Created by Hong Kong artist Leon Lai (LeonLollipop), the iconic cat character Gloomie has charmed countless fans over the years with its signature cheek-resting pose and gently humorous, comforting personality. Featuring in large-scale murals across different corners of Hong Kong, Gloomie has become a familiar and beloved presence in the cityscape.
Always resting one paw against its cheek while quietly observing the world, Gloomie is not only LeonLollipop’s most recognisable creation, but also an extension of the artist himself — capturing everyday life and urban scenery through a lens of humour, curiosity, and quiet contemplation.
The artist’s first solo exhibition, “Gloomie Museum”, will be held at Gallery by the Harbour from 1 to 25 October 2026. Guided by Gloomie’s artistic journey, the exhibition brings together art history, personal narratives, and elements of Hong Kong culture. Through paintings and three-dimensional sculptures, visitors are invited to travel across different artistic eras, from celebrated masterpieces to familiar memories of the city, embarking on a journey of looking, lingering and imagination.
From Street Murals to the Museum: Meet Gloomie Cat
As LeonLollipop’s first solo exhibition, Gloomie Museum not only showcases the artist’s creative journey to date, but also brings his most iconic original character into a fully realised museum setting for the first time. Presented at Gallery by the Harbour, the exhibition transforms Gloomie’s world into an immersive artistic narrative, inviting visitors to step inside the imaginative universe of the beloved cat character.
Reimagining Art History Through Gloomie’s Eyes
Conceived as a journey through an imagined museum, the exhibition explores different artistic movements and visual styles through Gloomie’s distinctive perspective. From playful tributes to masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, to works inspired by Hong Kong landmarks, cityscapes and the artist’s childhood memories, each piece reflects observations on art, life and personal growth. Through a rich interplay of colour, brushwork and familiar urban imagery, visitors are invited to slow down, experience art from a fresh perspective, and rediscover the joy of looking.
Bringing together both new and signature works, the exhibition features the milestone 100th Gloomie portrait, seven sculptural characters inspired by Western art masters, and ten Terracotta Army-style cat soldiers. From paintings to three-dimensional sculptures, Gloomie takes on multiple forms throughout the exhibition, leading visitors on a playful and imaginative artistic journey.
Highlights of Gloomie Museum by LeonLollipop
1. The 100th Gloomie Portrait Makes Its Debut
Marking a major milestone in LeonLollipop’s creative journey, the 100th work in the Gloomie series makes its debut at the exhibition. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa, this landmark piece reimagines the celebrated masterpiece through Gloomie’s distinctive and playful lens, offering a fresh perspective on one of art history’s most recognisable images.
2. From Canvas to Sculpture: 17 Transformative Gloomie Characters Come to Life
The exhibition also features seven Gloomie sculptural characters inspired by renowned Western art masters, alongside ten cat soldiers modelled after the Terracotta Warriors. Together, these sculptures bring Gloomie beyond the canvas and into the physical world, allowing visitors to experience the character from a new perspective.
3. Hong Kong Landmarks Meet Art History: Classic Masterpieces Reimagined
Over the years, LeonLollipop has left his creative footprint across Hong Kong through a series of Gloomie murals. Continuing this connection with the city, the exhibition reimagines iconic masterpieces through familiar local landscapes, including a Kai Tak-inspired Mona Lisa, a Stanley interpretation of The Scream, and tributes to Van Gogh set against the streets of Sheung Wan. By bringing together art history and the city’s urban scenery, these works reveal new possibilities for imagination and connection.
4. Hidden Stories Within the Artworks: Tracing the Artist’s Memories and Inspirations
Beyond paying tribute to art history, LeonLollipop weaves personal memories and elements of Hong Kong culture throughout the exhibition. Visitors will discover works inspired by the artist’s childhood, including a traditional ink-style painting that revisits his earliest drawing of a shrimp, as well as a Pop-Art interpretation of the beloved local canned delicacy, fried dace with salted black beans. These subtle yet meaningful details offer insight into the artist’s formative experiences while evoking the warmth, nostalgia, and everyday character of Hong Kong life.
The exhibition will also launch a range of exclusive merchandise, including Gloomie blind-box keychains, phone stands, magnets, shirts, mugs, umbrellas, tote bags, and vinyl art toys. These collectible items allow fans to bring Gloomie into their everyday lives and extend the imaginative journey beyond the gallery experience.
Visitors who purchase any merchandise or follow Gloomie Cat’s official Instagram or Xiaohongshu account will receive two complimentary limited-edition postcards. They can then collect stamps from four stamp stations throughout the exhibition to complete a special illustration, creating a unique keepsake to commemorate their visit to Gloomie Museum.
Gloomie Museum by LeonLollipop @Harbour City
Date：1-25 October 2026
Time: 11am – 9pm
Venue: Gallery by the Harbour (Shop 207, Level 2, Ocean Centre, Harbour City)
