The Hong Kong Arts Centre

In the late 1970s, Tao Ho, Bill Bailey and King-man Lo envisioned a non-government arts organization “of the people, for the people and by the people”. As a result, The Hong Kong Arts Centre was born. Designed by Tao Ho himself, the angular building poses a striking contrast to its neighboring architecture. The then-new Hong Kong Arts Centre became one of the first platforms in town – and in the world -- to incorporate art forms under one roof. The 16-story-tall building is home to theatres, recital hall, galleries, a sculpture terrace, restaurants and offices. McAulay Studio in the lower basement is an intimate theatre with 76 moveable seats whereas the three-story Shouson Theatre is the building’s largest venue with 439 seats. It boasts one of the city’s first arthouse movie cinema -- now named Louis Koo Cinema -- with 119 seats. Pao Galleries is a split-level exhibition space on the 4/F and 5/F. A tour inside the building you will see natural light fills the space, especially inside the four-story atrium. Special light pits are created around the center to capture natural daylight and conserve energy. The geometric architectural style continues throughout the building, featuring a hexagon-shaped spiral staircase, a triangular waffled ceiling and triangular patterns on the building’s external service. The design was awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Silver Medal, Hong Kong’s highest architectural honor.