Macau has always been more than a destination—it is a crossroads of cultures, where East meets West and tradition coexists with modernity. Begin at Senado Square, where colonial façades create a lively stage for daily life. Stand before the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a testament
to the city’s layered past. Enjoy the views from Macau Tower, then wander the narrow streets of Old Taipa Village, where every corner invites travellers into a living narrative.
In recent years, the city has begun a new chapter, embracing art, design, and gastronomy as part of its identity. For travellers seeking experiences, Macau offers a narrative rich in creativity and heritage. Today, Macau is redefining luxury travel, focusing on art, culture, and fine dining, positioning the city as Asia’s cultural capital with experiences to rival Europe’s best. Art unfolds across hotel lobbies, landscaped gardens, and dining tables, making Macau a living canvas that transforms each moment into an encounter with beauty.
Picasso: Beauty and Drama — The Must-See Exhibition in Macau
At the heart of this cultural renaissance is the world premiere of Picasso: Beauty and Drama, unveiled by SJM Resorts as part of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025. More than an exhibition, it explores Picasso’s roots in Málaga and reveals how his early life shaped a revolutionary artistic journey.
Featuring over 140 original works from the Museo Casa Natal Picasso—including paintings, prints, ceramics, manuscripts, illustrations, and more. The exhibition offers an extraordinary chance to see the evolution of one of the 20th century’s greatest creative minds.
The Thematic Galleries of Picasso: Beauty and Drama
Divided into seven thematic galleries, the exhibition guides visitors through the stages of Picasso’s genius, tracing his shifting styles and restless reinvention across a lifetime of work.
Women pays tribute to the muses who defined Picasso’s emotional and creative life. From Fernande Olivier to Françoise Gilot and Jacqueline Roque, each portrait embodies intimacy, desire, and transformation. “Love is the greatest refreshment in life,” he once remarked, and this gallery proves it.
Picasso was greatly fascinated by the national sport of Bulls. To quote the artist, “If I had not been a painter, I would have been a picador.” Here, he captures both the ritual’s violence and its vitality, reflecting his unbreakable bond with his homeland.
Top Ten concludes the journey with ten key pieces that stand out for their importance and shows the complexity of Picasso’s talent. These pieces balance familial devotion, innovation, tradition, and wit, offering a final reminder of Picasso’s impact as both artist and cultural icon.
Interactive installations like the Living Classroom elevate the show further, transforming a static exhibition into a multisensory journey. Visitors don’t just observe art; they converse with it. For travellers, this is the cultural highlight of 2025—and a reason in itself to visit Macau.
Location: Shop 220, Level 2, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Opening period: From now until 26 October 2025
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Book your tickets here.
Art in the Everyday: The Collection at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Beyond the exhibition walls, art continues to flow through the heart of Grand Lisboa Palace Macau. The East Lobby alone feels like a modern gallery, displaying a large collection of artworks from Macau and around the globe — honouring the city’s vibrant art culture and heritage, reflecting its rich East-meets-West identity.
Macau
During our stay at the hotel’s Junior Suites, we were amazed at how the interior is adorn with decorative prints that echo Macau’s heritage—blending motifs from Chinese porcelain, Portuguese azulejos tiles, and local folklore into vibrant, contemporary designs. The effect is both nostalgic and modern, a reminder of the city’s unique cultural fusion.
From the window, the scenery extends across the manicured Jardim Secreto, where symmetrical pathways, sculpted hedges, and European-inspired art unfold like a living painting, framed by the city skyline in the distance.
Art in Scenery: The Beauty of Jardim Secreto
Step outside, and the Jardim Secreto unfolds as a European-style garden in the heart of the resort. It is a living artwork—perfect for morning strolls, golden-hour photography, or quiet reflection. It offers each visitor a unique experience.
Art in Gastronomy: A Culinary Showcase at Macau’s Elegant Hotel
The Book Lounge
Afternoons take on a relaxed pace at The Book Lounge in THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU, inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s private library in Paris. Here, afternoon tea becomes an art form, featuring seasonal savoury bites such as king crab with caviar and smoked salmon tartlets, alongside sweet creations like lychee-raspberry macarons and blueberry choux puffs. Look forward to the live trolley station, where the chef prepares citrus crêpe suzette tableside.
Mesa by José Avillez
Dining in Macau reaches new heights at Mesa by José Avillez. The restaurant features a stylish interior that blends Chinese elements with Karl Lagerfeld’s modern design, highlighted by his signature black, white, and gold colours. The magpie motif, representing happiness and good fortune, serves as a cultural link, continuing the East-meets-West, enhanced by elegant table decorations and a stunning LED ceiling animation. Diners can indulge in the atmosphere while enjoying the gourmet experience.
Signature dishes such as the Tuna Tartare Cone, Roasted Duck with Rice and Mushrooms, and Piri Piri Chicken showcase contemporary Portuguese flavours, while the dessert—a playful nod to one of the Three Little Pigs—surprises with a fun twist. At Mesa bar, cocktails such as the Casa de Abelha (made with chamomile-infused gin, Portuguese port, lavender, and honey) pay homage to the city’s rich heritage.
Zuicho
Head Chef Yoshinori Kinomoto
For an intimate culinary journey, MICHELIN-starred Zuicho offers showcases kappo cuisine led by Head Chef Yoshinori Kinomoto. Guests dine at a nine-metre hinoki counter carved from a 350-year-old tree, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into works of edible art. Highlights include Deep-Fried Lotus Root with Sea Urchin, A5 Black Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Takikomi Rice with Seasonal Seafood, and Okayama Peach. It is less a meal, more a multisensory experience.
The Art of Inspired Travel in Macau
Macau is emerging as a sanctuary for those who seek art, culture, and gastronomy at the highest level. With the Picasso: Beauty and Drama exhibition as its focal point, travellers can embark on an itinerary where beauty is found in every detail—whether in a masterpiece, a garden stroll, a plate of culinary artistry, or a suite overlooking the city. This year, the art of luxury travel in Macau has never looked more compelling.
To make a reservation at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, visit grandlisboapalace.com.
