Holy House of Mercy - First Charity Association of Macau
Macau is famous for its Grand Prix, Wine, Communications and Tea museums, as well as many others, but it often surprises visitors to learn that Macau also has a museum of charity. The Holy House of Mercy exhibits historical pieces and objects of religious art that pinpoint the meeting of different cultures. Located in a quiet lane just off Senado Square in the centre of the city, the House is often overlooked and mistaken for a government office.
The neo-classical Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa de Misericordia) was the first charity association to be established in Macau, and houses the needy elderly in Our Lady of Mercy Home for the Aged free of charge. Macau's first lottery tickets were also launched by the Holy House of Mercy for charity purposes (you can see original tickets at "A Retrospect in Raffle - Exhibition of Rare and Old Lottery Tickets" in the Taipa Houses Museum until October).
On the second floor of the Holy House of Mercy, you can find the skull, cross and full-length oil painting of Dorn Belchior Carneiro, the founder of the institution, plus a bronze bell from the old St. Raphael Hospital, which was founded by Carneiro in the 16th Century. Various artifacts are on display in the small museum. At the end of the adjoining Alley of Mercy stands a bronze statue of Dorn Belchior Carneiro.
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays & public holidays)