The Association of the eight panoramas of Macao selected the landscape that merges the classified area constituted by the Taipa Houses-Museum, the Carmo Church, the former Carmo Library and the two little gardens as one of the eight views of Macao. Especially the Taipa Houses-Museum, which includes five typical green houses with Macanese architectural characteristics of Portuguese Matrix, is considered one of the cultural relics and heritages of the Island.

The Taipa Houses-Museum was built in 1921, which had been the residences for high superiors and Macanese families. In the 80’s, the Tourist Department of Macao (now the Macao Government Tourist Office) bought and recovered them. In late 90’s, the government decided to fully remodel them, recognizing its important architectural value, transforming them into museums and renaming the houses as “Macanese House”, “House of the Islands”, “House of the Portugal Regions”, “Exhibition Gallery” and “House for Reception”. The Taipa Houses-Museum opened to public on 5 December 1999 and is administered by the Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau.

The “Macanese House” is one of the Macao’s typical houses in colonial style. It reminds visitors a period of Portuguese splendor that was characterized by frequent affluence of the British, Manchu, Mandarins and traders in this tiny territory. Wandering along the houses, anyone can admire and recognize the living standard of the Macanese families during that period. The characteristic of the house, furniture, objects, replicas and decoration is from the beginning of the 20 th century.

House of the Islands

The Macanese are not just citizens of Macao – participating and witnessing Macao’s history have made them a living record of the city. Understanding the Macanese opens a window into Macao’s history and culture. “In Love with the Macanese – A Photograph Exhibition” will take place in the house of the Islands. The House of the Islands represents a typical historic Portuguese residence. Old photographs integrated into the ambiance of the House of the Islands evoke the feeling of cherishing the past.

House of the Portugal Regions

The “House of the Portugal Regions ” is where Portuguese costume from different regions is shown.

Exhibition Gallery

The Gallery serves as a venue to host different kinds of exhibitions periodically with theme of photography, western painting, ceramics and ware, sculpture etc and so far has invited different artists from all over the world such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Poland and Mexico, and aims to feature more elements for the exhibitions from overseas.

House for Reception

The “House for Reception” is designed only for government reception, as well as cultural events and gastronomy festivals.