I made a conscious decision last 2011 to include more gelleries and museums in my life. It has been one of my better calls. During our second day in Macau, we managed to visit three! It’s not really a lot considering the other 2 are rather small exhibitions, but still, three! I’ll go give you a tour. 😉
1) Museu de Macau
No. 112 Praceta do Museu de Macau
We stumbled upon Museu de Macau when we were strolling along Fortaleza do Monte, the fortress next to the Ruins of St Paul’s. It was set up in a such a way that equally presents Macau’s Portuguese and Chinese roots side by side, encapsulating its unique traditions and culture in this permanent exhibition. I especially enjoyed the recreation of houses and living spaces as you get to see how the different influences have blended into something distinctly Macanese. For the museum of entrance of 15MOP, you also get access to the rooftop which provides an unobstructed view of Macau.
2) Museu de Arte Sacra e Cripta
Ruins of St. Paul’s, Macau
I don’t think much people go beyond the facade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s. If you go further in, you’ll see the foundations of the original church. Go a bit more in, and you’ll notice a queue to downward staircase. Being typical tourists, my mom and I followed the crowd and were led to the basement crypt and Museum of Sacred Art. Ok, fun fact, this was one of the biggest Cathedrals in Asia. It was built in the 1600s by (my favorite order!) the Jesuits, together with exiled Japanese Christians and Chinese craftsmen. I’ll elaborate more on the arch on my next Macau pose, but for now, let’s go back to the Museum of Sacred Art. It’s a small room that contains “objects of high historical and artistic value from different churches and convents of Macao”. Personally, I like looking at religious artefacts because of its detail and craftsmanship. Antique pieces are highly elaborate and ornate making it not just a religious relic but also a work of art.
3) MJ Gallery
2/F Sofitel Ponte 16, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau
The MJ Gallery was advertised in the city map my mom and I took from the terminal. As Sofitel was just across our inn, we figured we’d drop by. It was a rather small exhibit with mostly autographed memorabilia. I found it interesting to see pieces of his actual costumes – I mean, never in my life did it cross my mind that I’d be inches away from Michael Jackson’s bejewelled socks – and his doodles. The thing that made my jaw drop however, was seeing Stevie Wonder’s autograph. Not to sound like a disrespectful ignorant or anything, but I was really amused by this. The MJ Gallery was not bad for something free but I don’t think it’s something you’d want to go out of your way for.
So those were the three exhibits we saw in Macau. Upon doing my blog research, I found out there are actually a lot of museums to check out if you have time. Full list can be found here. So the next time you say there’s nothing to do in Macau – or any other place for that matter – make sure to do your Google-research. 😉
xx