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In pictures: Hong Kong’s public art sculptures, from the 1970s to today

A look back at the public art that has adorned the city’s streets over the years, from Bruce Lee to giant water buffaloes

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The Bamboo Man sculpture by multimedia artist André Heller is lit up in readiness for its journey across Victoria Harbour in May 1992. Photo: SCMP Archives

Published: 3:00pm, 23 Mar 2026

Hong Kong’s public art scene took off in the 1970s, with large installations on display that reflected the city’s changing culture.

Works such as Henry Moore’s Double Oval (1977), André Heller’s The Bamboo Man (1992) and Cao Chong-en’s Bruce Lee Statue (2005) highlight Hong Kong’s unique blend of East and West, tradition and modernity. These works made art more accessible to everyone, allowing people to engage with and experience art in their everyday surroundings.

Some of these artworks are still on display. Here’s a look back at various pieces through the lenses of South China Morning Post photographers.

Henry Moore’s Double Oval sculpture on display in Connaught Garden in 1977. Photo: SCMP Archives

Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming with one of his works at Exchange Square in 1986. Photo: SCMP Archives

British artist Elisabeth Frink (centre) discusses her bronze water buffalo sculptures with her husband, Alex Csaky, in 1988. Looking on is Nigel Rich, managing director of Hongkong Land. The two bronze-cast water buffaloes became a permanent fixture outside the Forum at Exchange Square. Photo: SCMP Archives

In pictures: Hong Kong’s public art sculptures, from the 1970s to today

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}A look back at the public art that has adorned the city’s streets over the years, from Bruce Lee to giant water buffaloes

A look back at the public art that has adorned the city’s streets over the years, from Bruce Lee to giant water buffaloes