The first comprehensive exhibition of Mughal art in Hong Kong highlights unparalleled artistic mastery and cross-cultural exchanges
Featuring the Taj Mahal and three remarkable Mughal emperors
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) today jointly unveiled the new special exhibition “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum” (“Treasures of the Mughal Court”), which is open to the public from today to 23 February 2026. Jointly organised by the V&A and the HKPM, and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “Treasures of the Mughal Court” is Hong Kong’s first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Mughal art. This special exhibition celebrates the diverse artistic traditions and unparalleled craftsmanship of the “golden age” of the Mughal dynasty (1526–1857) through a display of over 100 spectacular artefacts, ranging from paintings to jewellery, architectural fragments, weaponry, textiles, and ceramics, and showcases the artistic exchanges between China and the Mughal court.
This special exhibition was presented for the first time to great acclaim at the V&A in London from late 2024 to early 2025. The HKPM is the exhibition’s only venue in Asia after its London premiere. Building on the rich content of the show in London, the presentation in Hong Kong highlights the interchanges between the Mughal court and China, as well as other parts of the world. In addition to historical background information about the Mughal dynasty, the HKPM has incorporated multimedia features and local design elements through collaboration with Hong Kong artists, enhancing the exhibition’s relevance to the HKPM's audiences. In addition to treasures from the V&A collection, this exhibition features loans from Kuwait, the UK, and other international collections. The HKPM, the Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and the Collection of Mengdiexuan also provide important loans.
Officiating guests including Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board; Emily Hannam, Curator, South Asia of the V&A; Dr Connie Lau, Executive Manager, Charities (Culture) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Wendy Gan, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA); and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, visited the exhibition today.
Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board, said, “Underscoring the HKPM’s commitment to international cultural exchange, ‘Treasures of the Mughal Court’ reinforces the museum’s role as a vibrant platform for dialogues between China and the rest of the world, aligning with its ongoing mission to foster global artistic connectivity. This exhibition not only celebrates the extraordinary creative achievements of the Mughal dynasty but also delves into the rich cultural synthesis that characterises it, echoing Hong Kong’s unique role as a bridge between East and West. We hope this exhibition will enhance the audience's appreciation of the cultural exchanges and mutual respect among world civilisations.”
Emily Hannam, Curator, South Asia of the Victoria and Albert Museum, said, “This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to discover the international art and culture of the Mughal court. We are excited to be able to share with visitors in Hong Kong some of the greatest creations of this rich period of art and design history and reveal previously unseen objects on display for the first time.”
Dr Connie Lau, Executive Manager, Charities (Culture) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “We are honoured to support ‘The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum’. Through guided tours, workshops and talks, the exhibition will enhance public understanding and appreciation of the unparalleled artistic mastery of the Mughal court and its significant contributions to global heritage.”
“Treasures of the Mughal Court” marks a significant collaborative milestone following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the HKPM and the V&A at the first-ever Hong Kong International Cultural Summit, organised by the WKCDA in 2024.
Celebrating the Mughals’ “golden age” of artistic achievement and cultural exchange through a fresh curatorial lens
The Mughals, one of the world’s most influential dynasties from the 16th to the 17th centuries, ushered in a “golden age” of cultural and artistic achievement in South Asia. Under the patronage of three remarkable emperors, Akbar (r. 1556–1605), his son Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and his grandson Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658), Mughal court art flourished, characterised by diversity and inclusivity. The court embraced cultural elements from South Asia, China, Iran, Europe, and beyond, giving rise to a distinctive Mughal style that has left a lasting legacy.
The HKPM introduces a unique curatorial perspective in “Treasures of the Mughal Court” by illuminating the cultural exchanges between the Mughal court and China’s Ming and Qing courts during the same period (1368–1911). Stimulated by emperors who were passionate about cultural pursuits, the arts in these imperial courts advanced significantly. The courts embraced openness and actively supported cross-cultural exchange, fostering artistic development and innovation. Notably, jades made by Mughal court workshops incorporated the forms and motifs of Chinese art, while the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795) had a profound admiration for Mughal jade carvings, commissioning Chinese artisans to create exquisite replicas.
The first section, “Founder of the New Era: Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605)”, highlights the emergence of a radically new and distinctly Mughal artistic style shaped by Emperor Akbar’s embrace of religious tolerance and his establishment of multidisciplinary court workshops. Highlights of the exhibition include a thumb ring that exemplifies the hybrid aesthetic of early Mughal art developed during Emperor Akbar’s reign. A casket from the V&A adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays features a technique particularly favoured by the Mughal court. The juxtaposition of the casket with a Ming dynasty altar table with flowers and plants in pots and vases from the HKPM collection creates a captivating comparison that highlights the exquisite craftsmanship and ingenuity of both Mughal and Chinese artisans.
The second section of the exhibition, “Explorer of World Treasures: Emperor Jahangir (r. 1605–1627)”, explores Emperor Jahangir’s profound impact on the development of Mughal art through his artistic patronage and global acquisitions. Diplomatic gifts such as a yellow-glazed porcelain dish produced during the Hongzhi period (1488–1505) of the Ming dynasty, illustrate the cultural exchanges among Asian regions during the 16th and 17th centuries. A standout piece is a nephrite jade pendant likely worn by Emperor Jahangir. Featuring hoopoes, birds that symbolise royal wisdom in Persian tradition, the pendant is embellished with emeralds and rubies set in gold using the traditional South Asian kundan technique.
The third section of the exhibition, “Architect of Paradise on Earth: Emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)”, showcases Mughal artistic refinement at its height, when it was characterised by intricate floral designs. Shah Jahan’s patronage was marked by the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal in memory of the empress. Flowers adorned not only the Taj Mahal but also jewels, textiles, and paintings, symbolising the beauty and eternity of the dynasty under Shah Jahan’s rule and reflecting his vision of paradise on earth. A nephrite jade wine bowl, elegantly crafted in the shape of a flower and embellished with intricate floral motifs popular at the time, exemplifies the extraordinary achievement of Mughal jade artistry.
An immersive journey to the Taj Mahal, collaboration with Hong Kong artists, and innovative learning experiences
The exhibition begins with an immersive digital installation titled “Taj Mahal: A Love Story in a Majestic Monument”. The installation, together with artefacts related to the world heritage, offers a fascinating exploration of the artistic significance and historical stories of this magnificent mausoleum, built by Shah Jahan, one of the greatest art patrons of the Mughal dynasty, in memory of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal (1593–1631).
A key feature of the exhibition design is the collaboration between the HKPM and a collective of Hong Kong artists, led by artist and architect Stanley Siu, to create mural paintings inside the gallery that are inspired by selected artefacts in the exhibition. These murals pay homage to Mughal art treasures, skilfully blending architectural and artistic elements from the Mughal dynasty and Hong Kong.
The Museum will offer a series of learning programmes. Inside the gallery, tactile experiences will allow visitors to touch the materials used in the artworks, inviting them to explore the exquisite craftsmanship of the Mughal court art. Also in the gallery is an interactive personality test that invites visitors to discover the Mughal art pieces that best complement their personal collections. Additionally, the Museum will provide activities and services such as guided tours, audio guides, lectures, and Islamic calligraphy workshops. In addition to the Traditional Chinese and English wall texts, visitors can access the main exhibition content in Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean by scanning the QR codes available on-site.
Regular tickets and summer family packages
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum” is open to the public from 6 August 2025 to 23 February 2026 in Gallery 8 of the HKPM. Tickets for this special exhibition, which also grant access to all the thematic exhibitions in Galleries 1–7, are priced at HK$150 for adults and HK$75 for concessions*. Visitors purchasing Full Access Tickets, priced at HK$200 for adults and HK$100 for concessions*, will have access to the thematic exhibitions (Gallery 1–7) and special exhibitions (Gallery 8 and 9). Tickets are now available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and ticketing partners. Please refer to the HKPM website for more information.
In addition, from 1 July to 31 August, the HKPM is offering special family packages for its special exhibitions during summer. Visitors purchasing two adult tickets and one child (aged 7 to 11) ticket will enjoy a discount of up to 20%. More details can be found on the “Tickets” page on the HKPM website.
*Concessions are available to children aged 7 to 11, full-time students, seniors aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities (with one companion), and CSSA recipients.
Remarks
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
About the Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity – its power to entertain and move, to enrich our lives, open our minds and change the world. V&A celebrates and shares that power through a programme of exhibitions, events, educational and digital experiences, a collection of 2.8 million objects, and through the support for new works and commitment to conservation, research, and sustainable design. Together, it tells a 5,000-year-old story of creativity, helping to advance cultural knowledge everywhere, and inspiring the makers, creators and innovators of today and tomorrow.
https://www.vam.ac.uk
