To mark the 20th anniversary of the Macao Museum, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Museum and the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong jointly organise “Treasure from the Deep Sea - Exhibition of Underwater Archaeological Relics of the Nanhai No. 1”. An opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, 18 April, at 6:30pm, at the lobby of the Macao Museum, officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mok Ian Ian; the Assistant of the Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R., Shao Bin; the Director of the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong, Zeng Chaoqun; the Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ieong Chi Kin; and the representative of the Guangdong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Xiao Da Shun. The exhibition runs from 19 April to 31 July and is open to the general public.

Supported by the Guangdong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the Macao Museum takes this opportunity to reconstruct the history of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, aiming to promote cultural exchange between the countries and regions along the Belt and Road, as well as to strengthen the cooperation framework between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

“Nanhai No. 1” is a relatively abundant heritage source, featuring complete collections of artefacts pertaining to the Maritime Silk Road currently existent in the world, covering approximately 60,000 to 80,000 rather rare artefacts retrieved from wrecked ships along this ancient trade route. The discovery of these artefacts paved the way for the development of underwater archaeology in China and is an important historical landmark in this field.

Featuring a total of 99 pieces/sets of artefacts, the exhibition is divided into five sections: “Underwater Miracle––Nanhai No. 1, a Song dynasty trade ship”, “Re-emergence of Treasure––Salvage and Preservation”, “Porcelains on the Way Westward––Porcelains Excavated from the Water”, “The Phantasmagoria on the Shipwreck––Sailors’ Life on Nanhai No. 1” and “Maritime Silk Routes––The Beginning of Maritime Trade”. Through the collection of these precious underwater archaeological relics and items used by the crew members at that time, the audience increase their understanding of the Nanhai No. 1. In order to enhance the publicity of the exhibition, the organisers installed a Lego model of the salvaged ship Hua Tian Long at the entrance of the Museum. Furthermore, an escape game is also available at the Mount Fortress Gallery, aiming to enrich the exhibition and offer visitors a more palpable experience.

In tandem with the exhibition, a series of educational activities will be held, including two thematic talks on 21 April and 26 May, twelve sessions of the “How to create a mini ship with Lego Workshop” to be held on 22 April, 30 June and 21 July, as well as the “Cultural tour to the Maritime Silk Route Museum” to be held on 19 and 20 July.

In addition, in order to make better use of cultural resources, the Macao Museum launched an Activity Award Scheme. Those who participate in 3 or 6 activities such as talks, workshops or other activities organised by the Macao Museum and successfully collect attendance stamps during the period between May and November can redeem a special gift.

The Macao Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, including public holidays (no admission after 5:30pm) and closes on Mondays. Admission is free for holders of Macao Resident Identity Card. For more information about the exhibition and activities, please contact the Macao Museum through tel. no. 2835 7911 or visit the Macao Museum’s webpage at www.macaumuseum.gov.mo.