The Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) has been awarded the Culture Prize at the 2025 France–Hong Kong Grand Prix for its innovative virtual reality exhibition, A Night with the Impressionists. Co-produced with the Musée d'Orsay, GEDEON Experiences, and Excurio, the exhibition attracted 30,000 visitors, offering an immersive journey into the birth of Impressionism.
A French Inspiration Brought to Hong Kong
The idea for the exhibition originated from a visit to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, where HKDI staff experienced a VR exhibition that left a profound impact. Motivated to bring a similar experience to Hong Kong, the team collaborated with French partners to adapt the exhibition for a space approximately 30% smaller than the original in Paris. Despite the reduced size, the exhibition maintained its immersive quality, accommodating groups of 50 visitors at a time. The public response was overwhelmingly positive, with the final months fully booked and visitor ratings averaging 4.5 out of 5.
Enhancing Education Through Virtual Reality
This exhibition marked the first of its kind in Hong Kong, aligning with HKDI's vision of integrating technology into education. The institute, which educates around 3,000 students across disciplines such as architecture, interior design, fashion, and communication, sees VR as a tool to encourage innovative thinking. Students were actively involved in the exhibition, participating in mediation roles and workshops focused on immersive scenography, providing them with practical experience in the evolving field of digital cultural experiences.
Strengthening Franco-Hong Kong Cultural Ties
HKDI's collaboration with French institutions extends beyond this exhibition. The institute has previously partnered with French brands like Chanel and Max Mara and maintains ongoing relationships with organizations such as the Alliance Française. The support from the Consulate General of France was instrumental in realizing the VR exhibition. The success of A Night with the Impressionists and the recognition from the France–Hong Kong Grand Prix are expected to pave the way for future joint cultural projects.
Dr. Laylian Ong, Principal of HKDI, expressed that the Culture Prize is a significant acknowledgment of their efforts and serves as encouragement to continue exploring innovative cultural experiences in collaboration with French institutions.
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