To celebrate the annual International Museum Day, free admission to all the museums in Macau will be offered from May 16-18. Each museum will prepare a series of special features and promotional activities, including seminars, thematic exhibitions and workshops in order to let citizens feel the unlimited power of the museums to the society.
According to Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) this year’s theme is “Museums and Tourism” and, indeed, the museums will work tirelessly together to contribute to the society, the culture and tourism.
One of the most important celebrations this year is “The Museum Fair of Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong Province 2009” at the Cultural Centre Plaza from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday. Museums from the Guangdong Province and from Hong Kong were invited to participate and attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be held at 3pm. In addition there will be many types of comprehensive performances arranged for the visitors to quickly and simultaneously experience the characteristics of the museums from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.
There will be a great variety of dynamic shows  including music and dancing by Cantonese pop singers during the whole afternoon. Lucky draws will also be held with rich and attractive prizes.
 All the Museums in Macau and the Macau Digital Photography Association, will jointly hold the Exhibition of ‘Museums and Tourism’ Photography Competition. The 40 best entries selected by a judging panel will be later awarded and showcased in the gallery on the Ground Floor of the Macau Museum of Art.
After its proclamation in 1977, the International Council of Museums designated May 18 as the International Museum Day. This date has been celebrated by many museums around the world. Since 2000, the museums in Macau have taken the initiative to promote International Museum Day as proposed by the International Council of Museums and held celebrations according to the specific theme designated for each year.