Cover POLY MGM MUSEUM promises to be more than just a destination, it’s a cultural bridge, a storyteller, and a testament to the enduring beauty of Chinese heritage
POLY MGM MUSEUM promises to be more than just a destination, it’s a cultural bridge, a storyteller, and a testament to the enduring beauty of Chinese heritage
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Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about cultural exchanges, the POLY MGM MUSEUM offers an experience transcending time and borders
Macau has welcomed a spectacular new cultural destination that promises to bridge the past and present of Chinese heritage. The POLY MGM MUSEUM, a groundbreaking collaboration between Poly Culture and MGM, celebrated its grand opening on November 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone in cultural preservation and international exchange.
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Nestled within the prestigious MGM MACAU in a city renowned as a window of East-West cultural exchange, the museum is more than another exhibition space. Spanning nearly 2,000 square metres, it represents a visionary approach to showcasing China's rich cultural history. The museum has been meticulously designed to meet national standards for exhibiting Grade-One cultural relics, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create an immersive visitor experience.
The opening ceremony was nothing short of a star-studded affair, with over 200 distinguished guests in attendance. Prominent figures included Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and key representatives from government, business, and cultural sectors. The event coincided with two significant anniversaries: the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's founding and the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region's establishment.
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The museum’s inaugural exhibition, The Maritime Silk Road–Discover the Mystical Seas and Encounter the Treasures of the Ancient Trade Route, is a testament to the power of cultural storytelling. Curated by Mr Su Dan, who is also The Deputy Director of the China National Arts & Crafts Museum and the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, the exhibition brings together an impressive collection of 228 artifacts and artworks from nearly 20 national museums and international cultural organisations, highlighting almost 30 grade-one cultural relics, such as the four Bronze Zodiac Heads of the Old Summer Palace.
Liu Hualong, Chairman of China Poly Group Corporation Limited, highlighted the museum’s importance in supporting the Greater Bay Area initiative. He emphasised the collaboration's role in preserving and promoting Chinese cultural heritage, viewing it as a crucial step in fulfilling the cultural responsibilities of state-owned enterprises.
Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, spoke passionately about the museum’s unique position. She noted Macau’s historical significance as a key node on the Maritime Silk Road and the city's remarkable ability to integrate Eastern and Western cultures. The museum, she explained, will serve as a cultural landmark that bridges artistic and cultural exchanges between China and the world.
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For Poly Culture, this is more than just a museum opening. The organisation, guided by President Xi Jinping's cultural principles, sees this as an opportunity to tell China's stories, amplify its cultural voice, and contribute to global cultural understanding.
Above The POLY MGM MUSEUM will shoulder a new historical mission in the new era
Above The POLY MGM Museum is testament to the brilliance of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation
The POLY MGM MUSEUM will shoulder a new historical mission in the new era
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The exhibition itself is a marvel of curatorial brilliance, divided into four thematic zones: Monsoon, Cultural Origin, Integration, and Connections. It offers visitors an unparalleled journey through time, showcasing the historical, current, and future perspectives of the oceanic trade route.
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What sets this museum apart is its innovative approach to cultural presentation. By seamlessly blending traditional artifacts with contemporary art, it embodies the concepts of “East meets West”, “Antiquity and Modernity”, and “Culture and Technology”. The museum utilises state-of-the-art environmental regulation technology, ensuring the preservation of precious cultural treasures while providing a multi-sensorial experience for visitors.
For more information, visit the POLY MGM MUSEUM at museum.mgm.mo
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
