More than 80 million people around the world have thrilled to the amazing performances of Cirque du Soleil, an internationally acclaimed Canadian group who are now ready to unveil their latest show at their new home in Macau. Four national teams limber up for the Macau FIVB World Grand Prix 2008, while Chelsea FC and Chengdu Blades FC compete for honours at the Macau International Football Challenge and USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team and two European challengers go head to head at the USA International Basketball Challenge.

It's music, music, music this month with appearances by talented performers at the Macau Band Fair 2008 while the Macau Orchestra will perform "Eternal Treasures", "Romantique Française" and "The Fate of Beethoven" and the Macau Chinese Orchestra presents its "2007-2008 Concert Seasons Closing Concert".  Local pop singers will deliver "The Inno-Action Evening Concert", while Japanese youth bands descend on Macau for the "Japan Music Festival 2008".

The Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square in the "Historic Centre of Macau" will be transformed into romantic backdrops for the "International Youth Dance Festival 2008", while the artistically inclined might like to visit the "Tap Seac Creative Fair" featuring booths of local creative art works and traditional crafts - with singing!

"A Midsummer Night's Dream", "The Netherlands ISH Institute" and "Little Donkey" are all on show at the Macau Cultural Centre, and "Eason's Moving On Stage 10 Concert" is sure to get loyal fans out in support.

On the Feast of Kuan Tai, Chinese opera will be performed in a giant bamboo shed outside the temple of Sam Kai Vui Kun, while art lovers will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see "Plato in the Land of Confucius - Greek Art from the Louvre" in the Macau Museum of Art.

The technical mysteries of the National Stadium and National Aquatics Centre for Beijing 2008 are disclosed during "Science and Technology Week 2008", and "Asian Attractions Expo 2008" provides contacts, products and services for the industry while the "2nd Smart Baby & Child Expo" showcases up-to-the-minute baby and children's wear, furnishings and products.

4 to 6 Jul - Macau Galaxy Entertainment FIVB World Grand Prix 2008

A dozen of the world's strongest women's teams go head to head for the FIVB World Grand Prix 2008, a unique annual showcase for women's volleyball over four consecutive weekends in 9 cities.  The best 5 teams with the Japan team will battle it out for the top honours in Yokohama.

In the Macau leg of the tournament, teams from Mainland China, Japan, the Dominican Republic and Brazil vie for the first major trophy in this year's FIVB World Grand Prix in the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion.

Venue: Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion, Av. Sidónio Pais
Admission: MOP$150 (Daily ticket for 2 matches, free seating)
Ticketing: Circle K outlets
Organizers: Macau Sport Development Board, Volleyball Association of Macau, China
Supporting entities: Macau Government Tourist Office, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau and others
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2823 6363
http://www.sport.gov.mo
http://www.fivb.org

5 to 8 Jul - Science and Technology Week 2008

Inspired by the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in August, Science & Technology Week 2008 presents Technology & Olympics, in which visitors can find out about the National Stadium, the National Aquatics Centre and the burning system supporting the Olympic Torch flame.

The exhibition will introduce the history of Olympics technology, a Chinese championship winners’ photo gallery, the contribution of technology to the Olympics, and an interactive area.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission free
Venue: Convention and Exhibition Centre, Macau Fisherman's Wharf
Organizer: Science and Technology Council of Macau SAR   
Co-organizer: Macau Sport Development Board
Supporting entity: Ministry of Science and Technology, PRC
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2871 5575
http://www.cct.org.mo/stweek2008

19 to 25 Jul - Tap Seac Creative Fair

The European-inspired Tap Seac Square, emblazoned with its striking black and white Portuguese paving, is the airy venue for a creative fair for local artists wishing to sell their works to the public. All kinds of craftsmen and artisans from China will be in attendance to provide an artistic cornucopia.

To add some spice to the proceedings, singers will perform and tea houses will open - all for the enjoyment of visitors, art lovers and families at the very artistic Tap Seac Creative Fair!

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission free
Venue: Tap Seac Square
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 7676

26 Jul - Chelsea Vs Chengdu Blades

English Premier League legend Chelsea FC are all set to meet Chinese Super League Chengdu Blades Football Club in what promises to be an action-packed battle for the "Windsor Arch Cup - Macau International Football Challenge". Soccer fans who want to see professional world-class football at its best need look no further!

Time: 8:00pm
Venue: Macau Stadium, Taipa
Admission: MOP$900, 600, 300
Organizers: Macau Sport Development Board, ProActivities Development & Promotion Co., Ltd, Macau Football Association
Telephone Enquiries: (853) 2823 6363 
http://www.sport.gov.mo

31 Jul to 2 Aug - USA International Basketball Challenge

The USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team opens play in the 2008 USA International Basketball Challenge in Macau with matches against European powers Turkey and Lithuania. The United States will face Turkey's national team on July 31 and meet the Lithuanian national team on August 1. Lithuania and Turkey will then compete against each other on August 2.

This Challenge offers basketball fans in and around Macau and Hong Kong a remarkable opportunity to see some of the world's best teams showcasing their amazing skills.

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Admission: MOP$1280, 780, 380, 180
Organizer: USA Basketball, Macau China Basketball Association, Macau Sport Development Board, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 8818
http://www.venetianmacaotickets.com
http://www.venetianmacao.com

20 Jul to 28 Dec - Taipa Flea Market

Every Sunday, visitors can go to the 'Taipa Flea Market' located in Bombeiros Square in the heart of the old village. Accessories, memorial gifts,  toys, clothes, and other products have been assembled here, attracting not only locals but many visitors searching for 'treasure'. A street show performs on a fortnightly basis.

Visitors need only hop on a bus or take a cab to the village before exploring the area in earnest. Rua do Cunha boasts many Portuguese buildings situated in streets crisscrossing each other like a patchwork quilt. Bring your camera and an artistic eye for photographs that will surely capture the romance of another, slower-paced time.

Time: Every Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Admission free
Venue: Bombeiros Square, Taipa
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries for Taipa Flea Market: (853) 2833 7676 
Telephone enquiries for Street Show: (853) 8988 4100

4 to 11 Jul - International Youth Dance Festival 2008

The biennial International Youth Dance Festival - one of the most outstanding international events in Macau - provides an excellent platform for participants around the world to perform myriad dances and engage in important cultural exchange. The event presents indoor performances at Macau Forum I and outdoor performances at Tap Seac Square and Iao Hon Park. Spectators are also invited to join the Festival Parade, which winds from the Ruins of St. Paul's to St. Dominic's Church and Senado Square.

Street performance: July 5 (5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
For details, please refer to organizer.
Organizer: Education and Youth Affairs Bureau
Co-organizer: Education Forum for Asia
Sponsor: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2855 5533
http://www.dsej.gov.mo

5, 12, 26 & 27 Jul - Musical July

This month, the Macau Orchestra performs the 'Great Masters Series – The Fate of Beethoven' featuring versatile German violinist Antje Weithaas. She has an extraordinary range of expressions at her disposal, and has performed solo in recent years with such established symphony orchestras as the Germany WDR Symphony and Rundfunk Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony.

In addition, Macau Orchestra presents the 'Chinese Music Series – Eternal Treasures' at St. Dominic's Church with Doming Lam, Bun-Ching Lam, Bright Sheng, and Wang Xilin, as well as 'Chamber Music Series – Romantique Française' featuring the French classical music of Honegger, Poulenc, Ravel and Gounod.

Deng Jiandong, a fine young Erhu musician active on the international stage and considered a 'traditional and modern mainstream musician', performs to the accompaniment of the Macau Chinese Orchestra in the '2007-2008 Concert Seasons Closing Concert', under the baton of Maestro Pang Ka Pang who presents a programme energetically devoted to the culture and history of China.

Chinese Music Series – Eternal Treasures 
Date: 5 Jul 
Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Admission free 
Venue: St. Dominic's Church 
Tickets will be distributed outside St. Dominic's Church one hour before the concert starts 
Duration: Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes (without intermission)

Chamber Music Series – Romantique Française 
Date: 12 Jul Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Dom Pedro V Theatre, No. 3, St. Augustine's Square 
Admission: MOP$30 
Duration: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (without intermission)

Great Masters Series – The Fate of Beethoven
Conductor: Matthias Bamert 
Date: 26 Jul Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Admission: MOP$120, 80 
Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (including 15 minutes intermission)

Macau Chinese Orchestra 2007-2008 Concert Seasons Closing Concert
Conductor: Pang Ka Pang 
Date: 27 Jul Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Admission: MOP$80, 40 

Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699 
www.icm.gov.mo

5 Jul - ISH Institute Puts the Hop in Hip

The Netherlands' ISH Institute introduces its hip hop gurus to Macau to wage an original battle with local b-boys! Preceded by a Hip Hop Workshop hosted by the ISH Institute in Macau, participants will show their moves on July 5 with street dance, break dance, martial arts, rap, beat box, etc.

The ISH Institute organizes numerous activities and has toured throughout the United States, Canada, Russia and Europe. Let's see if Macau is as hip as we think!

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Admission: MOP$60
Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699
http://www.ccm.gov.mo 
http://www.ish-events.com

11 to 13 Jul - 'Little Donkey' - A Puppet Musical for the Whole Family

A quest for missing socks and the meaning of friendship form the basis of the play  'Little Donkey', a charming musical by Amsterdam's Theatre Terra. It all starts with a tremendous storm that scatters all the hanging socks . . . !

'Little Donkey' is based on the popular award-winning Dutch series by Rindert Kromhout, and features Bunraku-style puppets and spirited songs like Marabou's rap song and Little Donkey's heart-wrenching ballad.

Time: 8:00 p.m. (11 to 13 Jul, Cantonese) 3:00 p.m. (13 Jul, English) 
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Admission: MOP$140
Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699
http://www.ccm.gov.mo

Duration: Approx. 55 minutes (without intermission) 
With Chinese and English subtitles
Best for aged 3 and above

12 Jul - Japan Music Festival 2008

Welcome to the Japan Music Festival 08! The Route of Soul released their first album in 2004 before a concert tour in Japan. The unique voice of guitarist Hitoshi and saxophonist Aritaos unplugged music is greatly welcomed by the fans. Also watch out for the four-member Red Jets formed in 2000, who swing between hard rock at one end of their musical spectrum to gentle melodies on the other. 

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Pak Wai Activities Centre, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida
Admission: MOP$100 (caution: all tickets may be sold out in advance)
Advance ticketing: MOP$80
Advance ticketing at Ideal Language Centre, Rua Leste do Mercado de S. Domingos, Centro Comercial  'Kai Fu', 1st Floor (near Senado Square)
Organizer: Macau-Japan Exchange Association
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 0391
http://www.macao-japan.org.mo

18 & 19 Jul - Eason Chan "Moving On" in Macau

Famous Hong Kong singer Eason Chan is making the 10th stop on his "Moving On Stage World Tour" in Macau on July 18 and 19. The popular crooner has picked up a plethora of awards in his career, winning last year the prestigious Most Popular Hong Kong Male Singer Award in addition to becoming Hong Kong's highest selling male artist.

He completed his 16-concert "Eason's Moving On Stage 1" in Hong Kong last year, followed by appearances in the United States, Canada, Australia, Chinese Taiwan, Mainland China and other countries and regions.

Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Admission: MOP$1300, 800
Organizer: The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 8818
http://www.venetianmacaotickets.com
http://www.venetianmacao.com

19 to 20 Jul - Cat City

While en route to Mars, Earthmen land at Cat City, just in time to witness the Catmen being terminated by the Shortmen, a reference to  'Cat City' by famous Chinese writer Laoshe, who sought to satirize the late Qing Dynasty.

Renowned Hong Kong playwright Poon Wai Sum transfers the concept to stage, and with the able direction of Hui Koc Kun and local actors in Macau challenges the audience to question the nature of conformity within society.

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Admission: MOP$100, 80
Organizer: Blue Blue Sky Arts Association, Dream Theatre Association
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699
http://www.ccm.gov.mo

19 Jul - Inno-Action Evening Concert

The lakeside amphitheatre in Taipa serves this month as the perfect showcase for the original music of local singers and musicians. Emerging talents come together for one evening only to present their diverse musical styles for what promises to be a captivating and unforgettable evening.

Time: 5:00 p.m. 
Admission free
Venue: Amphitheatre of Av. da Praia in the zone of Carmo, Taipa
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4127, 2882 7882

23 to 31 Jul - Annual Macau Band Fair a Real Blast

Founded in 1996, the Macau Band Directors Association annually organizes the territory's best and biggest  'Band Fair', a resoundingly popular event that fosters exchanges between local and international wind bands and brings together leading directors, educators and virtuosos.

This year, concert bands, jazz ensembles and soloists from Chinese Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau strut their stuff with traditional gusto – with members of the public cordially invited to enjoy the fun of this distinguished festival and participate in musical clinics.

For details, please refer to organizer. 
Organizer: Macau Band Directors Association 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2825 2825
http://www.mbda.org.mo

25 & 26 Jul - A Midsummer Night's Dream, Korean Style

A forest, a midsummer's night, the mischievous Dokkebi . . . These humorous Korean goblins cast their magic over Shakespeare's classic tale with the most surprising results! Presented by the South Korean Yohangza Theatre Company, established in 1997, this adaptation is directed by Jung-Ung Yang, a recent winner of the South Korean Best Young Playwright of the Year Award, and fuses classic Western theatre with mythical Korean folklore.

Time: 8:00 p.m. 
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Admission: MOP$140 
Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699 
http://www.ccm.gov.mo

Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (without intermission) 
Performed in Korean with Chinese and English subtitles

26 Jul - Chinese Opera on the Feast of Kuan Tai

Kuan Tai is considered a superhero in Chinese history. Every year, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, a large celebration is held at one of the Kuan Tai Temples, situated in Rua dos Mercadores in the Historic Centre of Macau. On July 26 this year, Chinese opera will be performed in a specially constructed bamboo shed outside the temple, the environs of which will also host loud and colourful dragon and lion dances.

From 26 Jul - Cirque du Soleil Swings into Action with "ZAIA"

Cirque du Soleil has enthralled some 80 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents with its spectacular shows. This month, the Canadian sensation unveils its latest spectacular - "ZAIA" - at the new custom-built, 1,800-seat theatre at The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel.

This brand new 90-minute mega-production assembles 75 high-calibre artists from the four corners of the world to recount the story of a young girl who journeys into space on a strange, yet familiar voyage of self-discovery. On her travels she encounters the beauty of humanity and eventually brings it back with her to share with the inhabitants of Earth – in a show that dazzles with dance, movement and aerial acrobatics that soar into space and the highest reaches of human beauty . . .

Enquiry on date & time, please refer to organizer.
Venue: ZAIA Theater, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Admission: MOP$1288, 788, 688, 388, 288
Organizer: Cirque du Soleil   
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 8818
http://www.venetianmacaotickets.com
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Preview runs from July 26 to August 27 before the official premiere on August 28.

16 to 18 Jul - Asian Attractions Expo 2008

The Asian Attractions Expo, launched in Macau, is a one-stop event in Asia for the leisure and attractions industry. Show-goers have the opportunity to visit 150 product and service exhibits from more than 65 countries in an area of over 2,500 square metres exhibiting products and services as diverse as theme park facilities, family entertainment products and carnival equipment.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Exhibition Centre, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Organizer: IAAPA
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 8800
http://www.iaapa.org 
http://www.venetianmacao.com 
For admission to this expo, please refer to organizer.

29 Jun to 27 Jul - "Media Discursiveness - Impermanent Intrusion" Bianca Lei Solo Exhibition

Bianca Lei gained her MA in Fine Arts from Middlesex University in London. Her art has been exhibited in the UK, US, Switzerland, Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

This solo exhibition presents eight of her paintings and installation works, revealing the arc of her artistic creation and strong personal style, while examining the logic of the creation of art.

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
http://www.stpaulscorner.com/fineart

24 Jul to 9 Aug - "White Tales" Exhibition by Dora Tam

Local artist Dora Tam nurtured her talents for working in jewellery and metallurgy at the Georgian College of Art in Canada and went on to win the Diamonds International Award and World Gold Council Jewellery Design Competition among other accolades.

Her solo exhibition "White Tales" displays her jewellery pieces as art and her Chinese brush paintings. White represents the purity of love, a virtue in life. We need white spaces in a painting, and need them in our daily lives . . .

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: Center for Creative Industries
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2875 3282
http://www.creativemacau.org.mo

26 & 27 Jul - 2nd Smart Baby & Child Expo

About 100 booths will support the  '2nd Smart Baby & Child Expo', with special sections catering to infants and kids, mothers, the home, digital products and real estate. The Expo will also feature entertaining programmes such as digital product fashion shows by top models, trendy living demonstrations, and lucky draw, etc.

Time: noon to 9:00 p.m. 
Admission free
Venue: 4th Floor Exhibition Hall, Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre 
Organizer: A Plus PR & Advertising Co. 
Supporting entity: Macau Convention & Exhibition Association 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 3930, 6611 1339
http://www.mcea.org.mo

9 Jun to 3 Aug - Two Exhibitions at Ox Warehouse

"We Are All Macau People - A Multi-Angle Creative Exhibition Inspired By Neglected Groups" runs from June 9 to August 3, in which the neglected trifles of our daily lives are artistically recaptured in paintings, photographs and videos by a dozen or so local artists.

"The Pursuit of Self - The Exploration and Discovery of Two Young Photographers" can be seen from June 22 to July 27 and features images of places and things around us in Macau taken from a unique perspective by Maria Soares and Si Meng Kuan.

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

15 May to 3 Aug - Shiwan Ceramics Exhibition

Shiwan ceramic sculptures are highly representative of the Lingnan architectural folk art of the southern Guangdong Province from the late Qing Dynasty. Historical stories, myths, legends and popular Cantonese operas of the time often served as inspiration and were subsequently embodied in the form of three-dimensional sculptures or high relief ceramics on the roof ridges of buildings. Rich in the folk tradition of Lingnan, they were very popular adornments in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.

In this exhibition, a wide range of colourful ceramics will be displayed including a roof ridge of characters in a Cantonese opera over 7 metres long; ceramic sculptures of other mythical characters such as dragon fish and assorted beasts will also be on display.

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 Porcelain, 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
http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo

2 Jul to 10 Aug - Mirror of the Soul: Calligraphy from the Late Qing to the Republican Years

This exhibition features calligraphy works by famous military, official, commercial, literary, artistic and academic names as well as eminent Taoists, Buddhists and other notables over the hundred-year period embracing the 30th year of Emperor Daoguang's reign and the 38th year of the Republican Period (1850-1949).

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 Chinese Painting 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
http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo

24 May to 13 Jul - Exhibition of Art Works of the Members of Macau Artists Society 2008

The Macau Artists Society, one of the arts institutions with the longest history in Macau, is marking its 52nd anniversary. With a youthful heart and an innovative mind, the members of the society have devoted themselves to creativity along the years.

The members of the Society have pooled together more than 70 art pieces for display. Different subject matters are expressed through an array of media like watercolors, oil painting, prints, sketches, Chinese painting, calligraphy and others.

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

12 Apr to 13 Jul - Plato in the Land of Confucius - Greek Art from the Louvre

Located in the heart of Paris, the Louvre has long been famous for its collection of ancient Greek masterpieces. The museum’s Department of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan Antiquities underwent a major renovation in 2007 and 2008, resulting in a rare opportunity to exhibit these splendid artifacts to a wider audience. Consequently, a major tour exhibition of 130 pieces were displayed in the Capital Museum in Beijing and the National Museum of Singapore last year. The Macau Museum of Art is the last stop in this regional tour, after which all exhibits return to France.

One of the most eye-catching sculptures in this exhibition is the life-sized Discobolus, which magically captures the very moment at which an energetic young athlete is concentrating mind and body for his epic throw. With the Olympic Games in Beijing just round the corner, the timing of this exhibition could not be better!

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 & 3rd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Organizers: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, Louvre Museum of France, Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Daily News
Co-organizers: Alliance Française, Capital Museum China, National Museum of Singapore
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo
Special Guided Tour: 6 & 13 Jul – 11: 00 a.m. (one hour session, Cantonese) 
Exhibition General Guided Tour: Every Saturday 4:00 p.m. & Every Sunday 2:30 p.m. (one hour session, Cantonese); 4:00 p.m. (one hour session, Cantonese & Mandarin)

15 May to 24 Aug - 2008 Macau Annual Art Exhibition

This exhibition, aimed at inviting art creations of different media and to illustrate Macau's diversified and harmonious culture, is held during the 19th Macau Arts Festival. This year, totally 108 art works from different media including Chinese painting, calligraphy, Western painting, photography, sculpture, installation and poster are displayed. In addition to the selected entries, "Top Ten Entries" will also be chosen to join exhibitions overseas, hoping that artists with excellent works created locally would be encouraged.

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
http://www.macauart.net

3 May to 24 Aug - Seal-Engravings Collection Exhibition

In China, seals were used as early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. After the State of Qin had unified China, the seals of emperors, princes and marquises, which were usually made from jade, were known as "Xi", while seals used by the intelligentsia, gentry and the common people were known as "Yin". In general, seal script is the form of characters used to engrave seals. First, the seal engraver will write down the characters before engraving them onto the seals, lending this art form the name of seal-engraving. It is a kind of calligraphic skill, in which an engraving knife is used instead of brush and ink.

Many artists and collectors still amass seals, an ancient art form that has withstood the test of time. In the 19th and 20th centuries, several seal engravers made a revolutionary breakthrough in their works. In the exhibition "Ancient Forms in Contemporary Souls - Seal-Engravings Collection by Prestigious Chinese Artists", a rich collection of exquisite seals by over 40 Chinese seal-engravers of modern times is on display.

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

5 Jul to 28 Sep - Young Macau and Shanghai Artists Present . . .

This exhibition is hosted by the Macau Museum of Art and the Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art with the objective of facilitating the exchange of art between the two cities. The exhibition features eight pieces created by young Macau and Shanghai artists that reflect the views of the new generation.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: 1st floor Gallery, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizers: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo

26 Jul to 26 Oct - Innovative Brushwork: Experimental Paintings from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute

This exhibition features the latest works of Dr. Feng Bin, Professor of the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, and his graduate students. The contemporary life-themed paintings were created by applying the traditional skills and materials of Chinese painting, and in these works the artists attempt to broaden the horizon of Chinese painting by merging current thought with traditional painting.

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
Organizers: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Sichuan Academy of Fine Art
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
http://www.artmuseum.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
http://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
http://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
http://www.iacm.gov.mo/cotaimuseum

A Glimpse of the Past: A Collection of Old Macau Photos from MAM

"A Glimpse of the Past: A Collection of Old Macau Photos from MAM" displays 110 photographs taken in various years during the last century, and captures scenic spots, daily life, cultural events, buildings, street views, vehicles, etc.

It is the fervent hope of Macau Museum of Art that by placing these old photographs in a long term exhibition, and making them available for research, that residents and visitors may catch a glimpse of the territory at different points in time, not only for nostalgic reasons but to contemplate Macau’s current and future development against the backdrop of increasing globalisation.

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
http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo

Travel Notes of A Museum Explorer

Macau Tea Culture House

It was the memory of a delightful pot of Longjing tea in Long Wa Chinese restaurant several years ago that enticed me to visit the new Macau Tea Culture House, a conveniently-sited 3-storey building drawing on southern European architectural elements topped off with a Chinese tiled roof.

The House, since 2005, has hosted many exhibitions about tea and the unique culture surrounding it. The latest - "Exhibition of Convergence of Tea Fragrance & Praises in the Lotus City - Poetry and Couplet Writing Competition" - runs until August.

What a find! The peaceful, elegant House, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy street outside, is an oasis of peace and calm whose large backyard attracts martial arts and Cantonese Opera enthusiasts. I was told by a martial artist that the whole concept was inspired by the "Suzhou landscape" of Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, and the narrow paths and nine-turn zigzag bridge snaking across the pond to a large pavilion do indeed conjure up a picture-book view of classical China. It's no wonder so many visitors admire the hidden highways and byways of Macau and the passion of the local people who keep the old traditions alive.

Macau Tea Culture House
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Admission free
Address: Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 7103

Mar to Aug - Free Guided Tour of Macau Churches

Several of the beautiful, distinctive churches of the territory are located within the boundaries of the Historic Centre of Macau and are convenient for visitors to visit. If you want to know more about the many rituals and stories behind the church façades, look out for the free guided tour service provided every Saturday and Sunday from March to August 2008 in St. Augustine's Church, St. Lawrence's Church and St. Joseph's Seminary and Church. The tour service is conducted in Cantonese and Mandarin.

St. Augustine's Church, one of the oldest in Macau, was the first church to hold mass in English. Legend has it that the clergymen had to cover the open roof whenever it rained with sunflower leaves; on windy days, people from afar could see the leaves waving hence the local Chinese called it the Temple of the Dragon's Beard.

Find out more on one of the guided tours . . .

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Every Sat & Sun)
Admission free (appointments not required)
Venue: St. Augustine's Church, St. Lawrence's Church and St. Joseph's Seminary and Church.
Organizer: Pilgrimage Service of Catholic Lay Association of Macau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2892 1438
Language: Cantonese & Mandarin

Programme Preview

The 9th South East Asian Food Festival in August brings together the delicacies of Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam - with exotic dancers and musicians for desserts.

In August 13-21, the Sound of Music will be staged in Macau with beautifully crafted grand stage sets and live orchestra, celebrating the grand finale of their China Tour.

Macau Tower presents the Italian Festival for the first time, a celebration of la dolce vita featuring pioneering Italian fashion, gastronomy and luxury from September to December in line with different themes of the specific month such as, "Wynn Macau - 20th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" and the "Windsor Arch - 55th Macau Grand Prix".

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

Photos: Macau Government Tourist Office, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Macau Sport Development Board, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Science and Technology Council, Macau Band Directors Association, Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel, Macau-Japan Exchange Association, A Plus PR & Advertising Co., Centre for Creative Industries, Old Ladies' House Art Space, Art For All