The President of the Cultural Institute (IC) of Macau announced at a press conference that the future museum will become the 'first nuclear project' within the Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone. This facility is viewed as an important tool for developing the city's culture, as well as for adequately diversifying the economy and strengthening cultural exchange between China and the West.
Without disclosing the names of the global architectural bureaus invited to present their proposals, Leon Wai Man noted that out of ten selected companies, four are European, including one from Portugal. He specified that all teams have experience working on large-scale projects and museum construction; among the international participants are three from mainland China and three local ones.
In addition to Portugal, bureaus from Switzerland, England, and the Netherlands were invited. The official emphasized that the projects are expected to combine elements of Chinese culture with the language of modern architectural design, utilizing the advantages of the city's location and its humanistic heritage. She added that the conceptual idea has already been agreed upon with the National Museum of China, incorporating specific Chinese characteristics.
The presented concepts must harmoniously blend artistic and cultural components with practicality and sustainability, helping Macau create a cultural landmark appropriate to the city's status, the needs of museum activities, and international aesthetic standards.
Subsequently, specialists in urban planning, architecture, and museology, as well as representatives of government services, are planned to be involved in evaluating the proposals. Leon Wai Man explained that the budget assessment for this undertaking will only be possible after the winning project is selected.
The future museum will be located in the coastal area east of the Macau Tower, near Nam Wan and Sai Wan Lakes, and will cover approximately 100,000 square meters. The main building, spanning about 80,000 square meters, will include exhibition halls, collections, cultural exchange areas, and research spaces. In addition to this central structure, the project encompasses a commercial leisure and cultural tourism zone of about 20,000 square meters, an external green area, and underground parking.
The IC plans to select the project author this year, with the completion of the first phase targeted for 2029, allowing for partial opening while simultaneously commencing construction of the second phase. In this initial stage, the museum, which Leon Wai Man called the 'city's visiting halls,' will showcase the 'cultural history of Macau,' with a particular focus on Macau's history as an important hub of the Maritime Silk Road.