Integrated resort operator (IR) MGM is set to open its “POLY MGM MUSEUM” tomorrow, kicking off with its inaugural exhibition “The Maritime Silk Road – Discover the Mystical Seas and Encounter the Treasures of the Ancient Trade Route”.
The museum is a collaboration between MGM and Poly Culture Group Corporation Limited (Poly Culture) and is located on the second floor of MGM MACAU. The exhibition space is dynamic, while it also utilises state-of-the-art technology in presenting its exhibits such as the use of OLED screens to make for interactive displays.
The inaugural exhibition, which is on display until September next year, is themed after the Maritime Silk Road* and guided by marine technology. It showcases 228 artefacts and artworks in 184 sets from nearly 20 museums and international cultural institutions, according to an MGM statement provided earlier this week, and has been curated by a team of experts from the mainland, France, and Italy.
The exhibits are presented across four themed zones: “Monsoon”, “Cultural Origin”, “Integration” and “Connections”, respectively showing the origin, development, impact and future prospects of the Maritime Silk Road.
Among the raft of exhibits to be seen by exhibitiongoers, which include underwater discoveries and rare treasures, are four of the 12 “Old Summer Palace Bronze Heads of Zodiac Animals” at its “Integration” zone.
The bronze fountainheads were part of a water clock fountain in front of the Haiyantang, according to Wikipedia, which were among the treasures looted during the destruction of the Old Summer Palace by European expeditionary forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War.
Contemporary works and art installations are also presented at the exhibition.
After opening, one can visit it from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.
Guided tours are available in Cantonese and Mandarin. Tours in other languages are also provided but require a reservation in advance of at least two days.
For more details, one can visit https://www.mgm.mo/en or call 8802 8888.
* The Maritime Silk Road or Maritime Silk Route is the maritime section of the historic Silk Road that connected Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Arabian Peninsula, eastern Africa, and Europe. - Source: Wikipedia
This photo taken during the media preview of the POLY MGM MUSEUM at MGM MACAU shows the display and area where the Old Summer Palace Bronze Heads of Zodiac Animals, courtesy of Poly Art Museum in Beijing, are showcased. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
