Exhibition of ancient maps “Global Mapping of Macao”.
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Macao Central Library and 10th anniversary of the inscription of The Historic Centre of Macao on the World Heritage List. Macao Central Library and Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) Library have organised an exhibition of antique maps themed Global Mapping of Macao. The exhibition was inaugurated at 6pm today, 6th November, in Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Vice-Rector and Chair Professor of Macau University of Science and Technology, Pang Su Seng, Member of the Cultural Consultative Council of Macao, Carlos Marreiros and University Librarian of Macau University of Science and Technology, Dai Longji. Ancient maps are the visual representation of human beings’ observation and imagination about the world. Not only do the maps manifest human understanding and delineation of the places they are in, they also embody their contemplation and imagination of the unknown area. An exchange hub of the East and the West, Macao played a crucial role in maritime trade. Nearly 40 reproductions of maps dated between the 13th and 20th Century provided by the MUST Library will be showcased. These antique maps are displayed under the themes ‘Oriental Mapping of Macao’, ‘Occidental Mapping of Macao’ and ‘Macao City Map’ to demonstrate Macao’s standing in the world and its own transformation. The original copies of the exhibits are from collections all around the world, including Harvard Library, the National Library of France and the Library of Congress, among others. Through these maps the organisers hope to present the depiction and imagination of Macao and point out Macao’s position in the world. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the ‘Historic Centre of Macao’ on the World Heritage List, thus city maps of Macao of different periods will be displayed. These precious images record the transition, growth and development of Macao throughout years and indicate the comprehensive features of Macao’s architectural arts mingling East and West. The exhibition of antique maps - Global Mapping of Macao - will open from 7th November 2015 to 31st January 2016 in Sir Robert Ho Tung Library. Opening hours are as follows: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Monday to Saturday) and 11:00am to 7:00pm (Sunday), excluding public holidays. Admission is free and all are welcome. For enquires, please call (853) 2877 1177 during office hours or visit Macao Central Library website: www.library.gov.mo .
