Organised by Macao Museum, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Fantasy World - Chinoiserie exhibition has attracted a large number of local residents and tourists since opening in May. Taking into account the approaching summer holidays, the exhibition has extended its stay in the city until the afternoon of 25th August 2013, a week longer than the original closing date of 18th August 2013, in order to enable more people to appreciate these precious exhibits. Everybody is welcome to visit.

The Fantasy World - Chinoiserie exhibition focuses on the widespread enthusiasm for ‘Chinoiserie’ across Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, Europe was significantly influenced by Chinese products and culture, sparking the appearance of Chinese elements in the creative techniques and expressive forms of a wide range of art works - demonstrating that the Chinese art style was integrated into local society and had become a lifestyle fashion pursued by many individuals.

The exhibition is themed around ‘Chinoiserie’, with some 80 representative cultural relics from the Cité de la Céramique- Sèvres et Limoges, Les Arts Décoratifs – Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris), Musée du Louvre -Département des Arts Graphiques, Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’Archéologie (Besançon) and Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. on display. It also introduces the manner in which ‘Chinoiserie’ was imitated and processed until eventually becoming a fashion in Europe, allowing visitors to better understand ‘Chinoiserie’.

There is a large number of eye-catching cultural relics with strong Chinese characteristics, including ceramics, sketches, engravings, oil paintings and tapestries as well as four large vases, reflecting the widespread use of ‘Chinoiserie’ throughout Europe at that time. Through the approach of Europeans imitating Chinese art, visitors can glimpse the mysterious Oriental fantasies conjured up by the Europeans. The documentary now playing in the mini theatre explains the origins and development of ‘Chinoiserie’, while the lively, fun activities offered by the educational zone and interactive game zone help increase visitors’ interest in the content of the exhibition, making it easier to comprehend.

Macao Museum maintains its operational hours during the summer holiday, from 10:00am to 6:00pm (ticket booth closes at 5:30pm, Museum closes on Monday). The guided tour services are provided during the exhibition period with temporary exhibitions. Organisations and schools are welcome to make advance reservations. Macao ID cardholders and Macao student cardholders can visit the museum for free on Sundays.

For enquiries, please call (853) 2835 7911 during office hours or browse Macao Museum’s official website: www.macaumuseum.gov.mo or the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s official website: www.icm.gov.mo.