The Poly MGM Museum, a collaboration between Poly Culture Group Corporation and MGM, opened in November 2024 in Macau, aiming to bridge Eastern and Western cultural narratives. Spanning 2,000 square meters, the museum’s inaugural exhibition focused on the Maritime Silk Road, featuring approximately 230 artifacts sourced from 20 international museums and galleries. A key highlight of the exhibit was the inclusion of four bronze zodiac heads from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, displayed until late April 2025.
This venture marks a significant cultural initiative by Poly Culture Group, the art and antiques division of a major Chinese state-run conglomerate with diverse interests, including resources and real estate. MGM, a prominent casino operator and one of the six gaming concessionaires in Macau, has partnered in the project as part of its broader commitment to enhancing the region’s non-gaming offerings.
Under the terms of its current 10-year license, MGM, along with other Macau casino operators, is required to invest a total of MOP 108.7 billion (approximately HK$105.53 billion) in non-gaming ventures. These investments may encompass a wide range of projects, from sports arenas to healthcare facilities, and now, cultural landmarks like the Poly MGM Museum.
In a bid to engage modern audiences, the museum blends traditional artifacts with cutting-edge technology. Utilizing proprietary OLED screens for interactive displays and directional audio systems, the Poly MGM Museum offers a multisensory experience, ensuring that exhibits captivate visitors and encourage deeper engagement. The tech-forward approach has proven successful, with more than half a million visitors passing through the museum’s doors in under five months. Among the notable visitors was Chen, a resident of Foshan, who was named the 500,000th guest. He praised the high-tech features, particularly the OLED displays, which helped his family better understand the historical significance of each piece.
The current exhibition is scheduled to run until September 2025, although details about its successor remain limited. However, the museum’s commitment to integrating technology with cultural exhibits is likely to continue. In January 2025, the museum hosted a symposium of art and technology experts, highlighting a shift in how cultural experiences are presented. Sun Xiaobing, an expert from Art Exhibitions China, emphasized the growing importance of modern technology in exhibitions, stating that “traditional physical exhibitions can no longer meet the modern audience’s expectation for a deeper interpretation of culture.”
The Poly MGM Museum stands as a symbol of Macau’s evolving role as a cultural and tourism hub, offering a unique blend of heritage and innovation that is reshaping the region’s visitor experience.
