Hong Kong Palace Museum Unveils First Exhibition Dedicated To Mughal Art in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Palace Museum has announced a new special exhibition The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum (Treasures of the Mughal Court), opening today, 6 August 2025 to 23 February 2026.

As the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Mughal art in Hong Kong, Treasures of the Mughal Court draws together over 100 objects to celebrate the artistic traditions and craftsmanship from the ‘golden age' of the Mughal Dynasty (1526-1827).

Bringing to life the splendour and extraordinary craftsmanship of Mughal court culture, the exhibition spans the reigns of Emperors Akbar (r.1556-1605), Jahangir (r.1605-1627) and Shah Jahan (r.1628-1658). Mughal art flourished under the patronage of these three remarkable emperors, and the exhibition features a spectacular range of paintings, jewellery, architectural fragments, weaponry, textiles and ceramics, many on display in Hong Kong for the first time.

The exhibition brings together objects from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), and is supported by loans from Kuwait, the UK, and other international collections. The Collection of Mengdiexuan, the HKPM, and the Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum also provide important loans.

Treasures of the Mughal Court follows an adapted format of The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence, an acclaimed exhibition organised at the V&A in 2024. HKPM will be its only stop in Asia following its London premiere and incorporates a new curatorial perspective highlighting the artistic exchange of the Mughal and Qing dynasties.

The first section, Founder of the New Era: Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605) highlights the emergence of a radically distinct Mughal artistic style shaped by Emperor Akbar's embrace of religious tolerance and his establishment of multidisciplinary court workshops. Highlights include a thumb ring that exemplifies the hybrid aesthetic of early Mughal art developed during Emperor Akbar's reign, while a casket from the V&A adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays features a technique particularly favoured by the Mughal court. The juxtaposition of the casket with a Ming dynasty altar table with flowers and plants in pots and vases from the HKPM collection highlights parallels in the exquisite craftsmanship of both Mughal and Chinese artisans.

The second section, Explorer of World Treasures: Emperor Jahangir (r. 1605–1627) explores Emperor Jahangir's profound impact on the development of Mughal art through his artistic patronage and global acquisitions. Diplomatic gifts such as a yellow-glazed porcelain dish produced during the Hongzhi period (1488–1505) of the Ming dynasty illustrate the cultural exchanges among various Asian regions during the 16th and 17th centuries. A standout piece is a nephrite jade pendant likely worn by Emperor Jahangir. Featuring hoopoes, birds that symbolise royal wisdom in Persian tradition, the pendant is embellished with emeralds and rubies set in gold using the traditional South Asian kundan technique.

The third and final section, Architect of Paradise on Earth: Emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658), showcases Mughal artistic refinement at its height. Shah Jahan's patronage was marked by his most iconic achievement, the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of the empress. Flowers adorned not only the Taj Mahal but also the jewels, textiles, and paintings of this period, symbolising the beauty and eternity of the dynasty under Shah Jahan's rule and reflecting his vision of paradise on earth. A nephrite jade wine bowl, elegantly crafted in the shape of a flower and embellished with intricate floral motifs popular at the time, exemplifies the extraordinary achievement of Mughal jade artistry.

The exhibition begins with an immersive digital installation titled Taj Mahal: A Love Story in a Majestic Monument. The installation offers an exploration into the artistic significance and historical stories of this mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal (1593–1631).

Throughout the exhibition spaces, contemporary mural paintings by a Hong Kong artist collective pay homage to Mughal art. Led by artist and architect Stanley Siu, the artists drew inspiration from selected exhibition objects, while incorporating local artistic elements to their paintings.

Jointly organised by the V&A and the HKPM and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Treasures of the Mughal Court marks the first major collaboration between a Hong Kong museum and the V&A, the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design. This exhibition marks a significant collaborative milestone following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the HKPM and the V&A at the first-ever Hong Kong International Cultural Summit organised by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority in 2024.

Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board, said, “Underscoring the HKPM's commitment to international cultural exchange, Treasures of the Mughal Court reinforces the museum's role as a vibrant platform for dialogues between China and the rest of the world, aligning with its ongoing mission to foster global artistic connectivity. This exhibition not only celebrates the extraordinary creative achievements of the Mughal dynasty but also delves into the rich cultural synthesis that characterises it, echoing Hong Kong's unique role as a bridge between East and West. We hope this exhibition will enhance the audience's appreciation of the cultural exchanges and mutual respect among world civilisations.”

Emily Hannam, Curator, South Asia of the Victoria and Albert Museum, said, “This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to discover the international art and culture of the Mughal court. We are excited to be able to share with visitors in Hong Kong some of the greatest creations of this rich period of art and design history and reveal previously unseen objects on display for the first time.”

Dr Connie Lau, Executive Manager, Charities (Culture) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “We are honoured to support The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Through guided tours, workshops and talks, the exhibition will enhance public understanding and appreciation of the unparalleled artistic mastery of the Mughal court and its significant contributions to global heritage.”   

The Museum will offer a series of learning programmes alongside the exhibition. Visitors can engage with tactile experiences that allow them to touch the materials used in the artworks, allowing them to explore firsthand the exquisite craftsmanship of Mughal court art. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive personality test to discover the Mughal art pieces that best complement their personal collections.

Beyond activities and hands-on experiences, the Museum will also provide guided tours, audio guides, academic talks, and Islamic calligraphy workshops. While Traditional Chinese and English wall texts will be displayed throughout the exhibition visitors can access the main exhibition content in Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean by scanning the QR codes available on-site.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum is open to the public from 6 August 2025 to 23 February 2026 in Gallery 8 of the HKPM. Tickets for this special exhibition, which also grant access to all the thematic exhibitions in Galleries 1–7, are priced at HK$150 for adults and HK$75 for concessions*. Visitors purchasing Full Access Tickets, priced at HK$200 for adults and HK$100 for concessions*, will have access to the thematic exhibitions (Gallery 1–7) and special exhibitions (Gallery 8 and 9). Tickets are now available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District's online ticketing platforms and ticketing partners. Please refer to the HKPM website for more information.