As part of the “one base” development for Macau set out in the 2nd Five-Year Plan of the Macau SAR Government, the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau has been designing and constructing the “Macao Cultural Center Black Box Theater” since 2020. Construction was completed in April, with the official opening ceremony taking plan on 3 July. The theater will support local cultural and artistic creations and create a positive environment for young cultural workers in Macau.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Ao Ieong U, President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leong Wai Man and other officials presided over the opening ceremony.

The new Macao Cultural Center Black Box Theater has three floors with a total area of 3,110 square meters. The building space is divided into two theaters which can accommodate audiences of 140 and 160, and a multi-purpose room. It is also equipped with a cargo lift connecting to a dedicated unloading dock. There are four gravity lifting points in the theater, which can lift large high-level scenery for installation to meet the needs of arts performances.

The theater is one of the key constructions mentioned in the second “Five-Year Plan” of the SAR government and according to the Cultural Affairs Bureau it helps to address future development of the performing arts industry by creating a platform for promoting the exchange of performing arts creative ideas and a positive environment for young cultural workers in Macao, as well as strengthening the development of creative talent.

The theatre replaces a formerly rented space, also known as the Black Box Theater, with activities at the old theatre moved to the new one and event schedules of the old and new seamlessly connected.