THE Poly MGM Museum, which showcases almost 230 Chinese cultural artefacts and artworks from 20 international institutions, was officially inaugurated at an opening ceremony at MGM Macao recently.

Covering nearly 2,000 square meters on the second floor of the complex, the new museum is a joint venture between MGM Macao and Beijing-based Poly Culture Group Corporation.

The museum’s inaugural exhibition, “The Maritime Silk Road — Discover the Mystical Sea and Encounter the Treasures of the Ancient Trade Route,” delves into the interaction between East and the West through four themed zones that display historic treasures as well as modern day artworks.

Curated by the deputy director of the China National Arts & Crafts Museum, Su Dan, the event features exhibits from historical documents and artefacts retrieved from shipwrecks like navigation tools, bronze pieces, and porcelain.

Highlights on display include four of the 12 zodiac heads from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, which were looted from Beijing by the Anglo-French allied forces in 1860 (seven have since been returned).

Another is a tapestry named Aeneas and Anchises, depicting scenes from the Trojan War and part of a set of tapestries believed to have been created for the first governor of Macao Francisco Mascarenhas.

During the opening ceremony, MGM China’s chair and executive director, Pansy Ho, spoke about how the exhibition would help to facilitate greater cultural exchange between China and other countries, while also highlighting Macao’s important role in the ancient trade network.

Ho also made mention of the museum’s technological innovations, which offer guests an immersive experience through the use of elements such as moveable LED screens, flexible displays and directional sound systems.

Poly MGM Museum’s debut exhibition will be running until September next year, with daily guided tours in Cantonese and Mandarin. Tours in other languages may be arranged with a two-day advance request.

Admission to the museum is free, although guests are required to book in advance via its official website.

(Li Dan)