On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Macao Museum of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Museum specially organizes a series of rich activities, including thematic exhibitions, a series of cultural lectures, games related to the Macao Museum, exchange programmes for middle school students with the Shenzhen Museum, publication of research and studies and other promotional and educational activities, which are open to the general public.
Exhibition of underwater archaeological relics; uncovering the Nanhai No. 1
In tandem with cultural exchanges between the countries and regions included in the initiative “One Belt, One Road” launched by the Central Government and within the cooperation framework between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Macao Museum and the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong specially co-organize “Treasure from the Deep Sea - Exhibition of Underwater Archaeological Relics of the Nanhai No. 1”, to be inaugurated on 18 April (Wednesday), at 6:30pm, at the lobby of the Macao Museum. The exhibition runs until 31 July. The exhibition focuses on the feat of the underwater archaeological project of the Song dynasty merchant ship Nanhai No. 1, hoping to deepen the public’s knowledge of underwater archaeological projects and related conservation works. In addition, the organizers hold the lecture “Preservation of the hull of the Nanhai No. 1 and the relics unearthed on site”, conducted by the Deputy Director of the Storage Department of the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong, Zhang Xuanwei, on 21 April, at 3pm, at the Macao Museum Auditorium, introducing the preservation works of this ship’s hull as well as the artefacts unearthed on site.
The Macao Museum further organizes several workshops to create Lego miniature ships in April, June and July, hoping to increase participants’ interest in underwater archaeology through the creation of a Lego model of the ship Nanhai No. 1. Furthermore, an escape game will be set up at the Mount Fortress Gallery, which will allow participants to experience heritage protection and underwater archaeological excavations. During the exhibition period, cultural tours to the Nanhai No. 1 will also be held in Maritime Silk Road Museum, among others.
Games at the Macao Museum offer a different experience
The “Games at the Macao Museum” are one of the highlights of the Museum’s 20th anniversary activities. On 19th May, several outreach activities will be held at the Macao Museum from 4pm to 9pm, including workshops, guided tours for thematic exhibitions, theatre sessions, restoration workshops, booths with games and book sales, among others, offering a different museum experience to the public of all ages during the weekend.
In addition, this year the Museum will begin to hold regular cultural lectures focused on underwater archaeology and the silk route, religious beliefs and life experiences of Macao residents, the maritime silk route and the discovery of the maritime route to Macao by the Portuguese, among others, thereby promoting history and culture among the population.
Strengthen educational elements and promote the participation of youth
In order to promote youth’s knowledge of the history and culture of the Guangdong province, in mid-August the Macao Museum will hold exchange programmes with the Shenzhen Museum for middle school students, encouraging Macao’s youth to deepen their knowledge on the country’s history. Aside from organizing educational activities on specific topics, the Museum is also committed to hold regular promotional activities in order to help the population better understand local history. For example, “A Voyage in the Past – Macao History” invites scholars to share with residents and tourists stories related to Macao’s historical sites in a relaxed and entertaining manner.
Registrations for the lectures and workshops related to “Treasure from the Deep Sea - Exhibition of Underwater Archaeological Relics of the Nanhai No. 1” are now open. Interested citizens can register online through the “Activity Registration System” on IC’s website at www.icm.gov.mo/eform/event; more information on the activities will be announced in due course on the Macao Museum’s website at www.macaumuseum.gov.mo. For enquiries, please call the Macao Museum through tel. no. 2835 7911 during office hours. The Macao Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, including public holidays, and closes on Mondays. Admission is free for holders of Macao Resident Identity Card.
The press conference on the Series of Commemorative Activities of the 20th Anniversary of the Macao Museum was held on 11 th April, at 4pm, at the Macao Museum Auditorium, counting on the presence of the Vice-President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ieong Chi Kin; the Head of Department of Exhibitions and Museums of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Lei Lai Kio; and the Director of the Macao Museum, Loi Chi Pang.