Dead heritage

Alexandra Lages

Last week, everyone was very excited about the opening of the Mandarin’s House. This building listed by Unesco as a world heritage site has been under restoration since July 2001. After a two year delay and an increase of MOP 7 million on the initial budget, the biggest historical residence of Macau is finally ready to figure in the local list of cultural attractions...or perhaps not.
The Mandarin’s House is famous for both good and bad reasons. Aside from its architectural and historical value, it has been the cause of some controversy and criticism during these eight years of restoration. In fact, it is amazing how one building can say so much about the cultural policy of the Macau Government. And in this case, I have to quote lawmaker Mak Soi Kun who recently introduced the subject at the Legislative Assembly.
Mak Soi Kun questioned the working methods of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) asking why the restoration process took so long and had so many changes in the plan.
But the scale of the problem is much bigger. From my point of view, the opening of the Mandarin’s House was a disappointment.
What I saw are beautiful façades and well restored doors, windows and hangings. Indeed, you can learn about its value, but the house is also just about walls and empty rooms.
Firstly, it is well-known that Macau is a international tourist city, but not for its heritage. Before being a site of heritage interest, Macau is a gaming hub. Casinos are what make people come here and thus the old buildings and the mix between east and west features are a secondary option, working as a sort of complement.
Secondly, the Mandarin’s House is located in a heritage site – Barra – where you can also find other world heritage buildings, but it is not easy to get there. Most of the roads are too narrow and one-way, and it is very difficult to park.
There was a project of setting a boutique hotel within the house, but it was rejected by heritage experts.  On Friday, it became clear that the Government has no concrete plans to promote activities at the residence for the next three years.
At present it is holding an exhibition on its restoring process. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Cheong U, told reporters that the residence may become a memorial to Zheng Guanying. Still, it is only a possibility.
The Government is doing a good job in terms of heritage conservation, but it is time to realize that some buildings also have other kind of needs. They must hold activities at these sites, to attract the people and encourage them to visit these places.
The Lou Kau Mansion, located at Senado Square, is a good example of how an old building can have some sort of life. Every month different Chinese craft artisans are invited to exhibit theirs skills and art crafts to visitors.
However, the Lou Kau Mansion is benefitting from its location, in the middle of the city centre. The Government should make more efforts at the Mandarin’s House so the residence can fully contribute to the culture of Macau.