Arthur de Villepin On Bridging Cultures with Villa Haw Par and a New Curatorial Project in Milan

Nestled in Hong Kong’s Tai Hang district, a historic mansion originally constructed in 1935 is experiencing a renaissance under the guidance of French curator and gallerist Arthur de Villepin. Villa Haw Par, once the family residence of Aw Boon Haw—the famed entrepreneur behind Tiger Balm—embodies a rare architectural fusion of Chinese Renaissance style with Western design elements, reflecting the transnational heritage of its founders.

After serving various cultural purposes over recent years, including music education and intercultural programs, the mansion’s stewardship has now been entrusted to the Foundation for Art and Culture, a nonprofit entity chaired by de Villepin. The foundation aims to unlock the villa’s potential as a site for artistic creation, dialogue, and international collaboration within Hong Kong and beyond.

De Villepin’s approach is notably measured and artist-centric, emphasizing sustainable cultural engagement over rapid expansion. Drawing inspiration from European models such as Villa Medici and Villa Albertine, the project is conceived as a platform that bridges local heritage with contemporary artistic practice, fostering exchanges across the Greater Bay Area and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The foundation’s immediate objectives include reopening Villa Haw Par to the public through phased tours that highlight its architectural and historical significance, alongside the adjacent Tiger Balm Garden. These initiatives are designed to reconnect the community with a site emblematic of Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial legacy and multicultural identity.

Central to the villa’s cultural revival is the establishment of an international artist residency. This program intends not only to support creative production but also to stimulate architectural interventions that engage in a thoughtful dialogue with the building’s heritage. Ranging from temporary to permanent installations, these projects will gradually shape a layered contemporary identity for the space, encouraging collaborations between artists and regional cultural and industrial partners.

Beyond visual arts, the residency will encompass disciplines such as cinema and design, aligning its activities with Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural calendar. Public programming is planned to coincide with major local events, including Art Basel Hong Kong and design week. One upcoming highlight is the “House of Design” exhibition, which will showcase works by designers from Hong Kong and abroad, with installations intended to remain on view for an extended period.

De Villepin is especially keen to develop a sculpture garden within the villa’s grounds, a rarity in Hong Kong’s urban context. This initiative aims to foster partnerships focused on thematic garden installations, enhancing public engagement with three-dimensional art forms in a unique setting.

While de Villepin maintains operational independence between the foundation and his commercial gallery, both endeavors share a commitment to nurturing creativity and prioritizing artists’ interests over commercial pressures. His experience navigating the art market informs a philosophy that emphasizes artistic integrity as the foundation for sustainable cultural ecosystems.

De Villepin’s personal connection to Hong Kong is shaped by his multicultural upbringing and professional journey across continents. His intuitive affinity for the region fuels his dedication to creating cultural spaces that reflect both local identity and global connectivity.

Expanding his curatorial vision beyond Hong Kong, de Villepin has also initiated a new project in Milan’s historic San Vittore church. This venue will host biannual exhibitions that invite contemporary artists to engage with its distinctive architectural heritage, further illustrating his preference for site-specific, immersive artistic experiences.

Together, these initiatives illustrate a deliberate shift away from conventional gallery expansion toward a model centered on meaningful artistic relationships and cultural exchange. De Villepin advocates for a renewed focus on creative production and dialogue as the most credible path forward for art in both regional and international contexts.