In order to showcase the achievements of the restoration, use, and revitalisation of heritage buildings to the public, the Cultural Affairs Bureau presents the “Land of Hope – Historical Archives Exhibition on Leprosariums in Macao” – Reopening of the Village of Our Lady in Ka Ho.
Since 2013, IC has been carrying out the restoration works of the Village of Our Lady in Ka Ho, in phases. Before the restoration and revitalization, the five houses and the former recreation room were damaged and ageing in varying degrees, even being riddled with parasitic plants, as they had been left vacant and in a state of disrepair for many years. IC conducted comprehensive structural exams and analysis, restoring each building, based on its original material and layout. The structural consolidation has now been completed. In parallel, at the end of last year, IC initiated the procedures related to the 3rd Group of Immovable Heritage of Macao, including the proposed classification of the Village of Our Lady in Ká-Hó and the former recreation room, as well as the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, more recently announcing that the aforementioned properties have now been inscribed on the List of Classified Immovable Cultural Heritage.
In order to better utilize and revitalise the heritage buildings, and to enhance the public’s understanding of the Village of Our Lady in Ka Ho, IC holds the exhibition “Land of Hope – Historical Archives Exhibition on Leprosariums in Macao” at the former activity centre and the adjacent house, showcasing nearly one hundred selected archives and related materials from the collections of the Archives of Macao.
The exhibition presents a study of the development of Macau’s leprosy treatment facilities, outlining the history of leprosy treatments in Macau and providing important traces for future research on the history and development of leprosy treatments in Macau. Meanwhile, the exhibition also demonstrates Macau as a leprosy pioneer in the field of relief and rehabilitation, as well as the spread of humanitarianism in Macau. The exhibition is divided into two sections, including the permanent exhibition at the Village of Our Lady in Ka Ho.
When: Permanent exhibition – From November 6, 2021
Archives of Macao exhibition – November 6–May 6, 2022
Where: Village of Our Lady in Ka Ho, Ka Ho Village, Coloane
How much: Free admission
