In partnership with

My Hong Kong: Gallerist Pascal de Sarthe

The champion of contemporary Asian art shares what makes Hong Kong home – its breathtaking views, secret oases, and thousand buzzing streets

In partnership with

My Hong Kong: Gallerist Pascal de Sarthe

The champion of contemporary Asian art shares what makes Hong Kong home – its breathtaking views, secret oases, and thousand buzzing streets

In partnership with

My Hong Kong: Gallerist Pascal de Sarthe

The champion of contemporary Asian art shares what makes Hong Kong home – its breathtaking views, secret oases, and thousand buzzing streets

In partnership with

My Hong Kong: Gallerist Pascal de Sarthe

The champion of contemporary Asian art shares what makes Hong Kong home – its breathtaking views, secret oases, and thousand buzzing streets

In partnership with

My Hong Kong: Gallerist Pascal de Sarthe

The champion of contemporary Asian art shares what makes Hong Kong home – its breathtaking views, secret oases, and thousand buzzing streets

What does the word 'Hong Kong' evoke for you?
Home sweet home!

Your first memory of Hong Kong?
My first trip to Hong Kong in 1989 was unforgettable, especially landing at the old Kai Tak Airport. I was not aware of the location of the airport. The plane descended sharply between towering buildings, and with adrenaline pumping through my veins, I genuinely felt like we were about to crash right into the city. Once I safely stepped onto the ground, the energy of Hong Kong took over, and that adrenaline never faded—it stayed with me throughout my entire time in the city. The vibrant energy of Hong Kong is my daily remedy.

Where do you feel most at home?
Everywhere in Hong Kong, wandering through the lively streets of the city, where you can feel the essence of Asia, and the blend of cultures is palpable.

What makes a true Hong Konger?
A true Hong Konger is someone who spends more time at the airport than in the city. Jokes aside, a genuine Hong Konger embodies a strong sense of community spirit and holds a deep appreciation for their city.

Who do you think best embodies Hong Kong?
Bruce Lee embodies Hong Kong with his global influence, cultural impact, and the spirit of determination and innovation.

Something everyone should experience at The Upper House?
Experience exceptional service that leaves you pampered! Enjoy the breathtaking views from Salisterra and The Green Room, where you can take in a panoramic perspective of the city. It’s also a fantastic spot for a staycation!

What's the most unexpected thing you can do around Pacific Place?
Two minutes up the escalators from Pacific Place, a walk in the Hong Kong Park, an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle.

Your favorite breakfast place?
Salisterra at the Upper House. It’s our Sunday breakfast ritual – from Chinese, Japanese, or Western with the best croissants in town.

Who would be your dream guests for a dinner party?
My ideal dinner party guest is someone unafraid to speak his or her mind and capable of sparking engaging, pleasant conversations. I truly appreciate a lively dinner at home surrounded by friends.

Where do you go out in Hong Kong?
I often dine out, as the options in Hong Kong are plentiful. The Salt-Baked Sea Bass at Salisterra is incredible, with a hint of Pernod that evokes the essence of Provence. For Chinese cuisine, Madame Fu for its Peking duck and its nostalgic old Hong Kong ambiance. It's difficult to have a bad meal in Hong Kong, making this city a true paradise for food enthusiasts.

What artwork best represents Hong Kong?
Mak2's series ‘Home Sweet Home' is inspired by her experiences playing the simulation game The Sims. Through this work, she explores how various layers of unreality have come to define her home city of Hong Kong.

What is the craziest thing you have heard or seen in the streets of Hong Kong?
The wildest sight I encountered in Hong Kong was a taxi with two entire rows of cell phones on the dashboard. I never figured out what kind of operation the driver was running, but those phones were buzzing with activity.

What can you only do in Hong Kong?
Experience a hike through lush tropical vegetation right in the heart of the city! Consider the two-plus-hour trail that starts from the Peak Fire Station and winds down to Wan Chai via the Police Museum. Don't miss the chance to try Hong Kong milk tea! For breathtaking views of the city's skyline, take a night ride across the bay on the Star Ferry.

What do you miss most when you are away from Hong Kong?
Feeling safe! Hong Kong is one of the safest cities I know.

What is your advice for someone visiting the city?
Explore the city on foot, immerse yourself in its streets without fear of getting lost, take the tramways, and hop on a ferry to fully embrace the spirit of Hong Kong.

Credits and captions

Pascal de Sarthe, founder of de Sarthe (Hong Kong), is known for pioneering Chinese contemporary art globally while building his gallery into a East-West cultural bridge through exhibitions and residencies.

Recognized as number five of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, The Upper House is an intimate urban retreat in the heart of Hong Kong Island, with an eight-minute drive to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The House is a highly individualized small luxury hotel designed by Andre Fu, one of Asia’s most sought-after interior architects. The interiors feature natural materials, original sculpture installations and seamlessly proportioned spaces that are integrated to create a sophisticated and modern Asian-influenced residence. Calming and contemporary, the guest rooms are designed to provide a sense of relaxation, warmth, and understated luxury.

All photographs by Harold de Puymorin.

Published on March 13, 2025.