Hong Kong to open museums to commercial, private events in same vein as Met Gala

Hong Kong authorities plan to open up more public museums for commercial and private hiring to boost revenue, the culture minister has said, pointing to the use of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for events such as the Met Gala.

Secretary for Culture, Sport and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Sunday expanded on proposals announced in last week’s annual policy address, with the planned measures including offering tailored luxury tours for high-spending visitors.

“Museums are not a profitable business because the operation is expensive and the tickets are often free of charge or at a reasonable price … if we can have extra income to support the operation, the bureau will fully endorse it,” she said at a press briefing.

“The Hong Kong Museum of Art in Tsim Sha Tsui has a good view of Victoria Harbour after it was renovated, and its quality is high – could it host fundraising galas and fashion shows like New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art?”

Law said the government would open up more museums for commercial and private hire after they closed at night or on non-operating days, with events that could create synergy and align with the respective institution’s image to be considered.

But she stressed the main purpose was not to make money but to better use such resources.