As Macao marks 25 years as a special administrative region (SAR), the city looks to the future, embracing its cultural heritage and building on key markets to become a more diverse travel and business destination.
The success of Macao’s International Art Biennale 2023 brought new life to the city’s ongoing cultural evolution. Though Macao already boasted dozens of museums and galleries, the four-month Biennale elevated its global reputation, bringing over 200 artists from around the world to take part in 30 exhibitions and city-wide events.
With a record 2.5 million visitors to the city in June 2024 alone, both the local government and MGM Resorts are working to integrate art deeper into Macao’s cultural landscape. Through their two resorts, the introduction of a new museum, plus events and shows, MGM aims to propel Macao’s artistic revival into the future.
L’art de Vivre
Art is no stranger to the cobblestone streets of Macao, from George Chinnery’s Turner-inspired landscapes to Giuseppe Castiglione’s radical imperial portraits.
Today, art lovers can immerse themselves in the past and step into the future of Macanese art. The five-story Macau Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of historic art rooted in the city’s heritage, while more intimate spaces like Tap Seac Gallery and Macau Art Garden showcase emerging local talent through dedicated exhibitions.
MGM’s two resorts are further enhancing the city’s art and culture reputation. With seven Forbes Five-Star awards between them, MGM MACAU and MGM COTAI embody the ethos of l’art de vivre—the art of living.
MGM MACAU features installations like Salvador Dalí’s The Dalinian Dancer and Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Paradiso Drawing Wall, a composition of 42 vibrant, multi-colored glass canvases that illuminate the main lobby.
Art at MGM
Meanwhile, the MGM COTAI Art Collection is spread throughout the resort, exhibiting over 300 pieces of thought-provoking artwork, including one of the few comprehensive collections of imperial carpets from the Qing Dynasty. The resort also houses the Chairman’s Collection, which features over 40 pieces of contemporary art by Asian artists, bridging East with West and tradition with technology.
Beginning in November 2024, guests will be able to enjoy even more cultural treasures in a single space with the opening of a 20,000-square-foot museum at MGM MACAU. The inaugural exhibition will feature over 230 pieces of artwork and artifacts themed around ‘The Maritime Silk Road.’
Heritage and Innovation
MGM and the Macao government have also partnered with local businesses and artists to drive revitalization efforts in the historic Barra District.
Once home to a Portuguese navy shipyard, Barra features key cultural landmarks, including the A-Ma Temple, Lago da Barra, and Navy Yard No. 1 and No. 2, which can now be admired from the comfort of the Macau Cruise. The 40-minute journey connects travelers from Barra Pier—a key access point to the Historic Center of Macao—to Coloane Pier, near the original Lord Stow’s Bakery, famed for its Portuguese egg tarts.
Recent events like the Barra Summer Hype Series have showcased the district’s potential as a hub for creativity and community—featuring large-scale public installations, including BERTILO Drifts and The Plantamouves, fresh from exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Spectacular Shows
Beyond museums and installations, visitors can experience innovative theater with the upcoming Macau 2049, set to debut in December 2024 at the MGM Theater. The show aims to reimagine various forms of intangible cultural heritage from China through music, dance, and performance.
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Macau 2049 is the co-creation of MGM and director Zhang Yimou, renowned for award-winning films such as Raise the Red Lantern and Hero, as well as Beijing’s opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics.
“Macau 2049 will harness technology and innovation to showcase an innovative presentation of Chinese cultural heritage, Eastern artistic ingenuity, and futuristic design elements,” says Feng. “We are honored that Zhang Yimou has chosen MGM Theater as the stage for his brand-new residency show in Macao.”
As Macao celebrates its 25th year as an SAR, art and culture are taking a more prominent role in shaping the city’s reputation. With leading partners like MGM dedicated to enhancing this vibrant artistic scene, Macao continues on its path to becoming a must-visit destination for all.
To find out more about Macao’s diverse art scene, visit MGM Resorts
