The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) and the Palace Museum today jointly unveiled the new thematic exhibition “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” (“The Ways in Patterns”). The exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Palace Museum, and exclusively sponsored by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP). The exhibition will be open to the public in Gallery 7 of the HKPM from 14 May 2025 until 13 October 2025.
“The Ways in Patterns” is the first thematic in-gallery multimedia exhibition jointly organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Palace Museum. Themed around “patterns” and grounded in the concept of “immersion”, the exhibition draws traditional patterns from the Palace Museum’s architecture, ceramics, and embroidered textiles, reimagining them through cutting-edge digital innovation. This approach presents the cultural connotations behind traditional Chinese motifs alongside contemporary artistic interpretations, inviting the audience to explore the allure of traditional culture from a fresh perspective.
The opening ceremony for “The Ways in Patterns” was officiated by Luo Xianliang, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum; Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board; Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM.
Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board, said, “Traditional Chinese patterns are known for their enduring vibrancy and charm. ‘The Ways in Patterns’ breathes life into the static patterns found in artefacts and architecture through technology, guiding the audiences from around the world into an immersive world of elegance within traditional Chinese aesthetics. ‘The Ways in Patterns’ is the third exhibition co-organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Palace Museum this year. Our ongoing collaborations enable the HKPM to promote and preserve China’s rich cultural heritage through innovative curatorial approaches, further leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as the East-meets-West Centre for international cultural exchange.”
Luo Xianliang, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum, said, “‘The Ways in Patterns’ is the first digital exhibition collaboratively organised by the Palace Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. It is a testament to the commitment of both museums to promoting the outstanding traditional Chinese culture to the world audience, and fostering mutual understanding and respect among different cultures. We look forward to the integration of digital technology advancing the appreciation and dissemination of traditional culture amid the tides of globalisation.”
Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, said, “IoP is committed to promoting the exchange and advancement of philanthropic and charitable endeavours nationally and worldwide. This exhibition is part of a five-year collaboration with the Palace Museum, a project dedicated to showcasing exceptional traditional Chinese culture, nurturing arts tech talent, and supporting Hong Kong's development into a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange. The event carries even greater historical significance as it coincides with the Palace Museum's centennial and the 140th anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.”
This exhibition aims to present a captivating visual feast through the use of digital technology, celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture. Through the vibrant demonstration of diverse patterns, the exhibition allows visitors to deepen their understanding of the rich origins of these intricate designs, inspiring a greater appreciation for Chinese culture, especially among the younger audience.
“The Ways in Patterns” features seven immersive spaces where visitors can experience the vitality and brilliance of traditional motifs through the interplay of light, shadow, and interactions with the installation. From dynamic patterns blooming beneath their feet to the kaleidoscopic world reminiscent of caisson ceilings unfolding above, these designs are revitalised through digital artistry. Visitors can immerse themselves in the realm of embroidery and brocade, explore a hidden universe within an intricate caisson ceiling design, and even create their own designs of swimming fish and soaring bis, breathing new life into traditional designs with fresh vitality and fostering a creative dialogue with cultural heritage.
Last May, The Hong Kong Jockey Club signed a memorandum of co-operation with the Palace Museum. Titled “Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong”, the memorandum outlines the Institute of Philanthropy’s commitment to promote Chinese culture and values across Hong Kong, the Mainland, and globally. The agreement also supports initiatives aimed at developing talent in the art technology and cultural sectors. This exhibition is a key initiative under the collaboration, offering Hong Kong citizens and visitors an intimate opportunity to experience the Palace Museum culture while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” exhibition will open in Gallery 7 of the HKPM on 14 May 2025 and run through 13 October 2025. Visitors can access this exhibition with a General Admission ticket (access to Galleries 1 to 7) or any Special Exhibition ticket (access to Galleries 1 to 7, as well as Gallery 8 and/or 9). Tickets are now available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and its ticketing partners.
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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 worldrenowned 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 donated HK$3.5 billion to fund the construction of the museum and part of its annual exhibitions and educational programmes from 2023 to 2031.
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 Palace Museum
Established in 1925, the Palace Museum is a broadly representative national museum. It is housed on the grounds of the palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties known as the Forbidden City and its collection is based on Ming and Qing imperial collections. In 1961, the State Council named it a Nationally Protected Key Cultural Heritage Site, and in 1987 it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Palace Museum became a national 5A tourist attraction in 2007. The following year, it was among the first Chinese museums recognised by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as a first-grade museum. Covering over one million square metres, the architectural compound under the Palace Museum’s administration consists of around 9,000 bays (internal spaces defined by columns) of Ming and Qing era structures, making it the world’s largest and best-preserved historical palatial complex.
Today, the Palace Museum is an unparalleled art treasure house with a vast collection of over 1.86 million pieces in twenty-five major categories. It showcases the time-honoured and splendid Chinese civilisation to the public through its imperial palace architecture; the display of original interior settings to illustrate the history of the imperial court; galleries dedicated to decorative arts, timepieces, paintings, calligraphic works, ceramics, and sculptures; and thematic exhibitions.
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
