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Art Basel unveiled its lineup for the 2025 edition of the prestigious Hong Kong show, which took place from March 28 to 30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Featuring 242 galleries from 42 countries and territories, this edition showcased the depth of contemporary art in Asia, solidifying the fair’s position as a premier destination for world-class art.
Over half of the participating galleries came from the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring Art Basel’s commitment to spotlighting Asian artistic voices. New and returning galleries represented countries such as Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia, with other notable contributions from South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This lineup also included first-time exhibitors from Kosovo, Guatemala, Nigeria, and Greater China, reflecting a widening global representation.
The fair’s director, Angelle Siyang-Le, emphasized Art Basel Hong Kong’s role as a cultural bridge and artistic hub, linking artists, collectors, and institutions across Asia and beyond. “The impressive lineup reaffirms our position as a vital anchor in Asia’s art scene,” she stated. “Our collaboration with Para Site and the introduction of the MGM Discoveries Art Prize exemplified our commitment to the local scene and its emerging talent.”
For the first time, Art Basel collaborated with Para Site, Hong Kong’s leading nonprofit art institution, to curate its Film Program. This partnership marked a significant milestone, expanding Art Basel’s commitment to engaging local institutions. The program featured film works from artists around the globe, curated to reflect a wide array of social and cultural perspectives.
Billy Tang, Executive Director and Curator of Para Site shared his enthusiasm for this venture, noting that the Film Program explored moving-image art, a dynamic field that bridges various sensory experiences. Tang expressed excitement about the collaboration, which allowed Para Site’s curatorial team to bring innovative voices to a larger audience, enhancing the overall fair experience.
In a bid to support emerging artists, Art Basel launched the MGM Discoveries Art Prize in 2025. The prize, awarded to an artist featured in the Discoveries sector, included a $50,000 cash award shared between the artist and their representing gallery, along with an opportunity to exhibit in Macau. This initiative aimed to support young talent, fostering growth and providing international visibility to artists at the start of their careers.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 included several sectors that each offered distinct perspectives on contemporary art. The Galleries sector hosted 196 established and emerging galleries from around the world, displaying works by renowned artists and new talent. Noteworthy exhibitions included solo installations by Lawrie Shabibi (Dubai), Rossi & Rossi (Hong Kong), and P420 (Bologna).
The Insights sector focused on artists from Asia and the Asia-Pacific, featuring historic photography and curated projects from various Asian galleries. Exhibitors in this sector included Flowers Gallery (London and Hong Kong), Each Modern (Taipei), and Takuro Someya Contemporary Art (Tokyo). Meanwhile, the Discoveries sector spotlighted emerging artists, presenting innovative solo projects by galleries from locales as diverse as Beijing, Pristina, and Melbourne.
Art Basel also co-presented with M+ Museum a unique installation on the M+ Facade by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen. Titled Night Charades, this work reimagined iconic Hong Kong film scenes through AI-generated animations, celebrating Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage while exploring futuristic narratives.
The 2025 edition welcomed 23 newcomers across all sectors. Eight new galleries from Greater China joined the gallery sector, along with first-time exhibitors from Cape Town, Berlin, and New York. Notable returning galleries included Kurimanzutto (Mexico City and New York), which presented works by Gabriel Orozco and Haegue Yang, and Blum (Los Angeles and Tokyo), showcasing revitalized works by Yoshitomo Nara and Alvaro Barrington.
