New Starbucks concept store debuts the “Hong Kong Palace Museum Ancient Egypt Collection”
“Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” (“Ancient Egypt Unveiled”) at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) has welcomed nearly 190,000 visitors since its debut two months ago. The Museum extends its sincere gratitude for the public’s enthusiastic support and will roll out a series of cross-sector collaborations in the first half of the year, fostering community connection through innovative initiatives. This destination exhibition is proudly supported by Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Museum’s Strategic Partner, with Cathay and UnionPay International as the Major Sponsors.
Releasing museum-exclusive F&B and merchandise offerings
The new Starbucks concept store at the Museum will debut exclusive beverages crafted specifically for the HKPM, including the newly developed Turmeric Oatmilk Latte, now available for purchase, as well as a refreshing series of Plum Blossoms beverages, including Plum Blossoms Oolong Tea, Oolong Tea Tonic, Coffee, and Coffee Tonic with Creamy Foam. Starbucks Hong Kong will also launch the “Hong Kong Palace Museum Ancient Egypt Collection” across all Starbucks locations in Hong Kong. Featuring two themed signature food items, the Golden Pistachio Pyramid Cake and the Mummy’s Secret Roll, these imaginative culinary creations capture the mystique and allure of ancient Egyptian culture. Starbucks has also transformed ancient Egyptian culture into a curated collection of stylish merchandise. Drawing inspiration from iconic symbols of ancient Egypt, the collection of themed demi sets, tumblers, luggage tags, and passport holders brings the richness of ancient history into everyday life and will be available at all Starbucks stores in Hong Kong and Macau, with selected items available toward the end of February. Themed beverages, food and merchandise will be officially launched on 10 February 2026 (Tuesday).
The HKPM Starbucks concept store will also be the first to debut the “Hong Kong Palace Museum Collection”. Inspired by imperial treasures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the collection features four products that blend court culture with contemporary aesthetics. Starting 28 January 2026 (Wednesday), customers can enjoy a cultural experience that intertwines storytelling, artistry, and modern flair.
Three local artists collaborate on store design, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modernity
Soft-launched in December 2025, the new Starbucks concept store is co-created with three local artists. The store’s entrance signage is designed by local calligrapher Westley Wong, who integrates Chinese cultural elements with contemporary design. Inside the store, a ceramic sculptural installation by ceramic artist Leo Wong draws inspiration from Yunnan landscapes and Chinese philosophy and aesthetics, reinterpreting the beauty of the coffee plant through texture and rhythmic form. On the opposite wall, mineral pigment paintings by artist Elsa Ngai depict the life cycle of the coffee tree using natural mineral and earth pigments, capturing the organic beauty of nature.
Cross-sector collaborations extend cultural reach: creative video series “Pharaoh Meets Hong Kong” and Museum’s first collaboration with “Hong Kong Pet Show 2026”
To extend the cultural experience beyond the museum and deepen community engagement, the HKPM is launching a series of online and offline promotional activities featuring the iconic Pharaoh and beloved cats of ancient Egypt. The three-part creative video series “Pharaoh Meets Hong Kong” follows the story of Pharaoh exploring the city alongside Commercial Radio Hong Kong DJ Ah Jeng. Together, they visit iconic cultural and tourism landmarks, including Hong Kong Disneyland, an open-top sightseeing bus ride, a cha chaan teng in Kowloon City, and the vibrant Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. The Museum will also launch the “Pharaoh Cat x KMB Boy” creative campaign in March. To amplify outreach, the video series and promotional activities will be launched in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB), creatively intertwining Hong Kong's cultural vibrancy with ancient Egyptian artefacts, sparking a fascinating dialogue between these two rich cultures.
The HKPM has partnered with “Hong Kong Pet Show 2026” to present an “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” themed zone at the event, which will run from 29 January to 1 February 2026 (Thursday to Sunday). Drawing inspiration from the revered status of cats in ancient Egyptian culture, a striking 2.5-metre-tall “Pharaoh Cat” installation will be featured as the highlight, honouring the profound connection between ancient Egyptians and their feline companions.
Complementing the installation, the Museum will launch the “Searching for Pharaoh’s Cat” interactive activity, where participants have a chance to win the exclusive “Pharaoh Cat” fan, available only during the event*. Visitors who purchase “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” Special Exhibition Tickets or join HKPM Friends on-site will also receive a complimentary “Pharaoh Cat” Lucky Charm*. New members will also receive the member-exclusive plush bag charm. In addition, the themed zone will feature a selection of the Museum’s popular merchandise, including the beloved Black Cat Plush Collectible, the Pharaoh Pet Beanie and the Hekha and Nekhakha Pet Teaser Set, inspired by the Pharaoh’s iconic emblems of authority. The Ancient Egyptian Unveiled: A Young Explorer’s Guide picture book, a journey led by the cat goddess Bastet, will be available on-site alongside other publications.
The Museum will continue to launch a series of educational programmes, including talks and workshops, to further deepen public understanding of both Chinese and global civilisations. The popular family-friendly programme “Create Your Own Cat Temple Workshop” has rolled out additional spots for the session on 1 February 2026 (Sunday) and an additional session on 1 March (Sunday), offering families and the public an interactive way to learn about ancient Egyptian culture. For details and registration, please visit the Museum’s website.
* All merchandise and giveaway items are available while stocks last.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to become a leading institution on the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue between world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum and is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum combines a Hong Kong perspective with a global vision to present precious artefacts from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum aims to build international partnerships and position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum strives to inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on 40 hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, WestK will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing 23 hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westk.hk/
