Free Exhibition of Yuanmingyuan Zodiac Heads in Macau
I finally had the chance to see the free exhibition of the Yuanmingyuan Zodiac Heads in Macau, after missing it in Beijing due to scheduling conflicts. The exhibition features four authentic zodiac heads (including the Ox, Tiger, Monkey, and Pig) and offers an immersive experience to appreciate their "true" appearance.
🗓️ Date: November 2, 2024, to September 30, 2025
📍 Location: MGM Cotai Museum, Macau (2nd floor) (Note: This is not the MGM Cotai in Taipa, but the one at MGM Cotai Sky Plaza on the peninsula)
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (11:00-19:00, extended to 21:00 on Fridays), weekends and holidays (10:00-20:00)
🚌 Travel Tips: After crossing the Hengqin Port, take the light rail to Lotus Station, then transfer to the Taipa Line (towards Taipa Ferry Terminal) and get off at East Road Station (Exit A). Walk 200 meters to MGM Cotai and take the shuttle bus to MGM Cotai on the peninsula.
🎫 Tickets: Free
1️⃣ MGM WeChat Public Account Reservation: Follow the account and register. It's recommended to book in advance using a Macau SIM card.
2️⃣ On-site Ticket Collection: Limited tickets available next to the stairs on the right side of Sky Plaza (near the ice cream shop). If crowded, you may need to wait.
🌈 The exhibition theme is "Blue Ribbon - Exploring Mysterious Seas, Encountering Silk Road Treasures." It showcases 228 ancient artifacts and contemporary art masterpieces along the ancient and modern Maritime Silk Road.
👀 The exhibition is divided into four sections: Monsoon, Cultural Context, Interweaving, and Connection. Upon entering the museum, you'll be greeted by a dazzling, magical screen, resembling a time vortex. On the right, there's an interactive area where you can customize a unique time-travel portrait, embarking on an extraordinary cultural exploration with memories spanning a thousand years. Head straight to the zodiac heads; if it's crowded, you may need to queue. These are real zodiac heads, allowing for close-up appreciation of their smooth fur and intricate textures, complemented by the starry ambiance, creating a mysterious and beautiful experience. The exhibition spans from the Tang Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, featuring ceramics, coins, pottery figurines, bronze mirrors, and gold and silver artifacts. There's also a unique art installation - a message in a bottle. The artist invites everyone to write letters expressing their hopes and expectations for the future Maritime Silk Road. These letters will be placed in bottles and opened in a hundred years, creating a dialogue across time.
📸 The exhibition also features an interactive area where you can experience ancient AI portrait painting.
✅ Nearby Attractions
1️⃣ Sky Plaza Christmas Limited Garden
2️⃣ MGM Cotai's "Sugar" Sculpture Art Exhibition and MGM x Ren Zhe "Jianghu" Art Exhibition and Sale
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