The world’s first camera will soon be returned to France

“A Journey through Light and Shadow – The Invention of Photography and the Earliest Photographs of Macao, China” Exhibition was jointly-organized by the Macao Museum and the Nicéphore Niépce Museum of France. Since its opening, the exhibition has been receiving excellent feedback from the Macao society and tourists, and the especially valuable attention and appreciation of photography amateurs. There have been constant streams of visitors and the number is still increasing. Many schools and associations have visited not only the exhibition, but also the pinhole camera model setting located at the Mount Fortress garden, facilitating young people and staff’s understanding of the development of the history of photography. This is very helpful for the popularization of the science of photography. The two major parts of the exhibition, “The Invention of Photography” and “The Earliest Photographs of Macao, China” have been attracting local residents as well as tourists. Through the display of some 20 classic cameras and their respective accessories, together with 190 early photographs, visitors can better understand the history of photography and its development. The world’s first camera, invented by Frenchman Nicéphore Niépce in 1826, is a prime focus in the exhibition. This precious camera has only been displayed outside its museum in France twice since 1974 and therefore it is only the third time it leaves its museum. The camera will be returned to France on 12 July. All visitors interested in viewing the world’s first camera must come to the exhibition before this date. This exhibition will be held until August 23. To facilitate visits, local residents may have free admission on Sundays upon presentation of their ID card or student identification. The Macao Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and is closed on Monday. Ticket sales stop at 5:30pm. For inquiries or group visits, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau homepage (www.icm.gov.mo) or the Macao Museum homepage: (www.macaumuseum.gov.mo), or call Mr. Ho at 83941217 or Ms Lee at 83941231 during office hours.