Experiencing the City through the Macau Museum and other Museums in Macau.

**CLICK HERE for special room rates, discounts and reservations on Macau Hotels**

Since the 1980s, Macau has seen an increase in its population due to the intense immigration of people arriving from China. The current population of Macau comprises mostly Chinese with a notable Portuguese community and residents of other nationalities. With the fact that Macau was once under Portuguese rule, this multi-cultural concept that Macau is famous for has been ingrained in their culture for centuries. Attesting to such claims is its urban mesh and the architecture for many of its buildings. However, the accelerated cultural, economical and technological transformation of Macau has rapidly changed at the risk of losing all its unique characteristics. For this reason, the Macau Museum and other museums in Macau took necessary steps to protect, conserve and value the existing unique identity of the city.

The Macau Museum’s plans of formation began in April of 1995 while construction started by September of 1996. It was then inaugurated in April of 1998 to face the ruins of St. Paul. Its total land area is 2,800 square meters, 2,100 of which are intended for exhibition space. As far as thematic areas of the museum are concerned, they are divided into three main areas that correspond to each of the three floors of the museum’s building.

The first floor is known as the Genesis of Macau Region where the prehistoric age until the middle of the XVII century lies. The coming of Portuguese traders and the Jesuit missionaries are chiefly depicted in the beginnings of Macau on this floor. One point of particular interest is the room that compares the European and Chinese civilizations at the time of their meeting during the 16th Century. Along with the importance of Macau being a commercial port, the first floor exhibit includes different writing systems, religions and philosophies.

The second floor houses Macau’s Popular Arts and Traditions that outline the colorful socio-cultural characteristics of essential Macau. Scenes of the day-to-day life activities are revealed and they include hobbies, rituals, rites, wedding ceremonies and festivals. Artifacts that were used during age old industries are also on display such as fishing and firework factories.

Finally, the top floor is known to be Contemporary Macau. It presents contemporary aspects of the city since the beginning of the century. A perspective of the near future of the city makes up part of the final areas of the exhibit as well as a presentation of the challenges and perspectives that Macau faces.

After a visit to the museum, stroll around the Monte Fortress open space and take in the beautiful views of Macau and Mainland China. The best way to learn about the unique and interesting history of the culture of Macau is to visit the Macau Museum and other museums in Macau. Other museums include the Maritime Museum, the Macau Museum of Art, the Grand Prix Museum and the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History. After such enriching education, what better way to experience Macau but to go out on the streets and live the unique Macanese life?