For such a small city, Macau has a ton of museums, around 25 in all.  Here’s how I’d rank them, using a star system similar to that of Michelin restaurants.  

3 stars: A must see.  Worth making a diversion for.

2 stars: If you’re in the neighbourhood, by all means drop in and have a look. 

1 star: Will probably only appeal to people who are interested in the museum’s theme. 

0 stars: Not worth going to under any circumstances.

3 stars

Macau Museum Guide: Grand Prix Museum

The Grand Prix Museum pays homage to the annual F3 race that’s been held every November since 1963.  Among the 30 exhibits are a number of F3 cars, motorbikes as well as information related to famous drivers and their equipment. 

For more information, Mu Yi and I visited it during Trip Report I.

Admission: Free     Location: Rua Luis Gonzago Gomes     Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm  Closed on Tuesdays

***MUSEUM IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED***

Macau Museum Guide: Handover Gifts Museum

When Macau returned to China in 1999, China’s 33 various provinces, zones and special regions each contributed a gift to celebrate the homecoming.  It resulted in one very impressive collection of highly technical and superbly crafted Chinese art, presented in a wide array of styles and disciplines.  

A little late to the party, Mu Yi and I visited it in Trip Report II.

Admission: Free     Location:  Behind the Sands Macao    Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm  Closed on Mondays

Macau Museum Guide: Holy House of Mercy

Set in the city’s oldest charity house, the Holy House of Mercy, this museum displays Catholic relics that date all the way back to Macau’s founding in the 16th Century. 

Some of the sacred art pieces are quite beautiful.

Admission: $5     Location: Senado Square     Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm  2:30 pm to 5:30 pm   Closed on Mondays and public holidays

Macau Museum Guide: Macau Museum

Extremely comprehensive overview of Macau history and Macanese life, with special attention paid to food, religion, architecture, leisure and festivals.

For a more detailed report, please check out Trip Report I.  

Admission: $15     Location: Mount Fortress     Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm  Closed on Mondays

Macau Museum Guide: Maritime Museum

Before Stanley Ho came along, the lifeblood of Macau was always on the water.  Situated next to A Ma Temple in the oldest part of Macau, the Maritime Museum explores themes related to the ways and lives of fishermen, ship building, design and tools, Historical Discoveries, as well as astronomy and navigation. 

This is another museum Mu Yi and I visited during Trip Report I.

Admission: $5 (Monday to Saturday) / $3 (Sunday)     Location: Barra Square     Opening Hours: 10:00 to 6:00 pm  Closed on Tuesdays

Macau Museum Guide: Macau Museum of Art

The Museum of Art takes up a total of 5 floors with 7 different exhibition galleries in use.  Three or four galleries house permanent exhibitions, while the others are reserved for temporary showings. 

As a lover of the arts, and a would be philanthropist/supporter/art snob if I had any money, Mu Yi and I went there for both Trip Report I and Trip Report II.

Admission: Free     Location: Behind the Sands Macao      Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm  Closed on Mondays

Macau Museum Guide: The Vintage Sounds Museum

For everything that was cutting edge 100 years ago, check out the Vintage Sounds Museum. Antique gramophones, hand cranked music boxes, tube radios, old televisions etc are all on display on the second floor of an Electronic and Appliance store that time forgot.

For more information, please check out Trip Report III.

Admission: $30 (By appointment only)     Location: No 13-15 Rua das Estalagens     Opening Hours: Closed on the weekend

Macau Museum Locations

To view the 2 Star Macau museums, please follow the link below!