Hong Kong's extraordinary M+ museum opens amid ongoing censorship fears

When plans for M+ were unveiled over a decade ago, many in China's art world breathed a sigh of relief. The Hong Kong museum could, they hoped, provide a safe space for the types of risqué, politically charged artworks that were impossible to show in the heavily censored galleries of Beijing and Shanghai.
As it finally opens its doors to the public Friday, the multibillion-dollar institution finds itself in a far more complicated position.

Since the introduction of last year's controversial National Security Law, which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, Hong Kong has undergone a marked cultural and political shift. Critics allege the wide-ranging legislation has been used to stifle dissent and clamp down on free expression, bringing the formerly freewheeling territory in line with other Chinese cities.

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