Senado Square

Macau is a great city in which to celebrate the Lunar New Year!

Because of its long association with the manufacture of firecrackers, the enclave remains one of the few places in Asia where the public can engage in the spectacle of ‘big bang’ pyrotechnics. A fireworks display will be shown on Lunar New Year’s Eve (Feb 6), while the public can let off their own fireworks at designated zones. Celebrations will be held at Senado Square, Taipa Carmo Fair, Macau Tower and Macau Fisherman’s Wharf during the festive period, with the God of Fortune dispensing lucky ‘Lai Si’ (red packets) and a parade of the golden dragon. For more adventure, you can Bungy Jump from Macau Tower into the Year of the Rat – or contemplate the genius of the original Renaissance Man in ‘Da Vinci – An Exhibition of Genius – Macau’. For pop fans, ‘The Police Live in Concert’ will be a must-see gig at The Venetian Arena.

Culture vultures won’t want to miss the exhibition, ‘Encounter with Exotic Customs in the City of Lotus – Popular Traditions of the Henan and Guizhou Provinces Spring Festival’ in Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, while renowned artisans will bring to life the colourful folk art of Zhejiang in heritage-listed Lou Kau Mansion. Lots of programmes - including the ever-popular Valentine’s Day – await the visitor searching for a different experience. The difference, of course, is Macau.

The Procession of the Passion of Our Lord will be held at St. Augustine's Church this month, and the Macau Orchestra’s growing fan base will be thrilled to know that this Lunar New Year, they will perform the ‘Chamber Music Series – The Three B’s’ at the classically-proportioned Dom Pedro V Theatre. Meanwhile, African ‘Barefoot Diva’ Cesária Évora will perform favourites from her latest album ‘Rogamar’ in the Macau Cultural Centre.

If your idea of festive fun is ‘retail therapy’ then look no further than the ‘Certified Shop’ and ‘Certificate of Gold’ logos displayed prominently in government-accredited shops. MacauMap, through Macau Government Tourist Office, provides all updated tourist information. And something for conventioneers this festive season, as well, with the ‘7th International Gaming & Entertainment Expo’ and ‘3rd International Audio, Lighting & Performance Entertainment Expo’ exhibiting thousands of goods and services.

The creatively inclined should make a bee-line for the Macau Museum of Art, which is hosting ‘Beyond the Surface: Exhibition of Chinese Abstract Paintings’, while history buffs will be intrigued by ‘Witness the Qing Empire: A Special Exhibition of Cultural Relics from the Palace Museum’, a rare opportunity to view priceless antiques and enjoy anecdotes of the imperial court of The Purple Forbidden City. In addition, the Museum of Macau is hosting ‘Passion for Nature – Sketches and drawings by Gao JianFu’, featuring the works of the founder of the Lingnan style of painting.

Year of the Rat Springs In

Why not welcome in this most auspicious of animal signs – the Rat was the first of the 12 animals to arrive at the Buddha's feet – by taking a leisurely ride round the city in an old-fashioned pedicab. Street level is an interesting and economical way to take in the sights, sounds and aromas of this fascinating city, especially in Lunar New Year.

Pyrotechnic fans can enjoy a fireworks display near Macau Tower on February 6 (Lunar New Year's Eve) at 11 p.m. The Cybernetic Fountain on Nam Van Lake will also ‘explode’ at the same time. Remember to slow down your camera shutter speed for some great nighttime shots!

New Year festival wouldn't be complete without the famous Dragon and Lion Dance, and favourite venues to watch these shows are in Senado Square, Taipa Carmo Fair, the Ruins of St. Paul's, Ferry Terminal and Macau Fisherman's Wharf. Watch out for the 12 Chinese Zodiac mascots and the Gods of Fortune, Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity, dispensing lucky ‘Lai Si’ (red packets) to visitors and residents alike. Traditional flowers and ‘good luck’ plants can be found in Senado Square and Friendship Square. The world's most expensive pen, which entered the Guinness Book in 2001, and the most splendid Paraiba Collection worth tens of millions of HK dollars is to be exhibited during the Jewelry Event at the Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel.

So it's farewell to the Year of the Pig – and welcome to the Year of the Rat!

Fireworks zones
Locations: 
Macau – Av. Dr. Sun Yat Sen (near Macau Tower) 
Taipa – Seaside of Est. Alm. Marques Esparteiro (near Hotel Regency) 
Date & Time: 6 Feb noon to 12 Feb 2:00 a.m. (closed daily between 2:00 a.m. & noon) 

New Year flowers & gifts' stalls 
Location: Senado Square 
Date & Time: 
3 Feb 10:00 a.m. to 5 Feb midnight (closed daily between midnight & 10:00 a.m.) 
6 Feb 10:00 a.m. to 7 Feb 2:00 a.m.

Location: Friendship Square (opposite to Hotel Sintra) 
Date & Time: 
3 Feb 8:00 a.m. to 5 Feb 10:00 p.m. (closed daily between 10:00 p.m. & 8:00 a.m. the next day) 
6 Feb: 8:00 a.m. to 7 Feb 2:00 a.m.

Incense & pinwheel stalls 
Location: Foreground of A-Ma Temple 
Date & Time: 
6 Feb 8:00 p.m. to 7 Feb 6:00 p.m. 
8 Feb 9:00 a.m. to 13 Feb 6:00 p.m. (closed daily between 6:00 p.m. & 9:00 a.m. the next day)

Cybernetic Fountain Laser performance 
Date & Time: 
Mondays to Fridays: 
1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. (one hour performance)
9:30 p.m. (30 minutes performance) 

Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays, 7 to 9 Feb: 
10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. (one hour performance) 
8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. (30 minutes musical performance)

Visiting the Temples

Every Lunar New Year, temples in Macau are inevitably crowded, especially on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Thousands of devotees gather in front of the centuries-old temple, A-Ma, ready to rush in and be the first to present their joss sticks to the revered goddess of the sea. If you’re planning on going to this popular venue, don’t forget to buy a pinwheel outside the temple after making obeisance to the goddess. It’s said that when the wind blows the pinwheel, good luck is on the way.

The temple of Tai Soi Miu - built by the followers of Bao Zheng, a Song Dynasty judge acknowledged far and wide for his righteousness and honesty - is also definitively worth a visit, and can be found in Rua da Figueira. Nearby, you can find the two centuries-old Sleeping Buddha Temple, a place where believers come to pacify ‘Taisui’ and ask for his protection for the year. In ancient China, Taisui was supported by 60 valiant generals.

The Temple of the Sleeping Buddha is also known as the Buddha for Bearing Boys, so named for the belief that if you go to the second floor and touch the belly of the Buddha, he sooner or later will grant your wish for a baby . . .

5 to 17 Feb - Zhejiang Arts & Crafts in Lou Kau Mansion

Yueqing boxwood sculpture – one of the ‘Three Famous Sculptures’ of Zhejiang Province – is also known as the ‘Blossom of Eastern China’. In recent years, innovative techniques such as boxwood root carving, split and bonding sculpture have emerged to further enrich the artistry of boxwood carving from this region.

Ou sculpture is so-called because of its place of origin in the Oujiang Basin in southern Zhejiang. Inspired by traditional Chinese lacquer painting, Ou sculpture is a kind of relief sculpture, which these days incorporates Western and Chinese painting techniques, maturing it in terms of structure, shading, spatial arrangement and expression. It is consequently referred to as Oriental stereoscopic oil painting.

During the forthcoming Lunar New Year, visitors can participate in a traditional handicrafts folk art show and workshop in Lou Kau Mansion, an imposing building constructed in the style of the Lingnan region and listed as part of the ‘Historic Centre of Macau’.

Arts & Crafts Demonstration
Time: noon to 7:00 p.m. (Tuesdays to Fridays) 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)

Workshop
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Saturdays) 10:00 a.m. to noon; 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sundays) 
Admission: MOP$20 (per 2-hour session)

Lou Kau Mansion Opening Hours
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Tuesdays to Sundays & Public Holidays) 
Admission free
Free Guided Tour: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays) 
Address: 7, Travessa da Sé
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6691
www.icm.gov.mo
www.macauheritage.net

9 & 10 Feb - Procession of the Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ

The Western festive spirit blends well with the rituals of the Orient, and the Procession of the Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ is an interesting example of the cultural mix that is so typical of Macau. The procession, a unique street parade, celebrates the traditional activities and sacrifices made by the missionaries in and around Macau.

On the first day of the festival, a statue of Christ carrying the Cross is escorted in formal procession from St. Augustine’s Church to Senado Square, Travessa do Roquete and Se Square before arriving at Macau Cathedral for an overnight vigil. The image is then transported through the city via the Stations of the Cross, accompanied by a magenta-robed escort and crowds of the faithful and curious.

Time: 7:00 p.m. (9 Feb); 4:00 p.m. (10 Feb)

14 Feb - Valentine´s Venues

Despite the hubbub of the city, many quiet and romantic places can be discovered in Macau.

On the Macau peninsula, a hidden alley named Travessa da Paixão (literally Love Lane) almost abuts the Ruins of St. Paul’s, while not far away you can find the quiet Company of Jesus Square and the statue ‘Man and Lady’, in which a Chinese lady approaches a Portuguese gentleman with a flower . . .

Or perhaps a racier declaration of love might be made in the Macau Tower’s ‘You Jump, I Jump’ challenge. In love? Walking on air could take on a whole new meaning as you plunge 233 metres locked in an embrace with your main squeeze in 20 seconds with the SkyJump.

For those with their feet planted firmly on the ground, then the precincts of the Taipa Houses Museum should appeal, walking by vine-covered gazebo with fountains, stone benches and a row of restored mansions, a great favourite for wedding photographs. Hác-Sá Beach is also a desirable place to watch the setting sun while standing on soft sand. And the food of love? In Macau, it’s Portuguese tarts, serradura pudding, sliced-egg cake and steamed milk . . .

3 Feb to 22 Jun - Taipa Flea Market

Planning to take souvenirs home from Macau? Taipa Flea Market is your best bet! Drop by this popular venue just off the Village Centre in Bombeiros Square, an area widely improved while preserving its traditional architectural style, and snap up that something special. Toys, traditional crafts and many other items are available - while stocks last! Meanwhile, a street show performs every two weeks.

While you're in the area, take the opportunity to visit the much-frequented Rua da Cunha (Souvenir Street) nearby and other sightseeing spots.

Time: Every Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission free
Venue: Bombeiros Square, Taipa
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
www.iacm.gov.mo
Telephone enquiries for Taipa Flea Market: (853) 2882 7882
Telephone enquiries for Street Show: (853) 8988 4128

Open on 7 to 9 Feb

2 Feb - Macau Orchestra Chamber Music Series

Bach, Beethoven and Brahms are synonymous with the pinnacle of classical European music and considered a benchmark against which composers throughout the ages have measured themselves.

In tribute to the genius of their music, The Macau Orchestra performs selected pieces from their works in the ‘Macau Orchestra Chamber Music Series – The Three Bs’ in the classically-styled Dom Pedro V Theatre. The theatre – built in 1860 and a wonderfully preserved example of Western architecture – was the first constructed in China and is one of the pre-eminent sites listed in the ‘Historic Centre of Macau’.

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Augustine's Square
Admission: MOP$30
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
www.icm.gov.mo/om

Duration: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (without intermission)

7 Feb - The Police - Live in Concert in Macau

The Police remains one of the most popular bands of all time, selling more than 50 million albums worldwide. Despite the fact that the band’s phenomenal chart successes have won them a multitude of accolades both public and critical, the group dissolved in 1984, just six years after forming.

Following the release of their greatest hits, the band recently reunited to the delight of fans everywhere and embarked on a world tour to commemorate the group’s 30-year anniversary, kicking off with gigs in Vancouver in May last year followed by sell-out shows across North America, Europe and South America. This year, the Police whirlwind will grace New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Macau.

Time: 7:30 p.m. 
Venue: The Venetian Arena, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Admission: MOP$1200, 800, 600
Organizer: The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 8818 
www.venetianmacaotickets.com
www.venetianmacao.com
www.thepolice.com

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

16 Feb - Macau Tale: Dress, Up to Dance

Veteran Hong Kong choreographer Yuri Ng will, for the very first time, choreograph a theatre-dance performance in Macau, revolving around clothing, one of the four necessities of life (in tandem with food and drink, shelter and transportation). Local dancers are warmly invited to participate in the creation of this experimental Chinese dance-theatre performance titled ‘Macau Tale: Dress, Up to Dance’.

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Admission: MOP$100
Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699
www.ccm.gov.mo

23 & 24 Feb - Local performance 'Memorandums of prunes' at Poor Space

'Curry Bone' revisits the 'Dwarfs' Kingdom' after four years; he misses the place so much, reminding him of a song his grandma sang to him when he was a child, 'From when do we start becoming a tree? From when do we start disregarding the seasons? From when does our vision no longer come under control? From when do we start refusing to stay awake'.

Poor Space is a home for local creations in the form of books, crafts or drama. Local group 'Step Out' presents a series of performances on site for the 2-year Art Programme in Poor Space.

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Poor Space, Rua de Espectação de Almeida, No. 3A, Edf. Son Heng R/C 
Admission: MOP$40 
Organizer: Step Out 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2835 1572 
http://poorspace.wordpress.com 
http://blog.roodo.com/stepoutnews 
Ticketing at Poor Space and Pin-to Book

23 Feb - Barefoot Diva Cesária Évora

Grammy nominee Cesária Évora, hailed as the Voice of Cape Verde, has established herself as an icon of world music. Nicknamed the ‘Barefoot Diva’ for performing without shoes, she is perhaps the best-known practitioner of morna – a local genre sung in Creole related to Portuguese fado and Brazilian modinha and often compared to the blues.

‘Rogamar’, her latest release, is full of lilting rhythms and warm melodies that whisper of sea breezes, the perfect introduction to her music for aficionados and first-timers alike in maritime Macau.

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Admission: MOP$250, 200, 150, 80
Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699
www.ccm.gov.mo

Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (without intermission)

4 Feb to 9 Mar - Beyond Desire - Paintings by Ng Fong Chao

Ng Fong Chao, born in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, settled in Macau in 1983. He studied painting, stone engraving and photography and participated in more than 60 collective exhibitions in China and overseas since 1990. In this exhibition, he shows ten fine exhibits.

St. Paul's Fine Arts, located near the Ruins of St. Paul's, is a three-storey building over a century old and comprises a restaurant, bar, gallery and multi-purpose rooms.

Opening Hours: noon to 8:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) 
Admission free 
Venue: St. Paul's Fine Arts, Trav. de S. Paulo, No. 3, 5 & 7 
Organizer: Art For All 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2842 2842
www.stpaulscorner.com

6 Feb to 9 Mar - Encounter with Exotic Customs in the City of Lotus - Popular Traditions of the Henan and Guizhou Provinces Spring Festival

The Spring Festival exhibition is one of the most important annual exhibitions in Macau. The exhibition this year focuses on the New Year customs of Henan Province and Guizhou Province. Unique exhibits include the traditional folk art of ‘Ninigou’, papercutting, shadow playing, beauty customs, musical instruments and other folk arts.

This year, the exhibition will be held in the Pavilion and Macau Tea Culture House of Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. The garden is modeled on those of Suzhou, the most famous of all Chinese classical gardens. In the garden, there is a pavilion that combines classical and Chinese architectural elements, which serves as an exhibition gallery. The 3-storey Macau Tea Culture House can be found near the pavilion and hosts a variety of exhibitions to introduce the tea culture of Macau.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on Public Holidays) 
Admission free 
Venue: Pavilion & Macau Tea Culture House, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10 
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

27 to 29 Feb - 7th International Gaming & Entertainment Expo

The Gaming Expo is widely recognized as the most influential exhibition of its kind, attracting leading operators and vendors. The exhibition serves as an ideal platform for business networking, product promotion and corporate exposure.

To capitalize on this exposure, the 'International Audio, Lighting & Performance Entertainment Expo' and the 'International Amusement and Game Machine Expo' are also launched through the auspices of the Gaming Expo. This year's Expo features casino facilities, online gaming software, lighting control systems, IT solutions, professional lighting & audio equipment, and many other exhibits. Some 100 companies from Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau will introduce their most innovative products, technology & service during the 3-day exhibition via a series of seminars and presentations.

Date & Time: 
27 & 28 Feb - 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
29 Feb - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Admission Free 
Venue: Venetian Macau Exhibition Centre, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel 
Organizers: Coastal International Exhibition Co., Ltd., Coastal International Exhibition (Macau) Co., Ltd. 
Telephone enquiries: Hong Kong (852) 2827 6766 / Macau (853) 2871 5616 
www.gaming-exhibition.com 
www.audiolight-exhibition.com

15 Dec 2007 to 10 Feb 2008 - "Time", "Space" and "Flow" - International Contemporary Art Exhibition

There are too many unknown facts in this confusing age. Different notions of "Time", "Space" and "Flow" are explored by 16 artists from Canada, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in a display of more than 30 works of art. In the same space, at the same time, these artists will present 16 interpretations of "Time flowing in space".

Opening Hours: noon to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission free
Venue: Ox Warehouse, Intersection of Av. do Coronel Mesquita and Av. do Almirante Lacerda
Organizer: Old Ladies" House Art Space
Sponsor: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2853 0026
http://oxwarehouse.blogspot.com

12 Jan to 11 Feb - Exhibition of New Talent Prize Winner - Kam Lou

Ms. Kam Lou, a newly emerging talent on the local painting scene, has been fond of painting since a child. Inspired throughout the years by her teacher Lam Kin Ian, the young Kam joined many painting competitions. In 2006, she won the 'New Talent Special Prize' and the 'New Talent Prize' for Western Painting in the XXIII Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists.

In this exhibition, in addition to her award-winning work 'A Childhood Dream', Kam Lou exhibits another twenty or so new oil paintings.

Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily 
Admission free 
Venue: Comendador Ho In Room, Military Club of Macau, Rua da Praia Grande, No. 975 
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100

21 Sep 2007 to 24 Feb 2008 - New Centre Flying High

In March this year, a Nature Education Centre was established in Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane. The two-storey building comprises an audio-visual room, book zone, internet zone and regular exhibitions and events. The 'Macau Birds' Bionomics Exhibition - Birds' Playground' introduces the species living in Macau. Why not participate in the  'Explorer in the Wild - Into the World of Birds' as a specialist bird observer?

For details, please refer to organizer. 

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays) 
Admission free
Venue: Seac Pai Van Nature Education Centre, Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2888 0087

1 Dec 2007 to 29 Feb 2008 - "Da Vinci - An Exhibition of Genius" Debuts in Asia

Leonardo da Vinci was arguably the greatest mind the world has produced, and the "Da Vinci - An Exhibition of Genius" will be the first time this seminal exhibition of his works will have been seen in Asia, having been admired by almost 1.5 million people in Europe, America and Australia since 2006.

Over the past decade, Italian artisans have meticulously created over 200 models of da Vinci's inventions, with one-third of the machines interactive to enhance the learning experience. Intriguing 3D animations bring the "Mona Lisa", "The Last Supper", "Vitruvian Man" and Leonardo's remarkable "Sforza Horse Sculpture" to stunning life, aided by an audio guide to help visitors negotiate their way through the master's works.

The 15 designated zones of the exhibition occupy some 20,000 sq. ft of floor space, and, surrounded by distinctly Renaissance backdrops, visitors will be able to experience first-hand Leonardo's exploits in the arts and sciences complemented by interactive exhibits and displays.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
Venue: 2nd Floor Exhibition Hall, Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre
Admission: MOP$80 / MOP$40 (Concessionary tickets available for children aged 11 or under, senior citizens aged 65 or above producing Senior Citizen's Card).
Organizers: Shun Tak Holdings, Grande Exhibitions
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2893 3339
www.davincimacau.com

Audio tour in Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese. (charges applicable)

24 Jan to 3 Mar - Two exhibitions at Creative Macau

As the local artistic atmosphere continues to richly grow, the Creative Macau gallery has already become an all-time favourite haunt for creative individuals and lovers of art. The centre has arranged a multi-type artistic and creative programme for the public to visit this year. The two exhibitions – 'Family Script' by Alice Kok from January 24 to February 13 and 'Why?' by Filipa Simões from February 16 to March 3 - will be shown in the gallery.

Opening Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays) 
Admission free 
Venue: Creative Macau, G Floor, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Organizer: Centre for Creative Industries 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2875 3282
www.creativemacau.org.mo

19 Jan to 9 Mar - Beyond the Surface: Exhibition of Chinese Abstract Paintings

"Getting at what lies at the centre of a sphere beyond its surface" (Tang Dynasty writer Si Kongtu) epitomizes the underlying concept behind the Macau Museum of Art's call for submissions of abstract paintings from artists in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

The "Beyond the Surface" exhibition displays 42 selected works that enable visitors to explore the creative thinking and currents of contemporary Chinese painting through abstract paintings from the different cultural backgrounds of the four regions on either side of the Strait.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 2nd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

29 Dec 2007 to 9 Mar 2008 - 24th Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists

A major, celebrated event applauding the infinite creativity of artists, the "Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists" now enters its 24th year.

Mok Im Noi was awarded "Best Creation Special Prize" and "Best Creation" for her Western painting, and in this year’s exhibition some 54 prize-winning works and other selected pieces are categorized into Chinese painting, Western painting and Chinese calligraphy for the enjoyment and appreciation of the viewing public.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays) 
Admission free
Venue: Temporary Exhibition Gallery of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Av. Almeida Ribeiro No. 163
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

23 Jan to 10 Mar - Macau Horizons II - Contemporary Art Exhibition

This exhibition aspires to build on the success of its predecessor, bringing more art talent to the fore and enhancing the quality of local works. The organizer invited local professional artists to form the selection panel, with twelve sets selected for display at Tap Seac Gallery.

The mediums employed in the exhibition include painting, video works, ink paintings, photography, sculpture, installation, computer aided graphic arts and design, mixed media and many other channels of creative cross-media communication.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Open on public holidays) 
Admission free 
Venue: Tap Seac Gallery, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, No. 95 
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 5140
www.macauart.net

15 Dec 2007 to 16 Mar 2008 - Witness the Qing Empire: A Special Exhibition of Cultural Relics from the Palace Museum

The Qing Dynasty, a regime established by the minority Manchu tribe from the central plains of China, encountered the exploratory expansion of the Western World, and the rich, mixed cultures of that period continue to inspire novels, dramas, TV programmes and movies.

By presenting cultural relics and building upon historical fact, this exhibition recounts the anecdotes concerning the imperial court, politics, the military, culture and customs, in order to provide audiences with an edifying, interesting exhibition.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays) 
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 4th floor Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, Gallery of Chinese Porcelain, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizers: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Palace Museum, Macau Foundation, Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Daily News
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

19 Dec 2007 to 16 Mar 2008 - Passion for Nature - Sketches and drawings by Gao JianFu

Gao Jianfu is the respected leading master of the Lingnan School of painting, pioneering the reform in traditional Chinese paintings. The sketches and drawings on display present the unique style and expressive approach of the Lingnan school, which merges Western sketching techniques with Japanese colouring in motifs of traditional Chinese paintings. The exhibition provides a multi-layered, multi-angled perspective of Gao's artistic achievements through a more comprehensive understanding of his works and ideas.

The exhibition displays about 200 sketches and drawings by Gao Jianfu, which primarily include his duplicates of masters' works and sketches of life and nature.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (No admission at 5:30 p.m., closed on Mondays) 
Admission: MOP$15 (Free on 15th of every month) 
Venue: Macau Museum, Macau Museum Square No. 112 
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2835 7911, 2833 5141
www.icm.gov.mo

26 Oct 2007 to 23 Mar 2008 - Macau Contemporary Paintings

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism, Abstract Art, Dada and Surrealism, among others, encouraged contemporary art to unshackle itself from the limitations of naturalism and greatly enriched the forms and range of the languages of art.

In the early 1990s, several master painters from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Portugal, Singapore, Australia and Russia moved to Macau, introducing new artistic concepts. Together with local artists, they gained inspiration from the rich cultural background of combined Western and Oriental cultures, and were able to communicate strong personalities through various modes of abstract art.

The Macau Museum of Art has collected a significant number of modern works of art since the 1980s, with more than 30 paintings by local artists displayed in this intriguing exhibition.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 3rd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

8 Dec 2007 to 6 Apr 2008 - Flying Beyond the Secrets of Darkness

The Autumn's children's painting class, hosted by the Macau Museum of Art (MMA), adopted concern about the blind as its theme and was structured to enable children to experience the life of the blind through using senses other than vision (i.e.) through touch, hearing and smell.

This exhibition - titled "Flying Beyond the Secrets of Darkness" - presents more than 100 works created by children from the Chinese and international children's art classes, and include "surprising masks", "miraculous eyes", blinkers and "visible smell".

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Ground floor Gallery, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

26 Jan to 20 Apr - Serene Forest Landscape - Wong Io Wa Painting Exhibition

When artists witness the interchanges between dawn and dusk, or set foot on lands with seasonal variations, they are deeply impressed by the captivating natural landscapes surrounding them. Local artist Wong Io Wa has been particularly inspired by such landscapes as evidenced by his expressive brushwork, which evokes a sense of natural freshness conveyed through the animated contrast of shades and hues, a true narrative of nature.

Opening Hours: 
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
(Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays) 
Admission free 
Venue: Exhibition Gallery, the Taipa-Houses Museum, Av. da Praia, Taipa 
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882 
http://housesmuseum.iacm.gov.mo

Permanent Exhibitions

Handover Gifts Exhibition

This exhibition displays handover gifts presented by the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and special administrative regions of China to the Macau Special Administrative Region, and reflect strong regional features and unique artistry.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(No admission after 6:30 p.m.,closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Handover Gifts Exhibition Gallery,
Handover Gifts Museum of Macau, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8504 1800
http://handovermuseum.iacm.gov.mo

Historical Paintings of Macau in the 19th Century

This exhibition displays oil paintings, watercolours and sketches with humans and scenery as their theme. They provide vivid and clear visual information that cannot be neglected for the study of the modern history of Guangdong and for the study of Chinese painting since the Qing dynasty.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m.
(No admission after 6:30p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 3rd floor, the Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

Bryde's Whalebone Exhibition

A twelve meters male Bryde's Whale is now on display in a unique exhibition in Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane. After it was found stranded on the shoreline five years ago. Its body was taken to Guangzhou's Sun Yat-sen University to preserve it in the form of a skeletal specimen and thanks to painstaking efforts has been returned for the public.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Exhibition Room, Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2859 5481
www.museumaritimo.gov.mo

Dwellings of Hope Cove: A Happy End

The Taipa Houses Museum, comprising five typical green houses with Macanese architectural characteristics, is considered one of the cultural relics and heritage of the territory. This dignified row of dwellings symbolise the enduring regional and local history of the islands of Taipa and Coloane; this exhibition shows photos and real objects and serves to underscore the lasting importance to Macau of the Houses of Beach Avenue. The five houses include "Macanese House", "House of the Islands", "House of the Portugal Regions", "Exhibition Gallery" and "House of Reception".

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Venue: House of the Islands, The Taipa Houses-Museum, Av. da Praia, Taipa
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on  Tuesdays)
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 7103
http://housesmuseum.iacm.gov.mo

Encounter with History - Photographic Commemoration of the Basic Law of the Macau SAR

The photographs in this exhibition range from the first photo taken of Macau by Jules Itier in 1844 to the present day. The exhibition examines the territory through five distinct phases of its history - Macau post-Opium War, Macau during the Republican Era, Macau after the formation of the New China, Macau during its Transitional Period and Macau following her return to China.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) 
Admission free 
Venue: Macau Forum Exhibition Hall, Av. de Marciano Baptista 
Organizers: Association of Promotion of the Macau Basic Law, Legal Affairs Bureau, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

Museum of Taipa and Coloane History Exhibition

Situated in a green Portuguese-style building of great historic interest in the old Camara Municipal das Ilhas, the museum displays historic village artifacts and religious items. Historians will find a treasure trove in this 2-storey building with its 8 rooms.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) 
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Tuesdays) 
Address: Museum of Taipa and coloane History - Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 5631
www.iacm.gov.mo/cotaimuseum

UNESCO World Heritage List - The Historic Centre of Macau

The ‘Maritime’ Squares of Macau

Squares and piazzas all around the world cater to the ‘Café Society’, where visitors and locals can sit at a table and watch the world go by over a cup of coffee, and in Macau there is no shortage of squares, which these days are usually paved in elegant wavy patterns featuring marine creatures, inspired by the tones and materials of Portugal. These attractively paved meeting places can be found in Senado Square, Barra Square, Lilau Square, St. Augustine’s Square, St. Dominic’s Square, Cathedral Square, Camões Square and the Company of Jesus Square.

One of the most famous venues in Macau, the classically constructed Senado Square should not be missed. Its famous fountain has been renovated several times, and currently a celestial globe as used by pioneering Portuguese seamen can be seen in the middle of the fountain, a captivating sight under lighting at night. The Square is a popular place for holding all sorts of cultural events, especially at this time of year.

Senado Square also boasts a rich architectural tradition - St. Dominic’s Church, the Holy House of Mercy, Leal Senado Building and Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple reflect the correlation of modernity and cultural exchange of East and West.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699 
www.macauheritage.net

Shopping at Certified Shops

While shopping in Macau, remember to visit the ‘Certified Shops’ acknowledged by the Macau Consumer Council. The ‘Certified Shop’ logo is only issued to retailers exercising due care. This year, the Macau Consumer Council and Chamber of Tourism All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce jointly launched the emblem for qualified shops. If visitors purchase goods that are defective in any way they can lodge a complaint with either of the two organizations and be compensated within 14 days if their case is validated.

In addition, the Macau Consumer Council and Macau Goldsmith’s Guild annually issue a ‘Certificate of Gold’ to those members who reach the standards of quality assurance for gold sold in their shops, including ‘Pure Gold’ and ‘Karat Gold’. MGTO will soon publish pamphlets providing travel tips for visitors to Macau.

Macau Government Tourist Office Hotline: (853) 2833 3000
www.macautourism.gov.mo

Macau Consumer Council Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 9315
www.consumer.gov.mo

Download Free Software - MacauMap

MacauMap is a handheld digital map of Macau for personal digital assistant (PDA) featuring Macau’s 1,211 streets, 41 hotels (3-5 star), 200-plus restaurants and over 100 sightseeing spots, as well as the network of public bus routes.

The map can be zoomed and panned. Streets, hotels, restaurants and sightseeing spots can be searched for by name; moreover, hotels can be selected according to class and location, and restaurants can be selected by cuisine, class and location. Sightseeing spots can be located according to type and location. The service is available in Chinese, English and Portuguese. For free download, visit: www.macautourism.gov.mo.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 3000

Programme Preview

Kun Iam Tong is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kun Iam. On the 26th day of the first month in the Chinese calendar, many believers will crowd Kun Iam Tong for blessings of wealth while waiting to place their first joss sticks on the stroke of midnight, the only dedication ceremony held at nighttime. Check it out on March 3.

The 2008 Asia International Dancesport Championships - Macau Open will be held on March 5, with ravishing performances from top dancers - on past performance - virtually guaranteed!

The Feast of Tou Tei will be held on the second day of the second month (Chinese calendar), an event that will be celebrated in Tou Tei Temples around the city. The main gathering will be held near the Mercado Pagode Bazar where Chinese opera and lion dances will fuel the festive spirit. Welcome to join the feast on March 9.

Macau is famous far and wide for its many historic and beautiful churches – and Easter is the perfect time to visit them . . .

Macau Cultural Centre programs' 24-Hour Ticketing Hotline:
Macau (853) 2855 5555, Hong Kong (852) 2380 5083, Mainland China (86) 139 269 11111 Website: www.macauticket.com

Photos: Macau Government Tourist Office, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel, Macau Consumer Council, Step Out, Macau Expo Group Ltd., Art For All, Centre for Creative Industries, Macau Tower