M+ has become the main museum of contemporary art in Hong Kong: there are 33 exhibition halls, a library, lecture halls, a research center and a “heavenly garden”.

A new M+ museum dedicated to fine art, design, architecture and animation has opened on the coast of Victoria Harbor. Two well-known bureaus — Herzog & de Meuron and Farrells — worked on its design at once.

Photo: Virgile Simon Bertrand

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

M+ aims to become Asia’s first global museum of contemporary art. The first exhibition presents more than 1,500 visual works, including paintings, ceramics, videos and installations.

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

The structure consists of two volumes — vertical and horizontal, which intersect, forming the shape of an inverted letter T. The three-storey block houses public spaces with the main entrance and foyer, on the upper floors — most of the gallery spaces, and on the basement level — additional galleries, a shop and a cafe overlooking the bay.

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

The highest part of the complex — a 12-storey tower — will become a new urban space. Here you can find many restaurants and bars with stunning views, a heavenly garden, as well as office space.

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

The tower is designed to make the museum visible against the skyline. The facades are covered with horizontal blinds with a built-in LED lighting system, which can be used to display works of art or as a billboard.

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Photo: Lok Cheng. Provided by M+

Photo: Lok Cheng. Provided by M+

Photo: Kevin Mak. Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

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