Mandarin’s House

　　Mandarin’s House was completed in 1921 and once served as the official residence of high-ranking government officials, as well as the homes of some Macanese families. In the 1980s, the Macao Government Tourist Office (now the Macao Government Tourism Office) acquired the buildings, which were then renovated. In 1992, these five structures were recognized as a building complex of architectural and artistic value. The government undertook an extensive restoration of the complex, converting three of the buildings into what is now Mandarin’s House. From east to west, they were turned into the “Macanese House,” the “Island House,” and the “Portuguese Regions House.” The other two buildings serve as an “Exhibition Hall” and a “Guesthouse.” Mandarin’s House officially opened to the public in November 1999.

　　The most famous part of Mandarin’s House is the Macanese House — the most distinctive museum here and one of the few surviving colonial-era official residences and mansions in Macao. The Macanese primarily refer to the community that emerged from intermarriage between the Portuguese and local populations such as Malays, Filipinos, and Indians from Southeast Asia and South Asia. The Macanese have their own language and lifestyle, typically practicing Western religions while maintaining distinct Eastern customs. Visitors can explore the glorious past of the Portuguese government, British tycoons, Qing dynasty officials, and affluent merchants who frequented Macao through this museum. Guests can also get a glimpse of the lifestyle of Macanese nobility by staying overnight in the historically restored residence. Most of the furnishings come from well-preserved Macanese families. Especially noteworthy are the ceilings and walls, adorned with elaborate patterns and rich colors, creating a warm ambiance reminiscent of a Macanese home. The interior design reflects the cultural fusion unique to Macao.

　　The Island House is also part of Mandarin’s House — located within “Mandarin’s House,” the Island House is a small museum in Macao that showcases the culture of Coloane.

　　Since November 1999, it has been popular with visitors from around the world. Both tourists and local residents can systematically learn about the island’s past and present through displayed artifacts, photographs, and explanatory texts. Covering archaeological findings from the Stone Age to today’s major infrastructure projects, the Island House presents ten thematic sections: the geographical environment of Coloane, archaeology, folklore, daily life, transportation, cultural heritage, traditional architecture, local cuisine, the development of large-scale architecture, and recreational facilities.

　　Portuguese Regions House — spread across two floors, this section mainly displays traditional costumes, photographs, and handicrafts from minority regions of Portugal. Through the regionally distinctive clothing, visitors can gain insight into the lifestyles, social customs, and habits of the people in those areas.

　　Guesthouse — spanning two floors, this guesthouse is not open to the public but is mainly used for hosting banquets, cultural and art lectures, or special food events. To enhance the unique charm of Mandarin’s House and demonstrate warm hospitality to visitors, a “Mandarin’s House” teahouse has been set up next to the first of the five Portuguese-style buildings. It offers a place for visitors to rest and sample some of Macao’s signature snacks. Guests can enjoy coffee while taking in the romantic and charming European-style seaside road. Additionally, a semi-circular open-air theater has been built on the large open space in front of the guesthouse. During holidays, it hosts cultural, educational, and recreational activities suitable for all ages, bringing joyful laughter and a rich variety of entertainment to the tranquil seaside promenade.

　　Various types of exhibitions are held irregularly, including thematic shows featuring photography, Western painting, ceramics, and sculpture. The organizers also invite seasoned artists from around the world, such as from South Korea, Poland, and Shanghai, to share art from different countries with the public.

　　Mandarin’s House holds a variety of colorful festival celebration events each year in collaboration with other institutions or government departments. These include Lunar New Year celebrations, International Museum Day (May 18), the Lusofonia Festival (June), the Lotus Flower Festival (June), the Mid-Autumn Festival (September), and the Macao Grand Prix (November), among others.