As Hong Kong's vibrant Art March continues with events like Art Basel, Art Central, and ComplexCon drawing global attention, the city is preparing for yet another major highlight on its cultural calendar.
In May, the highly anticipated International Antiques Fair (IAF) will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, opening on 3 May. This year's fair coincides with Asian Art Week auction series and Le French May, making it a centerpiece of an already exciting season for art and culture in the city.
A cornerstone event for antique lovers, the IAF brings together leading exhibitors from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Visitors can explore an impressive range of ancient treasures, including Chinese ceramics, jade, lacquerware, classical furniture, Buddhist sculptures, and Western antiques. Known for its rigorous standards, the fair offers a rare chance to view authentic, museum-quality works up close, attracting thousands of collectors and enthusiasts annually.
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
First launched in 2002 by renowned Hong Kong antique dealers William Chak and Priscilla Lau, IAF is now helmed by their son, Ronald Chak, who serves as the fair's director. Under the Chak family's efforts, IAF has grown from scratch to establish itself as one of the most prominent art events in Asia, often regarded as the Eastern counterpart to the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF).
To uphold its reputation for quality and authenticity, the fair works with a vetting committee of internationally recognized experts, who rigorously review all exhibitor applications for each edition.
Beyond providing a platform to connect antique dealers and collectors, IAF has a broader mission: to tell the story of Chinese culture, spark public interest in art, and facilitate cross-cultural exchanges. Each year, the organizers carefully curate thematic events, including guided tours, lectures, and onsite antique appraisals, offering opportunities for education and cultural engagement.
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
With just over a month until the fair opens, exhibitor applications are now being finalized. A major highlight this year is the special exhibition on the artistic legacy of the Thirteen Factories in Guangzhou – China’s sole foreign trade port during the Qing Dynasty and a crucial gateway between East and West.
At the height of Sino-Western commerce, the Thirteen Factories flourished as a vibrant hub of artistic and cultural exchange, fostering both the preservation and evolution of Chinese traditional arts. Over time, the district developed a distinctive artistic identity – one that complemented the grandeur of imperial court art in the north while reflecting the cosmopolitan spirit of the bustling southern port.
Building on past success, popular events from previous editions – including on-site antique appraisals, guided tours, and lectures – will also return, offering visitors enriching experiences.
International Antiques Fair 2024
International Antiques Fair 2024
(Left) Founder of International Antiques Fair, William Chak; (Right) Director of International Antiques Fair, Ronald Chak
Ronald Chak, Director of International Antiques Fair,
“Over the years, the International Antiques Fair has grown step by step, evolving from an ambitious idea into a globally recognized event. What began as a gathering of antique lovers has become a staple in Hong Kong’s cultural calendar – one that brings people back year after year, drawn by a shared passion for art, history, and craftsmanship.
For a long time, late May felt like the natural time for this annual gathering. But the world is changing, and so is the way people engage with art.
In recent years, we’ve seen a shift from standalone events to something greater – a growing cultural synergy where various major art events interconnect. This is what makes ‘Art March’ so captivating: the collective energy that transforms the city into a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Now, we are witnessing a similar transformation in the world of antiques and Asian art. May is no longer just a series of separate events – it’s evolving into a cultural season of its own, with major Asian art exhibitions, auctions, performances, and fairs increasingly align in early May.
I believe we are on the cusp of something new. And in time, I hope to see ‘Art May’ emerge as Hong Kong’s next defining cultural brand, with the International Antiques Fair at its heart.”
International Antiques Fair 2025
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Hall 5FG
Address: 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Exhibition Date: 3 - 7 May 2025 (Saturday to Wednesday)
Events:
- Special Exhibition on The Thirteen Factories
- On-Site Antiques Appraisals
- Lectures
- Guided Tours