The Taipa Houses-Museum includes five houses with Macanese architectural characteristics and it’s considered one of the cultural relics and heritage landmarks in the area. The Taipa Houses-Museum were built in 1921—the houses served as residences for high superior civil servants and Macanese families before. They now host official happenings such as cultural events, art exhibitions, amongst others.
There are four separate houses: the first one–on the right side if you are going down towards the other ones–is an art gallery space, the other houses a museum–featuring pieces from its heydays where people can do interactive tours with screens set inside–the third one has a book and souvenirs shop (Portuguese and Macau related) with an art gallery on the second floor. The remaining two are usually closed, but open for special events. A stage is sometimes put up at the amphitheatre in front of these houses at events such as Lusofonia.
They are now one of the most visited places in town, not only because of their architecture, but also the surroundings and close by landmarks, dining spots and other popular sites. Some examples include Taipa Village area–with Portuguese, Macanese and Asian restaurants such as IN Portuguese Food, Tapas de Portugal, La Famiglia, Barcelona Macau or Goa Nights–but also coffee houses like Rooftop and Quarter Square, and other historical sites. From the Taipa Houses-Museum one can also walk and visit the Camões statue set in Carmo garden, Our Lady of Carmo Church and also swim at the Carmo Swimming Pool.
There’s also a protected area in front of this landmark: the wetlands in Rua da Praia, where protected species live and everyone can catch a beautiful panoramic view of Cotai and its casinos and resorts.
