Art Macao 2023 Guide: Best Exhibitions and International Artists to Catch

Calling all globetrotting gourmands — the much-anticipated MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau is back for its third edition from June 7 to 8, 2025, taking place across the glittering halls of MGM COTAI and MGM MACAU. 

After two successful editions in partnership with Robb Report Hong Kong, this two-day culinary fête will run under this year’s theme, “Flavors of Harmony: A Culinary Journey Through East Asia.”

At the heart of the event is an eight-hands gala dinner on June 7, which will see four MICHELIN-starred chefs unveil their interpretation of harmony through an extraordinary blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean gastronomy.

Cheung Yat Fung is the master of refined Chaozhou cuisine from Beijing’s three-star Chao Shang Chao. He will be joined by Kang Mingoo (the trailblazer behind Seoul’s Mingles), Hiroki Nakanoue (the dynamic chef of Sushiyoshi), and Pan Sihui, the rising star behind Aji, known for his bold take on Asian bistronomy with a French twist.

To further elevate the journey, special guests Chef Yang Dengquan of the MICHELIN-starred Five Foot Road and Macanese culinary icon Chef Antonieta Manhão will craft bespoke cultural tasting experiences, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Greater China and beyond.

Guests can also enjoy a Sichuan-style luncheon by Chef Yang and explore Chengdu Mansion-style cuisine. There will be the chance to take part in MICHELIN-starred, interactive cooking classes and masterclasses on maotai, Champagne, sake, and caviar. 

Indulge in a luxurious Two-Day and One-Night Experience Package, available as a Package for Two at HK$30,000, or a Single Package at HK$30,000, or a Single Package at HK$20,000. Additionally, savor an exquisite 9-MICHELIN-Star Gala Dinner on June 7, priced at HK$10,000 per person.

What are you waiting for? Book MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters here. 

For more information, visit MGM Resorts International on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter). 

Location: MGM COTAI, Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai | MGM MACAU Macau Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau

The 3rd Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF) is set to run from May 30 to June 21, 2025, at Emperor Cinemas (Lisboeta Macau), offering a powerful exploration of queer identities under the theme “Tenderness·Revolution.” Organized by Associação de Arte e Cultura – Visão Queer Ilimitado with the support of LUSH, Goethe-Institut Hongkong, and ten international consulates, the Festival continues its mission to amplify diverse LGBTQ+ stories through film.

The festival kicks off with the Macau premiere of “Bel Ami” by acclaimed director Geng Jun, fresh from sweeping four major Golden Horse Awards including Best Leading Actor and Best Cinematography. Both Geng Jun and award-winning actor Zhang Zhiyong will attend the screening and a post-film talk. The film delicately portrays intersecting stories of queer love, familial ties, and identity crises with Geng’s signature deadpan humor.

While this year's Centerpiece section features a diverse range of genres, from animation to arthouse drama, including "Lesbian Space Princess," the winner of the 2025 Berlinale's Teddy Award for Best Feature, a whimsical and wild queer adult animation; "Dreams (Sex Love)," a Norwegian film that took the GOLDEN BEAR, FIRPRESCI Prize, and Prize of the Guild of German Arthouse at the 2025 Berlinale; a remake of "The Wedding Banquet" featuring award-winning Lily Gladstone, Youn Yuh-jung, and Joan Chen; and last but not least, "Queer," by Luca Guadagnino who also directed "Call Me By Your Name."

In its signature themed sections, the festival delves into the nuanced narrative of Tenderness and Revolution, curating ten films that explores the tension between the human restraint and emotional eruption. 

The Tenderness section will feature films like Austria's "If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile," winner of the Teddy Jury Award at the 2025 Berlinale and "Viet and Nam," which was chosen for Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard, while the Revolution section will highlight German film "Sirens Call," a documentary that premiered at the 2025 Berlinate and "Baby," the film that pushed new actor João Pedro Mariano to Best Actor at the Festival do Rio. 

The Festival is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ang Lee's iconic "Brokeback Mountain" with a special screening, alongside cult favorites like Australian classic "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert" and Canadian film "I Killed My Mother." 

Malaysian choreographer, dancer, and costume designer Ix Wong, is also presenting four of his dance films that reflect queer resilience and aesthetics through movement and art. 

In partnership with the Macau Association for Gender-Diverse Community, the festival will be hosting a panel, "Tenderness · Revolution: Shall We Talk?," featuring social workers and longtime queer allies sharing insights on building inclusive spaces for gender-diverse communities.  

Tickets are available via the official website and box office of Emperor Cinemas (Lisboeta Macau). To learn more about Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF), please visit their website or follow their Instagram. 

Get ready to see dynamic landscapes of China’s Bronze Age unfold in front of your eyes as MGM presents a new digital art experience titled Brilliant Stars: The Civilization of Ancient Shu Immersive Digital Art Experience. 

Featuring the Sanxingdui and Jinsha archaeological sites as its theme, this exhibition brings the fascinating culture of ancient Shu to life, hosted at MGM’s multi-purpose new venue, Fantasy Box.

Get ready to be transported thousands of years into the past, showcasing the Bronze Age civilization’s ecosystems, daily life, and exquisite artifacts. 

The exhibition seamlessly blends historical storytelling with state-of-the-art visuals, displayed across three ultra-HD LED screens spanning 500 square meters. Meanwhile, microscopic views of relics reveal the fine details of this brilliant heritage.

Jointly organized by the Macao Foundation, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and China Poly Group, this free exhibition allows visitors to dive deeper into the world of Shu. 

This exhibition promises a range of interactive elements that allow you to engage directly with the history, whether it's digitally navigating artifacts or discovering the fascinating stories behind each piece. 

For more information, visit MGM Macau on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Fantasy Box, L2, MGM MACAU, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE

Date: Apr. 24 to June 24, 2025

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 11 AM to 7 PM, Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays from 10 AM to 8 PM 

Get ready for a month-long celebration of creativity as the 35th Macao Arts Festival takes center stage from Apr. 25 to May 31, 2025.

Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), this year’s festival promises a dynamic program of theatre, Chinese opera, dance, music, and visual arts, featuring both local and international talent. 

Tickets go on sale at 10 AM on Mar. 22, 2025. One of the biggest highlights of this year’s lineup is "Life of Pi," the five-time Olivier Award-winning theatrical adaptation of Yann Martel’s bestselling novel, making a highly anticipated East Asian debut. 

Also bringing international flair is "Tap Fado," an energetic and rhythmic production by renowned Portuguese choreographers Jonas and Lander, blending traditional Fado music with contemporary dance.

The festival also showcases powerful narratives from across cultures. Deling and Cixi, written by celebrated playwright He Jiping, offers a gripping exploration of power in the Qing dynasty court’s private chambers. Fans of Studio Ghibli films will be delighted to see Kiki’s Delivery Service on the program, brought to life with a magical musical adaptation. 

Local productions are also in the spotlight, with the contemporary theatrical drama "Let No One Sleep" and "What’s the Deal?" which capture the essence of "Patuá Theatre," a type of performance art recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage of Macao.

Beyond the performances, festivalgoers can engage with the arts through 33 outreach activities, including backstage tours, pre-show talks, and interactive workshops. 

These experiences offer audiences a rare glimpse behind the curtain, deepening their appreciation for the craft and storytelling that define the festival.

Tickets are coming out soon through Enjoy Macao’s ticketing outlets and website, starting from MOP120. For more information on the full program, visit Enjoy Macao's website.

After a hiatus of almost five years, the legendary House of Dancing Water is finally making its grand return to the City of Dreams Macau in May! 

The original production was halted in November 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is set to wow audiences once again with its breathtaking aquatic stunts, gravity-defying acrobatics, and stunning choreography.

Staged in the purpose-built Dancing Water Theater, the show takes place in a one-of-a-kind setting, featuring a massive pool that holds an astonishing 3.7 million gallons of water (equivalent to five Olympic-sized swimming pools!). 

With a production budget surpassing RMB2 billion and a cast and crew of nearly 300 members from over 30 countries, "House of Dancing Water" promises a theatrical experience unlike any other.

A recent press conference gave fans a sneak peek at what’s to come, with the cast appearing in full costume for a mesmerizing parade curated by Giuliano Peparini, Artistic Director of the show. 

This fearless new chapter of the reimagined show will tell the story of a brave stranger who stumbles into a mystical kingdom, embarking on a daring mission to rescue Princess Aani from the clutches of the Dark Queen.  

Meanwhile, an exciting new feature is a pre-show interaction, where performers will engage directly with the audience — blurring the lines between stage and spectator.

Having already captivated audiences in nearly 4,000 performances worldwide, House of Dancing Water is ready to reclaim its place as one of the most spectacular live shows globally. 

Tickets go on sale starting Mar. 10, 2025. Stay tuned on their official website and visit City of Dreams on Instagram and Facebook for more updates. 

Fans who missed the Hong Kong leg of the AAA Tour can rejoice, because Hyukoh and Sunset Rollercoaster haven’t hit the brakes yet! In fact, they will be bringing their sensational collaboration to Macau! 

The two acclaimed indie bands will perform at the Broadway Theatre on March 29, 2025, promising an unforgettable night of captivating music. 

Hyukoh, the South Korean indie quartet, consists of Oh Hyuk (vocalist and guitarist), Im Dong-geon (bassist), Lim Hyun-jae (guitarist), and Lee In-woo (drummer). Known for their introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound, the band has garnered a massive following across Asia and beyond. 

Joining them is Taiwan’s Sunset Rollercoaster, a five-piece ensemble featuring Kuo-Hung Tseng, who is the vocalist and guitarist, Hung Li-chen, Shao-Hsuan Wang, Tsun-Lung Lo, and Hao-Ting Huang, playing an eclectic range of instruments that make up their unique sound. The group’s dreamy, retro-inspired sound has made them a standout act in the indie music scene.

The collaboration between Hyukoh and Sunset Rollercoaster began in 2020 when the Taiwanese band released a remake of Hyukoh’s track “Help.” 

Their musical synergy deepened over the years, with Hyukoh’s lead vocalist featuring on Sunset Rollercoaster’s song “Candlelight," and culminating in the release of their joint album AAA in 2023. The eight-track record, their first full-length project in four years, is a testament to their creative partnership.  

Tickets for the Macau show are priced at MOP1288, MOP1088, MOP888, and MOP688. The public sale began on Feb. 18, 2025 via Galaxy Ticketing here.

For more information, follow Hyukoh on Instagram and Facebook, and Sunset Rollercoaster on Instagram and Facebook. 

Art enthusiasts and creatives, stay tuned! This Spring Festival, Galaxy Macau is bringing the season to life with the vibrant Boom and Bloom exhibition at GalaxyArt, running until Mar. 9, 2025.

Curated by renowned Hong Kong art advocate Gary Mok, this display showcases celebrated artistic talents from the Greater Bay Area, headlined by the creative collaboration between Ray Chan, a Shenzhen-based artist, and Sanchia Lau, a Macau-based artist.

Transforming GalaxyArt’s 6500-square-foot space into a lush traditional Chinese garden, the exhibition merges cultural heritage with contemporary creativity. Vibrant blooms, architectural details, and the debut of the artists’ iconic IPs — Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree and Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll — create an enchanting blend of pop art and traditional Chinese New Year blessings.

Visitors can explore three specially commissioned pieces making their debut in Macau, and highlights from the interactive Shake Money Tree series, which invites guests to shake the golden tree to release symbolic gold ingots.

This experience extends to an art boutique featuring limited-edition collectibles and merchandise inspired by the artists’ work, making it the perfect spot for unique festival keepsakes. The exhibition also includes fun photo zones and engaging workshops, offering something for all ages.

Location: GalaxyArt, 1/F Galaxy Promenade, Galaxy Macau

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

For more information, visit Galaxy Macau on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.