The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) launched its new HKPM Cultural Salon initiative on Thursday evening, 21 May 2026, with the theme “Jewels of Culture: An Exploration of Artistic Adornments from Around the World”. Over 200 artists, designers, patrons, and art enthusiasts from the international and local community gathered at the HKPM for an exclusive cultural experience, highlighted by a panel conversation with leading figures from the jewellery and heritage fields. Coinciding with the Museum’s latest special exhibition, “Treasures of Global Jewellery from The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Body Transformed”, the event invited guests to experience the dazzling masterpieces from The Met’s prestigious jewellery collection up close, accompanied by live performances set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
The highlight of the evening was a distinguished panel that brought together global visionaries in art and heritage, featuring Wallace Chan, Chinese Jewellery Artist and Sculptor; Uni Kim, Head of Sale, High Jewelry, Sotheby’s Hong Kong; Francesco Pastore, Head of Heritage and Culture, Schiaparelli; Dr Daisy Wang, Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the HKPM; and Zaneta Cheng, Editor-in-Chief of #legend, who moderated the discussion. The conversation explored the significance of jewellery as the world’s oldest and most enduring art form, reflecting on its power to embody identity and cultural exchange across civilisations. The speakers also illuminated jewellery’s ability to transcend gender and cultural boundaries, as contemporary artists and designers continue to reinterpret traditional motifs and redefine jewellery’s place in modern society. The panel concluded with a forward-looking vision: beyond adornment or luxury, jewellery stands as a vital artistic medium that will continue to shape cultural dialogue and inspire future generations. The evening was enriched by live performances from the renowned USC Thornton Chamber Singers, the Guest Choir of the Year at the Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Festival 2026, and the Diocesan Boys’ School Saxophone Quartet.
Designed as a quarterly series, the HKPM Cultural Salon will present a unique theme each season inspired by the Museum’s exhibitions, offering an exclusive, curated cultural experience after hours. The launch of the HKPM Cultural Salon marks the Museum’s continued commitment to cultivating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange among the local and international arts community, advancing its mission to foster dialogue among world civilisations and to position Hong Kong as a global gateway where international heritage is celebrated, preserved, and reimagined for future generations.
Running until 19 October 2026, “Treasures of Global Jewellery from The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Body Transformed” is now on view at Gallery 8 of the HKPM. Cathay and American Express are the Major Sponsors of the exhibition.
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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
