Introduction
This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on three of Macau's most significant and historic temples: A-Ma Temple, Kun Iam Temple, and Lin Fong Temple. Through detailed descriptions and historical context, it explores their unique architectural features, cultural artifacts, and vibrant religious traditions.
Featured Temples
A-Ma Temple (媽祖閣)
- History: Macau's oldest existing temple, originally known as Tianhou Temple or Sea-Watching Temple.
- Architecture: Features the Zhanxu Pavilion, Hongren Hall, and Guanyin Pavilion with glazed tile roofs and granite construction.
- Stone Carvings: Over 30 cliff carvings on the back hill, including the "Sea-Watching" and "Taiyi" inscriptions, which are the oldest in Macau.
- Festivals:
- New Year's Eve Prayers: Locals gather at midnight to offer the first incense of the Lunar New Year.
- Tin Hau Festival: Celebrated on the 23rd day of the third lunar month with lion dances, operas, and banquets.
- Mazu Procession: Held on the 9th day of the ninth lunar month to commemorate Mazu's ascension.
Kun Iam Temple (普濟禪院 / 觀音堂)
- History: The center of Buddhism in Macau, where the Treaty of Wanghia (1844) was signed in its rear garden.
- Architecture: A well-preserved southern Zen monastery with three halls and exquisite wood carvings.
- Ridge Decorations: Ceramic roof ridges from Shiwan, Foshan, dating to 1817, depicting scenes from the Cantonese opera "Panic in the Han Palace."
- Art Collection: Houses numerous calligraphy works, paintings, couplets, and inscriptions, including pieces by masters Gao Jianfu and Guan Shanyue.
- Festival: The "Guanyin Opens the Treasury" ritual on the 26th day of the first lunar month, where devotees pray for wealth and prosperity.
Lin Fong Temple (蓮峰廟)
- History: Served as a base for Qing dynasty officials inspecting Macau.
- Architecture: A grand four-hall structure with Lingnan architectural features, including a ceremonial pavilion and ornate grey sculptural walls.
- Sculptural Art: Boasts Macau's largest collection of temple stone carvings, sculptures, and decorative brickwork, including the "Three Dragons Playing with a Pearl" mural.
- Cultural Value: Holds Macau's oldest temple plaques, stele inscriptions, and a diverse array of sculptural art, making it one of the territory's most artistically valuable temples.
Exhibition Practical Information
- Date: July 10, 2015 – December 31, 2016
- Time: 10:00–19:00 (Last admission at 18:30. Closed on Mondays)
- Location: Historical Painting Gallery, 3rd Floor, Macao Museum of Art / Avenida Xian Xing Hai
- Admission: MOP 5 (Free admission on Sundays and public holidays)
- Enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
Organizer: Macao Museum of Art
