Birthday Bite: 40 Years of Chicken McNuggets at Coach McNugget Art World

We’ve celebrated McDonald’s mascot Grimace’s birthday with a nostalgia-fuelled video game and a (unfortunately, U.S exclusive) milkshake that somehow sparked the strangest TikTok trend of the summer. Now it’s time to give a little love to one of the menu’s staples and everyone’s favourite chicken-based McDonald’s finger food, the Chicken McNugget.

In a unique celebration of the 40th anniversary of Chicken McNuggets, McDonald's is bringing to Hong Kong its first-ever themed exhibition titled ‘Coach McNugget Art World,’ inspired by McDonald’s mascots of the 1980s. Curated by Kevin Poon, Hong Kong’s contemporary art innovator and founder of WOAW Gallery, this exhibition is a testament to the enduring popularity of Chicken McNuggets.

Held at the Arts Pavilion at West Kowloon Cultural District between July 29 and Aug. 20, the venue will examine this humble snack through the lens of art, culture, and technology. Drawing inspiration from the slogan "Please Share," visitors will get to experience bold new works from five international contemporary artists and get involved in creating digital artworks of their own, in tribute to the nuggets.

Featured artists include Korean-American artist VANDYTHEPINK, Jon Burgerman, American street artist UFO907, lighting sculptor Gyuhan Lee, and Dutch digital artist FrankNitty3000. Each artist offers a unique perspective on the beloved Chicken McNuggets, showcased through various mediums.

VANDYTHEPINK has also created a bespoke merch line to go hand in hand with the exhibition. All profits from the range of hats, socks, t-shirts, tote bags, and more, will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities to support underprivileged children suffering from terminal illnesses.

Adding an element of adventure, a ‘time tunnel’ will lead visitors through forty years of McDonald's history and cultural influence. The exhibition also offers interactive spots, like a metaverse workshop for crafting personalized nugget shapes, as well as a station for making special laser tattoos.

The fun doesn’t just stop at the exhibition, as the anniversary celebration also extends into the Metaverse, where The Sandbox hosts a virtual world known as McNuggets Land, where users can complete tasks and play mini games for a chance to win a year’s supply worth of McNuggets! Click here to join.

When: July 29 – Aug. 20

Where: Arts Pavilion, West Kowloon Cultural District, 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon

How much: HK$20 per person