Five New Historic-Cultural Venues Slated to Open Soon

The Guia Fortress Information Centre opens on 28th June

In its first plenary session of 2015, the Cultural Consultative Committee introduced 'Activities about the Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of World by Macau SAR Government Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Ung Vai Meng. He revealed that the Guia Fortress Information Centre, Exhibition Room of the Woodcraft Works of Master Lu Ban, Jao Tsung-I Academy, Cinematheque Passion and Night Watchman's Station in Patane, and other new historic and cultural facilities will be put into service during the year.

First to be inaugurated will be the Guia Fortress Information Centre on 28th June. The Centre will be equipped with a concierge desk, a coffee bar, spaces for exhibition and the sale of souvenirs. In particular, visitors can enjoy a brief introduction to the history of the Guia complex, learning about the relatively recent discovery of the murals in the small chapel and view the exhibition showcasing its restoration process.

The Exhibition Room of the Woodcraft Works of Master Lu Ban, located at the Sede da Associação Seong Ká Môk Ngai de Macau (No. 39-41, Rua de Camilo Pessanha), will be inaugurated on 28th July and exhibit numerous traditional woodworking tools and architectural components. A multimedia presentation about the Association and the building of its headquarters will be shown.

The following month, on 9th August, the Jao Tsung-I Academy (located at No.95 CD, Av. Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida) will be inaugurated, with an exhibition of paintings and calligraphy donated by Professor Jao Tsung-I. There is public access for the collection of works and a catalogue of works by Professor Jao. The auditorium and gallery will accommodate other thematic exhibitions promoting Chinese culture and art, as well as academic exchanges on issues related to Chinese studies.

The Cinematheque Passion, located at No. 13, Travessa da Paixão, complete with cinematic documentation room, is a multi-purpose space designed to promote the film industry. Its mission includes the organization of local film funds, the extension of local sector horizons and the establishment of international exchange networks. The cinema will be open on September this year.

Once upon a time, the night watchmen of Macau contributed greatly to the prevention of crimes and fires in the city precincts. In addition, their main function was to announce the passing of the hours at night in the capacity of town crier. The Night Watchman's Station in Patane- a fascinating insight into old Macau that only exists in Macau - is located at No. 52-52, Rua da Palmeira. Following extensive restoration, the space will be renovated to host an exhibition on the work of the old night watchmen and is slated to open within this year.