Interview ‘traditional’ villages that exists in Macau, in stark contrast to the casinos that can be views from Monte Fort – a 400-year-old stone military centre. Hidden treasure Senado Square is the The world knows Macau for its casinos, but a small scratch beneath the surface European urban centre of uncovers a wealth of art in this melting post of Eastern and Western culture Macau with pastel-coloured neo- classical buildings reminiscent of Mediterranean tourist hubs. ortuguese occupation from the theme of young artists. conferences and exhibitions, Hidden in plain sight and often the mid-sixteenth Century The Vienna Philharmonic enhancing cultural exchange overlooked are some of Macau’s Pthrough to 1999 left an Orchestra will also play in the and expanding the horizons of fine art pieces, such as the indelible mark on the autonomous Macao Cultural Centre Grand the Macau public. Forever Handshake sculpture at state at the southern tip of China. Auditorium on 29 October. Downtown Macau will become Sun Yat Sen Park or the $US20m Just 65 kilometres west of Hong These cultural buildings have a Grand Prix street circuit between Jeremy Railton-designed Crystal Kong, Macau is the most densely come into prominence since the 16-19 November. Ayrton Senna, Pool at Galaxy Macau. Salvador populated region in the world. transfer of sovereignty, with the Michael Schumacher and David Dali’s Alice in Wonderland and Reflecting a mix of Portuguese purpose of offering unique venues Coulthard have all won the event Dalian Dancer are on permanent and Chinese culture, the calendar for artistic events, international that is now in its 64th edition. display at MGM Macau while Li is packed with holidays, festivals With humidity levels relatively Xiaofeng’s Porcelain Dress is at and events, including the low, calendar year-end is the best the Mandarin Oriental and the International Music Festival and time to visit the peninsula and 18th-century Chinese porcelain Macau Grand Prix in October there is a plethora of rich cultural Buccleuch Vases are in the and November. heritage to take in, such as the lobby of Wynn Macau. The 31st International UNESCO sites A-Ma Temple The Macau Museum of Art Music Festival will run from and the 16th-century ruins of houses a more obvious, but still 29 September through to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Old brilliant collection of historic local 30 October across The Macau Taipa Village is one of only two and global work. Conservatory, the Lobby of Cultural Affairs Bureau Above: The ruins of St. Paul’s, CULTURE ONLINE Building, Macau Art Garden and built from 1602 to 1640 Left: mam.gov.mo Cinematheque Passion and under The famous central Food Street icm.gov.mo October-December 2017 Upward Curve 73.