The Maritime Museum (Museu Maritimo) at Barra Square is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of Portuguese and Chinese ships, notable voyages in history, cartography, dredging, fishing, and navigational techniques, among many others.
It was established by the Macau Tourism Office to promote the local maritime history further since Macau’s culture is deeply intertwined with the sea.
Maritime Museum, Hours, Exhibitions, Library, Activities, Macau
Meanwhile, on the first floor, many displays are devoted to navigation. This is where you will learn about the routes taken by famous explorers, including Vasco da Gama, Bartholomeu Dias, Zheng He, and many more. There is a slide show that tells the stories of the trading routes located around the Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
The exhibits also include scale models of Zheng He and Vasco da Gama’s boats. During historical times, the Portuguese discovered many exotic spices and vegetables, which they brought back to Europe; there are exhibits on which ones these were as well.
These are among the several fascinating displays at the museum. Students and educational institutions widely use it, so they have made learning easier through videos and slide shows.
Though Macau has numerous museums, this is certainly among the best for individuals interested in history and ships. It’s open every day except Tuesdays from 10am to 6pm.
The Maritime Museum is highly recommended for visitors of all ages when travelling to Macau.
