The building housing the headquarters of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (a body known as IACM based on an abbreviation of its name in Portuguese) is part of the Historic Centre of Macao, an area included on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The history of the site dates back hundreds of years and the building’s distinctive architecture merits closer inspection.

The Gallery at IACM building, opened in 1985, is located in one of the lateral sections of the main lobby. The space was previously used for offices but was converted to a gallery capable of holding cultural and art exhibitions.

A number of stone statues of significant historic value can be seen in the lobby. A corridor connects the lobby to an inner garden courtyard.

A number of stone statues of significant historic value can be seen in the lobby. A corridor connects the lobby to an inner garden courtyard.

Near a staircase is a quiet and delicate garden.

The fountain in the garden was installed in 1939 and has the coat of arms of Portugal carved at the top of the masonry.

The garden is planted with brightly-coloured flowers that contrast with the blue and white of Portuguese-style tiles, recreating the ambience of a Portuguese mansion in the 18th century.

The building’s white walls, dark green windows and blue and white Portuguese-style tiles, provide a sight that no tourist to Macao wants to miss!

The library in the building where the IACM is based is the oldest in Macao. Construction started in the early 20th century and it is now managed by the Cultural Affairs Bureau. The library has a collection of more than 20,000 books, including antique volumes and rare editions.

The Grand Hall is the venue for solemn ceremonies and IACM meetings. The Grand Hall is spacious with wooden wainscoting and ceilings of high-quality craftsmanship.