Tak Seng On Pawnshop (“The Virtue and Success” Pawnshop) was established in 1917. The architecture, interior design, and furniture would have been very similar to pawnshops in mainland China at that time. To preserve the cultural heritage of Macau, the local government revamped the shop. On September 2004, it received an Honourable Mention in the UNESCO 2004 Asia-Pacific Awards for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage. Admission to Tak Seng On Pawnshop is free.
This old pawnshop holds several exclusive and unique items visitors can see and check to learn more about this century-old business in town. Once one of the most prolific businesses in Macau, Tak Seng On was one of the first ones to open and it’s also the last of its kind. With different rooms to wander around, there are several informational boards written in English, Portuguese and Chinese. With vintage abacus and other measuring and counting instruments, old accounting books and other treasures, this museum is a one of its kind in Macau. Set in Almeida Ribeiro avenue, it’s close to lots of restaurants and other important sightseeing landmarks such as Senado Square, the Holy House of Mercy, the Ruins of St. Paul‘s and more.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30am–7:00pm (Closed on the first Monday of every month)
Also read: The Best Free Museums in Macau