Like many cities across the world, Hong Kong has an art week…and an art month. Each year, Asia takes a huge bite out of global art sales, which is why art fairs have become so popular here in Hong Kong.

Art Basel Hong Kong; photo courtesy of Art Basel

One of the most recognizable names is Art Basel Hong Kong…the original art fair started in Basel Switzerland (see bottom of this article for more info about the founders). According to the Hollywood Reporter, in 2018, a 1975 work by Willem de Kooning was sold for $35 million at Art Basel Hong Kong within hours of opening the doors. Art Basel Hong Kong takes place each year at the end of March along with other art fairs listed below.

It all began in 1970, when Basel gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner and Balz Hilt created an international art fair in Basel Switzerland. More than 16,000 visitors attend the inaugural show to see 90 galleries and 30 publishers from 10 countries. The art fair continued to grow…hosting sister art fairs in Miami Florida, Hong Kong, and many more. Find out more HERE.

MGM Resorts International is a global Associate Partner of Art Basel, MGM Resorts Art & Culture hosts the MGM Resorts Lounge in the Art Basel Collectors Lounge, in addition to presenting special events on-site at Art Basel in Hong Kong and at MGM COTAI hosted in collaboration with institutions including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing.

Art Basel; courtesy of MGM Resorts International

In 2014, a non-profit organization fair HKwalls launched its own art fair. Founders Jason Dembski and Stan Wu wanted to create opportunities for street artists to showcase their talent in the city of Hong Kong. It is now an established annual fair representing the street art community. Find out more about this art fair – https://hkwalls.org

As of 2019, Art Central has presented five editions of its annual art fair. Expect to see interactive installations, experimental films, along with performance art, and engaging panel discussions. Featuring over one hundred galleries, Art Central attracts collectors from all over the globe. Find out more about Art Central – http://artcentralhongkong.com

As is the case throughout the world, once an established fair comes to a new city, it attracts other well-known fairs along with new ones being added. If you love art and want to visit Hong Kong, book your trip at the end of March to experience art week in Hong Kong. Find out more about the arts in Hong Kong on the official tourism website – http://www.discoverhongkong.com

If you are an art lover, be sure to check our Art/Photography Page under our Stories Section to find artist interviews about how travel inspires them. If you are in the Los Angeles area, find out about upcoming art events on our sister site LAArtParty.com