Macao SAR's Gov't Headquarters to be open to public

The century-old Government Headquarters of the Macao Special Administration Region willonce again be open to the public, from Sept. 20 to 21, the SAR government announced on Wednesday.

This will be the eighth time Macao residents and visitors alike could tour the palatial structure since the opening was made an annual event in 2001, according to a press statement from the SAR government.

Located on the city's Avenida Praia Grande street, the Macao SAR Government Headquarters covers an area of 7,700 square meters and comprises three buildings with a total floor area of 10,000 square meters.

After its construction, it was bought by the then Portuguese-Macao government and used as the official residence and offices for Portuguese governors who had served in Macao.

Following the establishment of the Macao SAR Government on Dec.20, 1999, the mansion was renovated, with its original architectural style and features retained.

For the time being, the front block of the Headquarters houses the Office of the SAR's Chief Executive, conference room for the Executive Council, the Lotus Room, a multi-purpose conference room and a pressroom, as well as the Green Room, the Yellow Room and the Blue Room, which are usually used for meetings and banquets.

The government also said that local Police Band and the Macao Orchestra will perform there during the open day, and the Macao Government Tourist Office will also offer visitors mementos at a booth which would be set up there.

Source: Xinhua