M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, will officially open tomorrow.

It showcases collections of 20th and 21st Century visual culture that encompass visual art, design and architecture as well as moving images.

Marking the opening are about 1,500 exhibits.

At the entrance of the East Galleries is artist Alan Chan’s 1984 cover design for an album of singer Anita Mui. Using bright colours and bold patterns, the Cantopop icon is depicted as a fantastic diva in outer space.

Over 500 objects of design and architecture, which have had a profound influence in Asia and across the globe over the last 70 years, are also on display.

Another highlight of the museum is British artist Antony Gormley’s ambitious work titled Asian Field in the West Gallery. Having invited 300 residents from Xiangshan village in Guangdong to make about 200,000 clay sculptures, you may feel like you are being gazed on by thousands of eyes as you view this large-scale artwork.

Meanwhile at the Sigg Galleries, Zhang Xiaogang’s painting Bloodline - Big Family No.17, based on a combination of two separate portraits of a family dressed in clothes that recall China in the 1950s and 1960s, reflects the artist’s concerns for Chinese society.

Thematic exhibitions are also held at the South Galleries and Courtyard Galleries for M+ opening displays.

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board Chairman Henry Tang said the opening of M+ marks a new start of Hong Kong as the country’s East-meets-West centre for international culture and art exchange.

“I would like to appeal to your openness and your inclusiveness when enjoying the visual culture in M+. Arts require room and a good atmosphere for creation.

“We will uphold and encourage freedom of artistic expression and creativity. On the other hand, our dedicated curatorial team will ensure that all the exhibitions will comply with the laws, including the Basic Law, the National Security Law and all the other laws in Hong Kong.”

To celebrate the museum’s opening, Hong Kong residents can enjoy an admission fee waiver for M+ galleries for 12 months.

Furthermore, M+ will stage special events for the public across three Fridays and weekends from November 12, including tours, workshops and sensory experiences.

Visit the museum’s website for details.