Calling Across the Centuries
The miniature landscape of the ‘Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven’ is one of the major exhibits (Photo provided by MGM Macau)
MGM MACAU is currently co-hosting the ‘Red Sandalwood Art Exhibition of Old Beijing City Gates’ with the China Red Sandalwood Museum, in addition to the ‘One Hundred Photographers Focus on Macao Exhibition’ with China Daily and Fu Wah International Group. The popular event, open to the public for free, will run until 22nd March, 2015. The two exhibitions have been specially twinned to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR, and to exemplify the legacy of Chinese cultural arts.
The ‘Red Sandalwood Art Exhibition of Old Beijing City Gates’ is the first art exhibition to be held in the city revolving round the theme of Old Beijing City. The Gates were the symbol of both the ancient Chinese civilization and prosperity, and through this exhibition the visitor can get an insight into the sophisticated urban planning of the times in China’s capital city. Of particular interest is the miniature landscape of ‘Yongding Gate’ and the ‘Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven’, both made of precious red sandalwood and grandly known as ‘Imperial Wood’ in the annals of Chinese history.
The exhibition area is specifically furnished to resemble the palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which in turn accentuate the red sandalwood landscapes and furniture on display. One of the exciting elements of the exhibition is the presence of master woodcarvers on-site during specific periods demonstrating traditional Chinese sandalwood carving techniques, promoting the importance of preserving national intangible cultural heritage while fascinating onlookers with their dexterity. This exhibition is at MGM Art Space, open from noon to 9:00pm on Tuesdays to Sundays plus public holidays.
The ‘One Hundred Photographers Focus on Macau Exhibition’ showcases Macau’s unique culture and development since the establishment of the Macau SAR. Through the viewfinders of 100 accomplished photographers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, precious moments have been captured and expressed with palpable emotion. This exhibition seeks to promote the mutual communication and friendship between Macau and China, whilst propagating the sweeping continuum of Chinese civilization. This exhibition is on Level 2 Showcase, and is open 24 hours.