The French May Arts Festival in Hong Kong, one of the city’s largest cultural events, is back for its 2025 edition. From March 15 to July 13, discover a kaleidoscope of more than 60 arts and cultural programmes spanning art, cinema, music, dance, theatre, and gastronomy. This year’s theme, ‘Vive L’art – In Art We Live’ kicks off with the groundbreaking exhibition, Picasso for Asia—A Conversation in M+ museum.
The arts festival was established in 1993 and presents close to 100 programmes across a few months. Hongkongers see the most diversified art forms, from heritage and contemporary art to classical music and hip-hop dance. It has become a part of Hong Kong’s cultural scene, with over 20,000 visitors yearly. The festival brings art to everyone in cultural venues, public spaces, and shopping malls. Keep reading to find out what the 32nd edition of the French May Arts Festival in Hong Kong has in store.
What to expect at the French May Arts Festival 2025 in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia—A Conversation
This exhibition serves as the opening programme of the French May Arts Festival 2025. It brings together more than 60 works by Spanish master Pablo Picasso and over 80 pieces by Asian and Asian-diasporic artists from the M+ Collections. Moreover, it marks the first major exhibition of Picasso in Hong Kong in more than a decade. Tickets are now available for purchase.
Date: March 15 to July 13
Venue: West Gallery, M+
French GourMay Food and Wine Festival
The festival isn’t just about art but it’s also a cultural experience. And what better way to experience culture than through food, right? French GourMay is the only major event in Hong Kong dedicated to French gastronomy. For the entire month of May, diners can indulge in French cuisine. Stay tuned for more information on exclusive restaurant and bar offers, promotions, and workshops.
Date: May 1 to 31
Venue: Various F&B outlets across Hong Kong
Le Bal
Transport yourselves back to the splendour of the Belle Époque period with this street parade inspired by the works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas. With Remue Ménage as producer, a world-renowned French company that marries visual arts with circus, dance, and puppetry art, attendees can party the night away with horse-drawn carriages, dancers, and acrobats.
Date: May 9 to 11, 13 to 18
Venue: Parade Ground, Tai Kwan
Gautier Capuçon plays Shostakovich
Catch debonair French cellist Gautier Capuçon alongside Austrian conductor Christoph Koncz live on stage in a concert presented by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s an event that honours a double musical anniversary — French composer Maurice Ravel’s 150th birthday and the 50th anniversary of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s passing.
Date: May 8 to 9
Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
French May Cinema Programme
Watch a selection of French films across a variety of genres courtesy of the French May Cinema programme, organised by the Alliance Française de Hong Kong. Check out screenings at cinemas on the Broadway Circuit and more. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
Date: May 20 to June 4
Venue: Broadway Circuit and other cinemas
Giselle
Presented by the Hong Kong Ballet, let its artist director Septime Webre and South African ballet artist Charla Genn blow you away for this performance. Marvel at the tale of love, betrayal, and redemption in one of the most romantic ballets of all time, Giselle. Follow the poignant story of carefree peasant girl Giselle, who unexpectedly falls in love with Albrecht, a flirtatious nobleman in disguise. The production features new sets and costume designs by Jérôme Kaplan, winner of Benoir de la Danse. Expect guest appearances from Paris Opera Ballet principal dancer Hugo Marchand and The Royal Ballet principal dancers Marianela Nuñez and Matthew Ball.
Date: May 30 to June 8
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
More information for individual programmes and activities will be available in April. For now, mark your calendar for the flagship events of the French May Arts Festival 2025 in Hong Kong.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
