Not A Mall

The definition of shopping is no longer just about retail, according to Adrian Cheng. Hannah Choo flies to Hong Kong to check out K11 Musea and have a chat with him about art, business and humility.

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THIS ISN’T YOUR average shopping mall. You won’t find it surrounded by a moat of parked cars, nor will you find it plagued by bad lighting, clearance sales, and mind-numbing ambient music. This is, instead, a cultural and retail destination that refuses to be called a mall. It’s located in the heart of the Victoria Dockside art district, and a good day will find it inundated with natural light and packed with shopaholics, culture vultures and anyone who wants a decent getaway from the mania of Hong Kong.

Welcome to K11 Musea. Designed by a 100-strong cast of visionary architects, it is what its founder, Adrian Cheng, describes as the “Silicon Valley of culture”. It’s a lofty ambition, but after spending three days exploring K11 Musea, I’d say that Cheng does not hyperbolise. One of its biggest attractions lies in the fact that it doesn’t just lure you into spending money.

While you may rifle through the racks of a Yohji Yamamoto boutique or get lost in Asia’s largest MoMa Design Store, K11 Musea has plenty more to offer. Besides being an oasis of 250 retailers and 70 destination restaurants, it is also home to 40 artist installations, performing arts spaces, educational workshops and more. Wander around and spot a headless female sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer; check out the vast collection of designer furniture, including the 1949 folding chair by Hans J Wegner; or learn everything you need to know about jewellery making at Van Cleef & Arpels’ L’École Asia Pacific, School of Jewellery Arts. There’s always something for everyone, and a story to tell from every corner.