Complete Guide to Hong Kong Street Art and Murals 2026: Tai Kwun/PMQ/Central and Sheung Wan Murals — A Complete Guide to Hong Kong's Creative Art Districts

Hong Kong's street art has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 2000s, evolving from illegal graffiti to officially recognized public art, and has now become a significant asset for the city's cultural tourism. Launched in 2018, the "HKwalls" street art festival invites local and international artists to create works on legal walls, bringing Hong Kong's street art out from the underground and into the sunlight. Notable local artists include the "Lotus" team who held a London exhibition in 2019, MCZ (Chan Ka-hing) known for large-scale murals, and "Frog" renowned for intricate figure paintings. International artists such as France's Mayek and America's D*Face have also been invited to create works in Hong Kong, making the Sheung Wan and Central area one of Asia's premier street art hubs. Street art now accounts for approximately 3% of Hong Kong's cultural tourism revenue, attracting over 2 million visitors annually to street art districts.

The area around Graham Street, Peel Street, and Aberdeen Street in Central and Sheung Wan has formed one of the highest-density street mural districts globally, with approximately 50 large-scale murals concentrated within 0.5 square kilometers, all available for free viewing. The nine-story-high mural at 26 Graham Street, created by local artist Timothy, depicts traditional Hong Kong street market scenes and is the most Hashtagged mural location in Hong Kong on Instagram. The "Murals Street" on Peel Street was curated by HKwalls in 2016 and now features rotating works from over 30 artists. The "PMQ Mural" at the junction of Aberdeen Street and Hollywood Road was created by French artist Louis W and, after being redrawn in 2023, has become the newest hotspot for photo-sharing. All these mural areas are outdoor open spaces with no admission fee, though some works on private building exteriors should be viewed from a distance.

Tai Kwun, located at 10 Hollywood Road in Central, is Hong Kong's most significant heritage revitalization project, comprising the former Central Police Station (completed in 1904), Central Magistracy (1912), and Victoria Prison (1841). After its revitalization in 2018, it has become a multi-disciplinary arts space. The public can enjoy free access to the open courtyards and heritage guided tours, with adult guided tours priced at HKD$60, and students and seniors eligible for half-price. Free public guided tours are available every Wednesday (advance online booking required). Indoor exhibitions require ticket purchase, with the permanent exhibition "Police Headquarters Stories" costing HKD$30, and special exhibitions at "Tai Kwun Contemporary" ranging from HKD$50-120. Tai Kwun welcomes over 3 million visitors annually and was ranked second in Lonely Planet's Best Global Travel Experiences in 2024.

PMQ (formerly the Hollywood Road Police Quarters, completed in 1961) was converted in 2014 into a hub for Hong Kong designers. The mall covers approximately 3,000 square feet and brings together over 100 local design brands, with all shops open for free entry and exploration. The "PMQ Market" on the ground floor hosts original design product exhibitions and sales every weekend, with booth rentals provided free of charge to support young designers. The "Design Gallery" on the second floor displays award-winning local design products, while the third floor's "Creative Education Centre" regularly hosts workshops priced between HKD$150-500. PMQ collaborates with different artists each season to curate thematic exhibitions; the sustainable fashion exhibition co-organized with Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Textile and Clothing Department in spring 2025 attracted 80,000 visitors.

Street art in Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok is more dispersed but carries stronger subcultural characteristics. Works by local young artists can be found scattered along Tin Hau Temple Road and Nanjing Street around Temple Street. The pedestrian bridge walls surrounding the street performance zone on Sai Yeung Choi Street in Mong Kok serve as a gathering point for "unapproved" graffiti, with works updating rapidly but having very short lifespans. The "Yau Ma Tei Art Path" project, launched in 2024 with funding from the Urban Renewal Authority, has installed 12 permanent murals in the pedestrian tunnel between Waterloo Road and Canton Road, created by 12 local young artists and themed around Hong Kong cinema and Cantonese pop culture. Some works require viewing from a distance due to their location on private property, but the entire art path is a free public space. Small-scale murals and installations are also hidden in the alleyways of Mong Kok's "Ladies' Market" and "Sneakers Street," requiring careful exploration to discover.

The area around M+ Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District has become Hong Kong's largest outdoor public art exhibition zone, with over 20 permanent and temporary art installations currently along the West Kowloon waterfront promenade. The LED screen on the M+ building's exterior displays video works created by local artists every night; the animation by Hong Kong animator Wong Ping shown in 2024 attracted over 500,000 passersby. The "Free Space" plaza on the waterfront promenade features the sculpture work "Pillar" by British artist Anish Kapoor, a 12-meter-high stainless steel piece completed in 2023 and the first permanent outdoor sculpture in West Kowloon. The permanent exhibition "Hong Kong Visual Culture" in M+'s underground lobby is open free of charge, while the special exhibition "Yayoi Kusama: Art of Flowers" on B1 level costs HKD$80. In the activation plan for the East Kowloon Cultural District, more public art installations will be added around the Kai Tak Sports Park over the next five years, with a budget of HKD$200 million.

Travellers searching for "where are Hong Kong's murals" can head directly to Graham Street and Peel Street in Central and Sheung Wan, where approximately 50 large-scale murals are concentrated within a 15-minute walking radius, all open free of charge. For those inquiring "is Tai Kwun free," the answer is that indoor exhibitions require tickets (HKD$30-120), but the outdoor heritage areas and courtyards are free to visit, with free guided tours every Wednesday. Visitors planning "how to get to PMQ" can take the Island Line to Central Station Exit C and walk 5 minutes, or ride the tram to Hollywood Road; all floors from basement to third level at PMQ have free admission to all tenants. For those wishing to learn more about the distribution of street art across Hong Kong's various districts and the history behind the creations, complete Hong Kong street art maps and artist interviews on major venue websites provide in-depth resources.

FAQ
Where are Hong Kong's murals most concentrated?
The most concentrated area for murals in Hong Kong is around Graham Street, Peel Street, and Aberdeen Street in Central and Sheung Wan, where approximately 50 large-scale murals are clustered within 0.5 square kilometers, all available for free viewing.

How much are Tai Kwun tickets?
Tai Kwun's outdoor heritage areas and courtyards are free to visit. The indoor permanent exhibition "Police Headquarters Stories" costs HKD$30, special exhibitions at Tai Kwun Contemporary range from HKD$50-120, and free public guided tours are available every Wednesday.

Is there an admission fee for PMQ?
All shops and exhibition spaces at PMQ are free to enter. The creative market and designer pop-up sales events also do not require admission tickets, though some workshop courses have separate fees.

Where does the Hong Kong street art festival take place?
The HKwalls street art festival is primarily held in Central, Sheung Wan, and the Eastern district of Hong Kong Island, typically taking place during March to April each year for approximately two weeks. During the event, artists create on-site and audiences can watch for free.<