Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the exhibition “In Search of those Journeys – A Retrospective Exhibition of the Ferry Transport between Macao and the Islands” was inaugurated on Saturday, 3 June, at 3pm, at the Nostalgic House of the Taipa Houses. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Assistant of the Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R., Shao Bin; the Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Kent Ieong Chi Kin; the Member of the Cultural Consultative Committee, Tong Mui Siu; the Principal of the Macao Lingnan Middle School, Ao Cam Iong; and the President of the Coloane Son I Charity Association, Yeong Keng Hoi.
In the mid-twentieth century, the ferry vessel was an important transportation tool for passengers between the Macao peninsula and the two islands, Taipa and Coloane. Local residents and foreign visitors experienced ferry service delays and suspensions due to adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, those inconveniences did not dampen tourists’ spirit in taking the ferry vessels. Upon the completion of Estrada do Istmo which connects Taipa and Coloane and Nobre de Carvalho Bridge which connects Macao and Taipa, the ferry transportation was gradually suspended and became a part of Macao’s history and memories.
This exhibition unveils a number of collections for the first time, such as the original documents “Stock Booklet of Un Fat Ferry between Macao and Coloane” and “Lease Contract of Motorboat” of the ferry operation company, as well as other items related to the ferry vessels, including photographs, ferry tickets, newspapers and commemorative publications, among others. In the exhibition, interactive electronic screens are also available to introduce “The Evolution of Macao’s Topography”, which covers the territory’s coastlines and vessel routes from different eras. Meanwhile, video excerpts of interviews with several old residents are screened to share their stories in taking ferry vessels, revealing the unique rustic simplicity of this small city. In addition, visitors can enjoy a 3D virtual ferry ride based on the ferry model “Kuong Kong”.
Through various forms of exhibits such as precious documents, images, and interview videos, the exhibition shows social changes that occurred in Macao, making available a replenishment for future studies on maritime traffic. Allow visitors to experience Macao’s life in the old days, the exhibition also intends to educate the public on good family and neighbourhood relations.
The exhibition “In Search of those Journeys – A Retrospective Exhibition of the Ferry Transport between Macao and the Islands” is open from 3 June to 5 October, at the Nostalgic House of Taipa Houses. Admission is free. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 7pm (no admission after 6:30pm; closed on Mondays). Guided tours in Cantonese will be available from 3pm to 4pm every Saturday. For more information about the exhibition, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website at www.icm.gov.mo. For enquiries, please contact IC through tel. no. 8988 4000, during office hours.