This robust museum, built on the grounds of the Monte Fort, houses a vast collection of historical and social memorabilia detailing Macau's complex religious and political past. Highlights include archaeological discoveries from Coloane, classic Chinese furniture and architecture, displays explaining ancient customs and rituals, and literature. The layout is user-friendly, allowing the visitor time and space to stroll through the fascinating exhibitions.
The Macau Grand Prix Museum houses all of the race cars that have won the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix, which is known as one of the most challenging and celebrated circuits in the world. Past winners of the race include Ayrton Senna and Michael and Ralf Schumacher. The circuit's tight turns and narrow lanes make for a thrilling race, and the museum allows visitors to experience the excitement of this race firsthand. Besides detailed exhibitions of the racers and their cars, the museum has multiple simulators that allow guests to try their hand at driving the course, or let them see what it's like to ride in the passenger seat during the race.
Part of the Macau Cultural Centre complex, Macau's only art museum spans five floors. Although the museum displays a permanent collection of art pieces, the first and second floors are given over to temporary exhibitions. The permanent collection includes architectural and historical pieces displayed on the third floor, as well as a collection of paintings and ceramic objects on the fourth floor. Permanent or temporary, the displays always highlight the eclectic mix of east meets west that is symbolic of Macau's history and culture.
This museum, located just opposite the A-Ma Temple, has been extraordinarily well laid out. Even if you are not obsessed with boats and nautical history, it is interesting to see the tropical-looking boats which colored Macau's past. From flower boats to fishing boats to dragon boats, each vessel tells a story about the enclave's culture. Outside, a junk will show you half an hour's worth of a different Macau from the water.