Five artworks stolen before City Hall exhibition opening
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A suspected theft was reported at the exhibition hall on the first floor of the Low Block at Hong Kong City Hall in Central at about 2pm to 2.31pm on October 30, after exhibition staff found a missing box of works while preparing for the public opening of “Microwave International New Media Arts Festival 2026: Infinite Opening” the next day. Police classified the case as theft and began checking CCTV footage to trace the missing items and identify anyone involved. SingTao reported that the missing box contained five exhibits worth HK$160,000 and belonging to an artist surnamed Lam, while other reports referred to a missing sculpture or sculptural work. The exhibition had been running as a non-public themed display from October 27 to 29 and was due to open to the public from October 31 to November 8.
Key Points
- A 44-year-old exhibition organiser surnamed Wai reported the suspected theft after staff discovered a box of exhibits had disappeared from the hall
- The report was made at about 2pm, 2.30pm or 2.31pm on October 30 at Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central.
- SingTao said the missing box held five artworks worth HK$160,000, and the works belonged to an artist surnamed Lam
- Staff had moved the exhibits into City Hall on October 28 and left them in the venue awaiting assembly during 9am to 8pm setup hours
- Police said only the entrances and exits of the exhibition hall were covered by CCTV, and no arrest had been made by Friday.
Why It Matters
The case raises immediate security concerns for organisers and artists using major public cultural venues in Hong Kong, especially during installation periods before exhibitions open. It also affects a festival that was due to welcome the public from October 31, putting attention on how artworks are stored, monitored and handed over inside exhibition spaces.