Hong Kong Tourism Board Brings a Taste of The City to Art Basel in Basel
Celebrating the history of Old Town Central and Hong Kong’s vibrant culture
Hong Kong Bar at Art Basel in Basel 2025, courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board
HONG KONG, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is excited to announce its upcoming activation at Art Basel in Basel 2025, presenting the Hong Kong Bar from 19 – 22 June 2025. To bring the project to life, HKTB are collaborating with Hong Kong artist Phoebe Hui to debut her new installation, Under the Moonlight, imbuing the bar with a captivating energy. This will be the first time HKTB showcases the city’s unique culture at Art Basel’s flagship show, as part of their pioneering three-year global partnership with the brand – inviting visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant artistic spirit and dynamic energy of Hong Kong.
HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng said, “We are committed to sharing Hong Kong’s artistic dynamism and vibrant culture at Art Basel through our three-year global partnership with the fair, connecting with audiences from around the world on this prestigious platform. At Art Basel in Basel, we will showcase the inspiring neighbourhood of ‘Old Town Central’ – transporting visitors to the bustling atmosphere of Hong Kong life with the unique flavours offered on our ‘Hong Kong Bar’ menu. We are also honoured to be working with local artist Phoebe Hui, who will captivate audiences with her installation. We hope that you enjoy raising a glass at the ‘Hong Kong Bar’.”
Angelle Siyang-Le, Director of Art Basel Hong Kong, said: “We are thrilled to bring the vibrant spirit of Hong Kong to the heart of Art Basel in Basel, our mothership of fairs, showcasing not only our city’s rich cultural heritage but also its dynamic and evolving identity. Through the Hong Kong Bar and the collaboration with Phoebe Hui, we invite visitors to experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of tradition and innovation – where every detail, from the Yuen Yeung Martini to the immersive design inspired by Central Market, tells a story of resilience, creativity, and community. This platform marks a significant milestone in our global partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading cultural hub that bridges East and West.”
A Taste of Hong Kong’s Heritage: Inspired by Old Town Central and Central Market
The Hong Kong Bar will immerse visitors in the lively atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Old Town Central neighbourhood, featuring a signature cocktail inspired by the city’s distinctive flavours. The “Yuen Yeung Martini” blends vodka and coffee with the famous Hong Kong-style milk tea to offer an energising refreshment for fair visitors. Accompanied by a curated menu of other special cocktails and snacks inspired by Hong Kong’s culinary heritage, visitors will embark on a multisensory journey exploring Hong Kong’s layered urban identity, combining authentic local delicacies with immersive design and art, presenting a holistic experience that captures the city’s essence. Aligning with Art Basel’s flagship fair in Basel, HKTB will showcase the heart of Hong Kong’s cultural scene on the world’s stage.
The bar’s design is inspired by the iconic landmark of Central Market, the first permanent indoor market in Hong Kong’s Old Town Central area dating back to the 19th century. The marketplace played a quintessential part of Hong Kong daily life, hosting lively food stalls and retail spaces. Now, the revitalised community space bridges the past with the present, symbolising the city’s layered and ever-evolving urban identity and providing ample inspiration for the Hong Kong Bar. At Art Basel in Basel, HKTB will embody Central Market’s architectural charm and lively atmosphere, transforming the space into a living tribute to the neighbourhood's legacy for visitors to engage with the city’s cultural narrative through a blend of taste, space, and story.