Macao National Museum of Culture to open phase one in 2029

The Macao government has set a target of 2029 for the completion of phase one construction of the Macao National Museum of Culture, a complex that will have a gross floor area of roughly 100,000 square metres and be situated in a waterfront area to the east of Macao Tower. 

At a press conference on 10 September 2026, officials revealed the venue would be completed in two phases, with phase one opening to the public upon completion. 

Phase two construction will take place alongside the initial one, but will be larger in scope. No deadline has been set yet for the completion of this final stage of building. 

Once both segments are completed, the Macao National Museum of Culture will become the city’s largest museum and cultural venue. It is being developed in partnership with the National Museum of China, following an agreement signed on 7 July 2026 that covers exhibition planning, collection sharing, academic research and talent training.

Who will design the cultural museum?

The SAR government announced that it had already invited 10 architectural design teams to submit design proposals for the new venue, including four from overseas (Portugal, Switzerland, the UK and the Netherlands), three from mainland China and three local ones. It expects the selection process to be completed within 2026. 

“We hope the design teams are able to leverage the project’s geographic advantages and the city’s cultural heritage,” the director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leong Wai Man said during the press conference. 

She noted that the government was looking for designs that mixed the essence of Chinese culture with contemporary architectural design language, blending art, culture, practicality and sustainability into one package. 

Leong added that the goal was for the Macao National Museum of Culture to become an internationally-recognised cultural landmark that was aligned with the city’s positioning, as well as cultural heritage and professional needs. 

What will phase one of the museum feature?

According to Leong, the government is prioritising a comprehensive exhibition on Macao’s cultural history for phase one of the museum. The head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau mentioned that one exhibition would pay special focus on Macao’s vital role along the Maritime Silk Road, while another would introduce the museum, discussing its future functions and spaces. 

Why is the SAR building the Macao National Museum of Culture?

The Macao National Museum of Culture is part of the SAR government’s broader efforts to diversify Macao’s economy away from gambling – the main driver of the city’s economic prosperity. 

According to Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai in a China Newsweek article published on 11 August 2026, the museum forms part of the future Macao International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone project, which is intended to offer “new cultural tourism landmarks,” injecting “fresh vitality into Macao’s cultural and tourism markets.”

[See more: Here are some of the best art museums in China’s Greater Bay Area]

The two other complexes that comprise the project are the International Performing Arts Centre and the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Leong stated at the press conference that preliminary planning for both venues would be carried out in 2027, with the authorities looking to have the designs and construction tenders completed by 2030.

What other infrastructure projects does Macao have planned?

The Macao International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone is one of four major infrastructure projects that the SAR government is undertaking. Other developments include the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, which will house the new campuses of Macao’s major universities; the Macao Technology Research Industrial Park, which will serve as a hub for the SAR’s high-tech sectors, and the Macau International Airport Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal, which seeks to boost Macao’s air cargo capabilities.