The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA or the Authority) announces that Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum), will retire from his role in early January 2027 upon the completion of his contract.
The WKCDA expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr Ng for his exemplary leadership and contributions over the past seven years. His strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and extensive experience in museum management have been instrumental in guiding the HKPM from its planning and construction stage to its grand opening in July 2022 and its development into a world-class museum in just four years. During Dr Ng’s tenure, the HKPM curated close to 40 thematic and special exhibitions, fostered global partnerships, including collaborations with the Palace Museum and leading cultural institutions in France, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Egypt, welcoming over 4.6 million visitors and establishing itself as Hong Kong’s cultural tourism landmark. Furthermore, Dr Ng championed innovative educational and community outreach programmes to inspire younger generations and cultivate new museum audiences.
Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board, said, “Under the leadership of Dr Louis Ng, the HKPM was completed successfully within budget, finished and opened on schedule. During his tenure, the Museum successfully established an international network of partnerships, launched a number of impactful exhibitions, and fulfilled its mission of fostering cultural dialogue, successfully securing its place on the international cultural stage. We sincerely thank him for his contributions to the Museum.”
Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA, said, “Dr Louis Ng is deeply committed to promoting Chinese arts and culture and fostering dialogue between Chinese and world civilisations through innovative, diversified and educational initiatives, aligning with WKCDA’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. These efforts are also instrumental in nurturing the next generation of museum visitors while expanding access to art and cultural appreciation. On behalf of the Authority, I express my sincere gratitude to Dr Ng for his invaluable contributions and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, “I am deeply honoured to have served as the Museum’s founding director over the past seven years and witnessed its successful opening and growth. I am very pleased that the Museum is widely recognised as one of the most influential and forward-looking museums in the region. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Palace Museum for its unwavering support to the HKPM throughout these years and am confident that the Museum will continue to serve as a platform to promote the Palace Museum culture to the world. I am also grateful for the tremendous support from HKPM Board and the Authority during my tenure.”
The Authority will conduct a global search for Dr Ng’s successor.
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About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
Through innovative curatorial approaches, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures from the Palace Museum along with the finest collections from other world-renowned institutions. The Museum is also in the process of building its own world-class collection. Opened in 2022, the Museum is a leading institution for the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture and the promotion of dialogue among world civilisations. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2032.
Through research, exhibitions, publications, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum builds international partnerships and positions Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. A resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum inspires community engagement, fosters dialogue, and promotes creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the upcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, evolving as the international cultural brand of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
https://www.westk.hk/
