What Hidden Art Trails Can Families Explore in Hong Kong?

While many families are familiar with Hong Kong’s major art institutions, a world of hidden creativity lies tucked between city blocks, industrial buildings and quiet laneways. For parents seeking weekend outings that combine exploration with artistic inspiration, these lesser-known art trails offer something unique.

In this guide, we share off-the-radar murals, community galleries and experimental spaces where pupils can experience art up close, whether it’s a giant wall mural in Sheung Wan or a rooftop media lab in Sham Shui Po. With a little curiosity, families can turn a simple city walk into an imaginative, hands-on adventure.

Urban Murals & Street Art Scavenger Hunts

Art Lane, Sai Ying Pun

Tucked behind the MTR station, Art Lane is a riot of colour.

• Walls and stairways transformed by bold, contemporary murals
• Artists from around the world contributed to this public gallery
• Themes range from abstract design to joyful childhood scenes
• Easy walking access and plenty of coffee stops nearby

A great starting point for younger pupils to begin noticing composition, colour and shape.

Sheung Wan Mural Trail

Winding through Bridges Street and Square Street, this trail blends heritage and modern street culture.

• Works by international artists like Alice Pasquini, Egg Fiasco and Clogtwo
• Frequent themes: identity, nature, emotional wellbeing
• Combine with a visit to the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum or nearby Man Mo Temple

Create your own “spot the mural” family challenge and let children interpret what they see.

Kwun Tong Promenade – Lift Up Kowloon East

This regenerated industrial zone now bursts with colour and energy.

• Large-scale community murals line the promenade along Hoi Bun Road
• Created as part of a public revitalisation project to brighten the area
• Subjects include marine life, futuristic cities and nature

Flat, stroller-friendly paths make it an easy win for families with children of all ages.

Hidden Artist-Run Spaces in Industrial Settings

Hidden Space, Kwai Hing

Located inside a converted industrial building, Hidden Space is known for bold experimentation and giving young artists room to play.

• Regularly hosts exhibitions focused on sound, light, and video installations
• Not commercial or polished, which is perfect for discussions about process and raw creativity
• Best suited for older pupils who can observe and reflect respectfully

Expect to see art that challenges the norm and encourages open-ended thinking.

Thy Lab / Thy Lane Museum, Sham Shui Po

One of Hong Kong’s most unusual creative corners.

• Rooftop media lab and open-air museum showcasing grassroots art
• Features include projection mapping, film screenings, and DIY sound experiments
• Hosts free community workshops for children on weekends

The space champions accessibility and invites visitors to engage, not just observe. Even younger children can enjoy the sensory experience of light and sound here.

Both venues show that art doesn’t need grand galleries to have impact. They offer meaningful exposure to contemporary ideas, and inspire pupils to see creative potential in unexpected places.

Art Villages & Repurposed Factory Zones

Cattle Depot Artist Village, Ma Tau Kok

A red-brick compound that once housed a slaughterhouse now nurtures artistic expression.

• Home to performance artists, multimedia creators and small theatre groups
• Family-friendly events include puppet shows, installation art and artist talks
• Quiet courtyards provide space for reflection and informal sketching

 It’s a great location to explore how old spaces can be given new life through the arts.

Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), Shek Kip Mei

JCCAC is a towering example of community-led creativity.

• Nine floors of artist studios, craft workshops and rotating exhibitions
• Frequent open-studio weekends invite families to meet artists and try printmaking, pottery or painting
• Good signage and lifts make it easy to navigate with children of all ages

Some exhibitions might be abstract or conceptual, so pairing the visit with hands-on activities helps pupils connect with what they see.

These hubs show how industrial heritage and artistic innovation can come together.

Pop-Up Exhibitions in Emerging Gallery Districts

The Empty Gallery, Aberdeen

Not your typical white-walled gallery.

• The space is painted entirely black and hosts sound-based, immersive and experiential art
• Recent exhibitions have included pitch-dark video rooms and sonic sculptures
• Children who enjoy sensory play may find this inspiring or thought-provoking

Prepare for something very different. The gallery offers an ideal starting point for conversations about how we experience art through all the senses.

Pop-up and alternative spaces in Hong Kong challenge assumptions about what a gallery should be. They offer a fresh and unpredictable way to engage with visual culture, which is perfect for families looking to go beyond the usual.

Bringing It All Together

Hong Kong’s hidden art trails are more than just scenic strolls. They invite families to slow down, look closer and ask questions. Whether it’s spotting a mural tucked behind a bakery or stepping inside a rooftop media lab, each space offers something unique for curious young minds.

Planning a family art walk?

• Match the trail to your child’s age and interest, as some venues work best for older children
• Bring sketchbooks, cameras or prompts to encourage creative responses
• Allow time for breaks, chats and unstructured exploration

A creative city walk can be just as enriching as a day at the museum. To learn how we nurture this spirit of curiosity both in and out of the classroom, visit Harrow Hong Kong.