Explore Herzog & de Meurons Iconic Chinese Architectural Designs

The M+ Museum in Hong Kong is preparing to launch a landmark exhibition titled “Herzog & de Meuron: In Focus,” which traces the celebrated architecture firm’s design trajectory across ten projects in China. Opening on September 12, 2026, the showcase coincides with the fifth anniversary of the M+ Museum building, which was famously conceptualized and constructed by Herzog & de Meuron between 2012 and 2021.

Curated by Ikko Yokoyama and Iris Ng, this extensive retrospective reviews both built and unbuilt works dating from 2002 to 2021. It offers design professionals and enthusiasts an unprecedented look at how visionary architectural concepts evolve from initial sketches into monumental physical structures.

Inside the Archive and Exhibition Design

The upcoming showcase forms the second phase of a generous donation initiative following the firm’s 2023 gift of a section model for Beijing’s iconic National Stadium. For this new installation, the Basel-based architectural office has contributed over 200 process materials, including intricate physical models, functional prototypes, hand-drawn sketches, and essential archival items. These items shed light on the intersection of regional architecture and modern mega-scale urban planning.

Replicating the Kabinett Experience

To display these delicate artifacts authentically, the exhibition design cleverly models its display vitrines after the open-storage architecture of the Kabinett foundation in Basel, Switzerland. This unique methodology encourages visitors to explore the complex experimentation and decision-making processes shaping contemporary structures.

By stepping away from traditional museum casing, the layout mimics a professional research repository. Those interested in learning more about contextual design methodologies can browse through various architecture articles to understand these curation trends further.

Celebrating Two Decades of Engagement in China

The featured projects highlight prominent landmarks such as Tai Kwun in Hong Kong and the National Stadium in Beijing. Each artifact demonstrates how the firm’s designs respond directly to specific geographic sites, material constraints, and deep cultural contexts.

These works collectively map out the firm’s deep engagement with China’s rapid urban transformation over the past two decades. Professionals seeking deeper educational resources can explore informational guides covering structural transformations across major global metropolitan areas.

Visitor Engagement and Public Programs

Running through January 2027 in the M+ Focus Gallery, the exhibition will be accompanied by special architecture tours designed to give museum visitors a comprehensive overview. These guided sessions will link the displayed archival materials directly back to the physical reality of the museum building itself.

Ultimately, the retrospective serves as a vital celebration of creative vision, structural innovation, and urban heritage. It invites everyone to appreciate the meticulous layers of thought required to shape modern skylines.

 
Here is the source article for this story: M+ Hong Kong Exhibition Traces Herzog & de Meuron’s Design Process Across China