Art Basel Hong Kong goes online, for the first time, with its "Online Viewing Rooms" launched on Friday, though this year's on-site event was called off due to the "the severe outbreak and spread of the new coronavirus."

This year's edition features 235 premier galleries from 31 countries and territories, showcasing more than 2,000 high-caliber artworks for sale in a wide array of curated online rooms.

The Hong Kong fair, one of the most important destinations in the international art market calendar, was originally scheduled to run from March 19 to 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in south China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Instead of the typical large crowds at the fair, the digital presentation running through March 25 gives a virtual option to collectors and visitors around the world, who can explore a variety of works at home, including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, as well as videos and digital works.

According to the organizer, the overall value of work shown on its digital platform has reached approximately 270 million U.S. dollars. All artworks are presented with an exact price or price range for buyers' convenience.

Tickets for Art Basel Hong Kong, which cost 300 to 400 Hong Kong dollars, are usually highly sought after and not easy to get for many potential visitors. This year's online rooms, however, are opened to the public for free.

The annual fair, which offers its very first virtual art viewing and buying experience this year, is expected to engage considerable participants, as it allows all visitors, regardless of their locations, to discover thousands of exceptional works.

"While nothing can replace the experience of seeing art in person, we hope that this initiative can bring some support and visibility to all the galleries and their artists affected by the cancellation of our March show," said Adeline Ooi, director of Art Basel Hong Kong.

Marc Spiegler, global director of Art Basel, noted that as the international art market continues to evolve, Art Basel has continually explored and investigated how new technologies can create new opportunities to support galleries.

Spiegler believed that the Online Viewing Rooms would provide galleries with "a further possibility for engaging with global audiences, complementing the essential personal interactions that continue to underlie the art market."

Established in Basel, Switzerland, in 1970, Art Basel landed in Hong Kong in 2013. It is now held annually in Basel, Miami and Hong Kong.

Last year's five-day fair featured 242 top-tier galleries from Asia and beyond and drew a record attendance of 88,000 visitors.

(Cover image by Li Jingjie)