan ahead if you want to visit this attraction. The museum is very popular among travel agencies, teachers and students. Expect large crowds. Therefore, try to purchase and secure your entrance tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Besides, it is recommended to avoid weekends and public holidays. Similar to other attractions it can get crowded. Having said that, the best time to visit is during the week.

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Where is the location of the Hong Kong M+ Museum?

The M+ is located at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). The area is a vibrant hub of the local and international art scene.

There are several arts venues and cultural facilities. All of them offer world-class exhibitions, arts, performances and cultural events. Having said that the location of the museum makes it easy to combine several attractions at once.

Next to the M+ Museum is the Palace Museum, Art Park, Freespace, Xiqu Centre and the upcoming Lyric Theatre Complex. On the way to or from the museum, you can also visit another popular sightseeing attraction.

The sky100 Observation Deck – the highest indoor observation deck – is inside the ICC (the city’s highest building) and connected with the ELEMENTS shopping mall.

And if that is not enough, the West Kowloon Cultural District offers some stunning and spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. Simply walk along the Waterfront promenade. Or enjoy some alfresco dinning at one of the nearby restaurants. Relax and soak in Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline.

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How to get to the Hong Kong M+ Museum?

You can get to M+ Museum by subway and then walk or use free shuttle bus service.

By MTR then walk

The most convenient way to get to the Hong Kong M+ Museum is to take Hong Kong’s MTR. Take the subway to the Kowloon MTR Station and take Exit C1 or D1 (these subway exits are closest to the museum). Follow the signs to the Artist Square Bridge and cross it. Then follow the signs towards the museum. It’s an approx. 10 minutes walk.

Another option is to leave the Kowloon MTR station through Exit E4 or E5. Walk along Nga Cheung Road. Then cross the footbridge and follow the signs to the museum.

By MTR then use free shuttle bus

Alternatively, you can take the MTR subway and travel to the Austin MTR station and take Exit D. From there you can hop on the free shuttle bus taking you to the museum district. The free shuttle bus departs every 20 minutes.

In case you don’t want to wait or would like to enjoy a walk then you can the Exit B4 or B5. The walk towards the museum is approx. 15-20 minutes.

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