In order to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the inscription of 'The Historic Centre of Macao' on the World Heritage List, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has added several new - and in some cases renovated - historic and cultural facilities. Jao Tsung-I Academy, located at No.95 CD, Av. Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida is one of them, and is scheduled to open this month, with a permanent exhibition of Professor Jao Tsung-I's paintings and calligraphy donations as well as a collection of works and catalogue of his works. The Academy also features an auditorium and a gallery for other themed exhibitions, designed to promote Chinese culture and arts as well as academic exchange on Chinese studies related topics.

Born in Guangdong (Chaozhou) in 1917, Jao Tsung-I accomplished much in the areas of history, literature, language, religion, philosophy, art, and Chinese and foreign cultural relations. Regarded as a great master in his prolific scholarly life, he published over 70 books and more than 900 papers during his distinguished lifetime.

Jao Tsung-I won several important overseas scholar and art awards and honours, including the Order of Arts and Letters of the Minister of Culture (France), the Grand Bauhinia Medal of the Hong Kong SAR, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, and was the first laureate honoured by the University of Hong Kong. Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory named minor planet 10017 the 'Jao Tsung-i Star'.

Jao Tsung-I Academy comprises a series of buildings constructed in the early 20^th Century located from No. 89A to 95G, Av. Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida. They were the most representative buildings of the neoclassical style of Macau. These heritage buildings are on the protected list and have won a PATA Grand Award.