Macao Maritime Museum

Macao Maritime Museum

The Macao Maritime Museum serves as a patriotic education base.

The Macao Maritime Museum was established in 1987, and the current exhibition building was officially opened in 1990. The museum’s themes not only reflect the close connection between Macao’s history and the sea but also systematically present the maritime histories of China and Portugal, illustrating the importance of the sea to humanity and culture.

The museum resembles a three-masted sailing ship with white sails, moored in front of A-Ma Temple. The underground exhibition hall primarily introduces the lives of fishermen in southern China and Macao. Exhibits include various types of Chinese sailing boats, inner-harbor fish stalls, and demonstrations of different fishing methods... On this level, both adults and children are captivated by the interactive stage presentation “The Legend of A-Ma Temple,” which vividly portrays the beautiful tale of the goddess Mazu protecting people as they safely reach Haojing Harbor. Narrations are available in Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Between the basement and the first floor, there are models of around ten traditional Portuguese ships. Above the models is a screen that explains the origins and uses of each vessel. Additionally, there are two magnificent ship models — the Sagres and the Creoula.

The first-floor exhibition hall gives visitors the feeling of standing on a ship’s deck. The exhibits on the top floor of the museum are related to navigation technology and maritime transportation. There is also an electronic weather guide providing daily weather and air quality information.　 　

There is also an aquarium featuring colorful marine fish and a wide variety of shells. Moreover, even non-swimmers can explore the deep sea by entering the “Underwater Tour” simulator located in the open-air café, embarking on an exciting deep-sea adventure. Built in 1966 for the residents of Coloane’s Ká-Hó, including recovered leprosy patients and some new ones, the church has a magnificent bronze cross on its north door, cast by Italian sculptor Francisco Messina for the Ká-Hó community. Italian sculptor Sio Chian Chi also participated in the construction of this church.