The Macao Museum of Art is the main artistic venue in the city. In just a couple of hours, you can see ancient Chinese decorative objects, Portuguese engravings with views of old Macao, and contemporary installations. The museum is located in the Macao Cultural Centre, not far from the Fisherman`s Wharf.
The Macao Museum of Art was solemnly inaugurated on March 19, 1999, on the eve of the historic return of Macao to Chinese sovereignty. Its establishment symbolized a new stage in the cultural life of the region, aimed at preserving heritage and introducing contemporary art to the world. The same building also houses the Macao Handover Gifts Museum.
Permanent Exhibition of the Macao Museum of Art
Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: The exhibition features elegant scrolls with "mountain and water" (shanshui) landscapes, delicate flower-and-bird paintings (huaniao), and the power of calligraphic characters. Special attention is paid to the works of artists from Guangdong and Hong Kong, highlighting regional connections.
Gallery of Ceramics and Porcelain: From ancient ceramics of the Tang and Song dynasties to exquisite blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming and Qing periods, as well as modern авторские works. This collection clearly demonstrates the evolution of one of the primary Chinese arts.
Gallery of Historical Maps and Prints of Macao: A unique collection of maps, engravings, and lithographs from the 16th–19th centuries, on which European navigators and artists captured the image of the "Pearl of the Orient." You will see how Macao changed in the eyes of the West—from a mysterious port to a colorful colonial city.
Gallery of Macao Art (19th–20th centuries): A key exhibition narrating local history. It presents works by both Chinese masters and Portuguese artists who lived in Macao. Their canvases feature traditional Chinese subjects painted in oils and European techniques inspired by Asian aesthetics.
Gallery of Folk Art from Macao and Adjacent Regions: A vibrant and atmospheric hall. Wooden carved panels, embroidery, costumes, theatrical masks, and ritual objects. This is the art of everyday life, reflecting the soul of local communities.
Temporary Exhibitions of the Macao Museum of Art
MAM is famous for its large-scale temporary exhibitions, which are always major events. The museum actively collaborates with leading museums worldwide (including the Louvre, and museums in Beijing and Shanghai) and is also a crucial venue for international biennales.
Macao Art Biennale: The main artistic forum of the region, attracting hundreds of artists from around the world. It always features avant-garde ideas, installations, digital art, and bold statements.
Biennale of Poster Art (Triennial): One of the most authoritative events in the world of graphic design, whose archive is housed in the museum.
World-Class Thematic Exhibitions: This can be anything—from Renaissance masterpieces from Italian collections to retrospectives of contemporary Chinese stars, from treasures of the Forbidden City to experimental video art.
Before your visit, be sure to check the museum`s official website to learn about current temporary exhibitions—they might become the highlight of your trip. Admission to the permanent exhibition is often free, making art accessible to everyone.
