Maritime Museum — Attraction in São Lourenço

The Maritime Museum (MOP10 for adults over 17, only MOP5 of Sunday) is easily one of Macau's best museums and is conveniently located just across from the famous A-Ma Temple. Here you can see four floors of exhibitions, displays and information related to local maritime activity and how Macau was shaped throughout history due to its proximity to the sea. There are many interesting things to see here. You can visit in as little as 20-30 minutes or spend a couple hours visiting more thoroughly if you enjoy this type of speciality museum.

We particularly enjoyed the various model ships of historical Chinese and Portuguese design and as well as the models of more model vessels found throughout the Maritime Musuem. On the ground floor there is also an interesting "Little A-Ma Theatre" witch helps explain the significance of this goddess, the role she played with early inhabits to the Macau islands. It also helps to establish context for the visit you may have just made to the active A-Ma Temple just across Barra Square.

On the second floor there is a wall map that reveals ancient Chinese naval exploration which reached as far as the Red Sea and the coast of Africa back in the 14th century, long before the Europeans visited this part of the world for the first time in the 16th century. Similarly, on the third floor there is a 3D model of Macau during the 17th century, depicting what the city would have looked like during that time period, with its natural harbors, walls, fortifications and even farm land which is all but gone today, covered with densely populated housing districts. Many of the current World Heritage attractions are present on this map and were fun spotting out.

Towards the end of the museum there are some aquariums with various fish that are worth a quick look. Outside there is a small cafe but large number of outdoor seats to have a rest. There is also a fun little junk-boat for children to get on for pictures as well as a long traditional dragon boat on display for visitors to see.

Overall, the Maritime Museum is a good collection and nice endeavor made by the Macau Tourism Office to promote Macau's maritime history. We consider this one of the best museums in Macau and a worthy consideration for those interested in Macau's history or looking to take in a museum or two during...

It's a tiny museum, but a very nice informative museum! I like the details that went into the display of the ships and the various sections showcasing the traditions and fishing industry is well done! Also, the ticket prices are cheaper on Sunday ($5 HKD/MOP) versus $10 HKD/MOP on a regular day for...

my 11 year old kids entrance is free despite her looking like a mean school principal who is ready to expel naughty students. we were awed how did they made those tiny miniature boats and laughed at the fish at aquarium who looks like it has oversized dentures and silver eyeshadow (not...