Museum of Macau (The)

Description:

• Located in the bowels of ancient Monte Fortress, this ambitious museum provides an excellent overview of Macau's history, local traditions, and arts and crafts. If you see only one museum in Macau, it should be this. Entrance is via an escalator located next to St. Paul's Church. Arranged chronologically, the first floor depicts the beginnings of Macau and the arrival of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries. Particularly interesting is the room comparing Chinese and European civilizations at the time of their encounter in the 16th century, including descriptions of their different writing systems, philosophies, and religions. The second floor deals with the daily life and traditions of old Macau, including festivals, wedding ceremonies, and industries ranging from fishing to fireworks factories. Displays include paintings and photographs of Macau through the centuries, traditional games and toys, an explanation of Macanese cuisine and architecture, and a re-created Macanese street lined with colonial and Chinese facades and containing tea, pastry, and traditional Chinese pharmacy shops. The top floor, the only one above ground, is of modern Macau and its plans for the future. From here you can exit to the wall ramparts of the fort, which was built by the Jesuits about the same time as St. Paul's and largely destroyed by the same fire. You'll want to spend at least an hour here.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010