In response to the demand of the Macau Catholic Diocese for the use of St. Joseph’s Seminary, the “Treasure of Sacred Art of St. Joseph’s Seminary” established by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) and the Macau Catholic Diocese will be closed to the public from September 17. The exhibition contents of the treasure can be reviewed on the website of the Diocesan Department of Historical Archives and Cultural Heritage.

St. Joseph’s Seminary is located at St. Augustine’s Square. In 2001, the seminary received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, and became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macao in 2005 and was inscribed in the World Heritage list. It has became an important part of the Historic Centre of Macao. In 1728 the Jesuits founded the St. Joseph’s Seminary, which became an important base for Catholic training. Built in 1758, the adjacent church became the second higher education institution of the Jesuits for educating missionaries in Macao, where the complex was commonly known as “Sam Pa Chai” among the local population. From 1762, the Seminary went through several hands and vicissitudes, returning only to the management of the Jesuits in 1930. This historical seminary is closely connected to the evolution of Macao’s society and it has greatly contributed to the city’s culture, education, art and charitable endeavours.

St. Joseph’s Seminary had been the second and third site of Colégio Diocesano de Sao José, with several religious relics, such as ancient books, oil paintings, statues and ritual supplies collected. In order to allow the public to appreciate these valuable historical collections, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has worked with the St. Joseph’s Seminary and the Diocese de Macau to establish the “Treasure of Sacred Art of St. Joseph’s Seminary”, featuring nearly 110 valuable items and sets. Residents and tourists can learn more about the history of the Seminary and the history of the Catholicism in Macao, as well as the history of cultural exchanges between China and the West after their visit to the Museum.

Last opining day will be 2025.9.16(tuesday)

St. Joseph’s Seminary Church, Sam Po Tsai Street
10am to 5pm