Macau Museum Travelogue: A Scroll of History on the City Walls

#September2025 If the Ruins of St. Paul's is the symbol of Macau, then the Macao Museum (Museu de Macau), nestled atop the Mount Fortress, is a window into the city's soul. More than a mere display of artifacts, it weaves over 400 years of Macau's history, culture, and life into a vivid tapestry through images, artifacts, and space. Amidst the Ancient Fortress, the Beginning of the Museum The Macao Museum is built atop the Mount Fortress. Originally a 17th-century military fortress, the Fortress served to protect St. Paul's Church and the entire city of Macau. Walking along the stone paths, ancient cannons still stand, and from the ramparts, one can gaze upon the dazzling golden lights of the Grand Lisboa Hotel. The interweaving of past and present echoes the museum's spirit: the coexistence of history and modernity. Exhibition Hall Tour: A Symphony of Eastern and Western Cultures The exhibition is divided into three sections: • The first section showcases Macau's early history. From fishing village utensils to scenes of initial interaction between China and Portugal, it illustrates the city's rise from a small port to the global stage. • The second section showcases the interplay of Chinese and Western cultures. From Portuguese blue-flowered porcelain fragments to Chinese ritual vessels and church icons, all demonstrate Macau's uniqueness as a cultural crossroads. • The third section focuses on modern society. Newspapers, vintage photographs, the evolution of the entertainment industry, and even the legacy of handicrafts all offer a glimpse into a truly multifaceted Macau. Here, history isn't an abstract era but a tangible memory: a wood carving, a barcarolle, an old map, all transport visitors back in time. Quiet Contemplation and Reflection Compared to the bustling Ruins of St. Paul's, the Macau Museum is remarkably tranquil. Wandering through the exhibition halls feels like conversing with an elderly man, listening to his stories. As we ascend to the rooftop garden, gazing out over the panoramic view of Macau, a profound feeling arises: the city's prosperity and contradictions, its East and West, are all reflected in the landscape before us and the land beneath our feet. Conclusion The Macau Museum is more than just a place for cultural preservation; it serves as a mirror, reflecting Macau's diverse identities and historical memories. When I left, the setting sun was shining on the walls of Macau Fortress, and the golden light and the ancient bricks reflected each other. At that moment, I knew that if I wanted to truly understand Macau, I couldn’t just look at the neon lights and prosperity, but I also needed to walk into this museum and have a dialogue with Macau deep in time.