International Museum Day, Macao - "Museums for Social Harmony"

The International Council of Museums identifies that a museum is a non-profit making, permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for purposes of education, study and enjoyment.

In the internet era of the 21st century, human life has become more changeable and sophisticated. Hence, promoting the communication among people and the cultural exchange of different nationalities is an important goal for achieving peace and harmony in this century. As social and cultural organizations, museums should be serving the society for its development. We should be clear about our positioning in the society, active in innovation and serve as bridge for human relationship. Consequently, we shall be able to perform our function of achieving social harmony by uplifting the quality of the city, its citizens and culture.

To celebrate the annual International Museum Day on 18th May, admission to all the museums in Macao will be free from 16th May (Sunday) to 18th May (Tuesday), respectively. Each museum will prepare a series of special features and promotional activities in May, including seminars, thematic exhibitions and workshops, etc. in order to let Macao citizens feel the unlimited power of the museums to the society. For details of free admission and special activities, please refer attachments or visit the portal of The Museums of Macao.

One of the most important celebrations this year is "The Museum Fair of Macao, Hong Kong and Guangdong Province 2010" at the Tap Seac Square from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 9th May. Museums from the Guangdong Province and Hong Kong were invited to participate and attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be held at 3:00 p.m.. In addition to several exhibitions and booth games, there will be many types of comprehensive performances arranged for the visitors to quickly experience the characteristics of the museums from the Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao simultaneously.

There will be dynamic shows with great varieties; including music, dancing, and dramatic theatre for the whole afternoon. There will be also lucky draws with rich and attractive prizes. Macao Post will issue a commemorative envelope for free distribution to the public and provide commemorative cancellation service for stamp collectors at the Temporary Postal Counter from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The organizers of the celebrations of International Museum Day 2009 are: The Natural and Agrarian Museum, Grand Prix Museum, Fire Services Museum, Maritime Museum, Communications Museum of Macao, Museum of Taipa and Coloane History, Handover Gifts Museum of Macao, Lin Zexu Memorial Museum of Macao, Macao Science Center, Macao Tea Culture House, Dr. Sun Iat Sen's Memorial House in Macau, Macao Museum, Macao Museum of Art, Wine Museum and the Taipa Houses-Museum.