Since the world’s first-ever postcard appeared in 1869, travellers from around the world have started to send postcards to their beloved ones to express their feelings and share what they have seen during their journeys. Postcards, as a new medium, not only initiate a new mode of emotional communication, but also serve as a “cultural ambassador” by promoting local landscape, architecture, culture and custom through a piece of rectangular paper.

Since the 16th century, the encounter of Chinese and Western cultures in Macao and the harmonious yet mutually-influential co-existence of different ethnics have established Macao as a famous cultural city which is home to world cultural heritage. The city’sdynamic business and economic activities have progressively contributed to its prosperity. In the enchanting cityscape, the modern buildings, exquisite residences, Chinese temples and Western churches in a dense yet ordered layout complement one another and create picturesque landscapes, which are frequently featured in Macao postcards.

The “Memory of the Past — Exhibition of the Macao Museum Postcards Collection” organized by the Macao Museum displays more than 180 selected postcards and associated items from the museum’s collection. The exhibition seeks to represent the glory of Macao dating back to the period between the late 19th century and 1980s, allowing visitors to revisit the old Macao and witness the change of the times. This exhibition comprises two areas, namely“Macao in the Old Days” and “Today’s Macao”. The former will lead visitors to experience the city’s “Coastal Scenery”, “Elegant Architecture” and “Lush Gardens” in the bygone days, while the latter will display the characteristics of the small city, including “Interlaced Lanes”, “Accessible Transportation”, “Recreation and Entertainment” and “Outstanding Talents and Profound Culture”. From bustling ports to tranquil alleys, the exhibits manifest Macao’s social and cultural characteristics featuring the co-existence of different ethnics and cultures through a variety of forms such as historical paintings and photographs.

The pictures featured in the postcards indirectly reflect the increasingly sophisticated development of photography and printing, while depicting a vivid image of Macao through simple graphic design. Taking some painted postcards as an example, they present Macao’s landscape in the early 20th century in a distinctive style through a plain colour palette which was widely used before the popularization of colour photography, bearing witness to the progress of civilization.

Over the past century, the transformation of printing techniques and the cityscape, other changes in the city in terms of geography, society, economy and transportation can also be observed in these postcards. Let us explore the beauty of this small city in the Macao Museum.