POLY MGM MUSEUM officially opens “Luminous Brilliance: The Artistry of Zibo Liuli” promoting Chinese culture on the international stage

• “Luminous Brilliance: The Artistry of Zibo Liuli” officially opened on 15 October at MGM MACAU’s multi-purpose venue, Fantasy Box.
• The exhibition features nearly 180 historical and modern liuli treasures, ranging from the Warring States-period Dragonfly-Eye Liuli Bead to the contemporary reinterpretation Liuli Phoenix Crown.

Co-presented by POLY MGM MUSEUM, the National Museum of China and Zibo Ceramics and Glass Museum, the “Luminous Brilliance: The Artistry of Zibo Liuli” exhibition officially opened on 15 October. The opening ceremony was held at MGM MACAU’s Fantasy Box.

Continuing its Silk Road-themed curatorial narrative, the exhibition brings the centuries-old, nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage craft of Zibo liuli to Macau. Showcasing more than 3,000 years of Chinese liuli development through rare historical artifacts, contemporary artworks and innovative technologies, the exhibition highlights the intangible heritage’s transformation and innovation in a modern context.

The exhibition presents nearly 180 pieces (or sets) of historical and modern liuli treasures, spanning from the Dragonfly-Eye Liuli Bead of the Warring States period and the Qing court masterpiece White-Ground Overlay Ruby-Red Glass Vase with Lotus Scrolls to contemporary reinterpretations such as the intricate Liuli Phoenix Crown. Together, these artifacts weave a narrative of liuli’s artistic achievements and trace its evolution through different cultural and historical eras.

To narrate the stories behind these artworks, the exhibition integrates technology, featuring large-scale LED multimedia displays and POLY MGM’s patented OLED interactive exhibit technology. Visitors can engage in immersive experiences such as virtually trying on the Liuli Phoenix Crown, giving them a firsthand sense of the traditional craft’s captivating charm in a contemporary setting.

The exhibition also features specially commissioned multimedia works “A Millennium of Glowing History” and “Illuminated Dialogues: Windows Beyond Borders,” where moving images interact with physical artifacts to enhance the narrative. The Twelve Flower Deities series, placed at the heart of the exhibition, combines Lingnan architectural elements with liuli craftsmanship to create a dreamlike light-and-shadow installation. This immersive design guides visitors into a luminous corridor where Eastern and Western aesthetics meet and harmonize through cultural exchange. 

Bringing the exhibition atmosphere into public spaces

During the exhibition period, the Grande Praça outside POLY MGM MUSEUM, the resort’s signature central atrium, transforms into a radiant liuli garden of light and glass, extending the exhibition atmosphere into public spaces.

The limited-time Museum Store features exclusive cultural-creative merchandise curated by the museum, alongside exquisite liuli artworks and craft pieces from Zibo – encouraging visitors to bring the aesthetics of liuli from the museum into everyday life. A dedicated “Luminous Moments” photo zone also invites visitors to capture memorable moments inspired by the exhibition.

In addition, POLY MGM MUSEUM has launched its popular mobile interactive game, while an immersive museum-themed night tour program is scheduled to make a return, enriching both online and offline cultural and tourism experiences.

Special opening ceremony honoring liuli artistry

On 15 October, the organizers hosted a grand opening ceremony, attended by high-profile dignitaries including Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Yang Weiqun, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Counsellor Ma Nai Fang, Director of the Policy Research Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao SAR; alongside representatives from POLY Group, the Macao SAR Government and cultural sectors across China and Macau.

To celebrate the exhibition, Guo Qing, Vice Mayor of Zibo, and Song Aixiang, Director-General of Zibo Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, presented the lampworked liuli artwork “Lotus Blossoms in Prosperity, Good Fortune Upon Macau” to POLY MGM MUSEUM. The symbolic work, inspired by Macau’s UNESCO-listed Ruins of St. Paul’s, incorporates lotus motifs and koi elements, blending Zibo’s unique craftsmanship with Macau’s local culture. Zu Bin and Pansy Ho jointly received the artwork on behalf of POLY MGM MUSEUM.

Guo Qing noted that Zibo is the birthplace of Qi culture and the hometown of Chinese liuli, where generations of artisans have used flame as their brush and molten glass as their ink, breathing life and vitality into the craft. He expressed the hope that this exhibition would serve as a bridge, helping audiences from China and around the world gain a deeper understanding of Zibo and fall in love with liuli.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chen Li, Deputy Director, National Museum of China, remarked, “Zibo liuli embodies the wisdom and innovative spirit of generations of artisans and carries a rich cultural legacy. Today, we bring this distinctive exhibition to Macau, where historic and contemporary liuli masterpieces are presented in three chapters: “Forging a Millennium Legacy,” “Eternal Iridescence” and “Exquisite Objects of Timeless Elegance.” Together, they trace the development of Chinese liuli art and highlight its distinctive craftsmanship, fully demonstrating the enduring heritage and contemporary transformation of traditional Chinese glassmaking. We sincerely hope visitors will step into the dazzling world of Zibo liuli and experience the unique charm of Chinese liuli art.”

Pansy Ho, MGM China’s Chairperson and Executive Director, added, “Twenty years ago, when MGM was first established, we identified culture and the arts as a core strategic pillar because we firmly believe that culture is the soul of tourism and the strongest foundation for Macau’s diversified economic development. Through concrete actions, we have continued to explore Macau’s unique pathway for integrating culture and tourism. The POLY MGM MUSEUM provides a platform where diverse cultures along the Silk Road can meet, engage and learn from one another in Macau, a city where East and West converge. MGM will continue to serve as both a ‘connector’ and a ‘partner’ in cultural exchange. We look forward to working with more collaborators to write a new chapter in the high-quality development of cultural tourism and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture.”

A premium world-class cultural tourism landmark

The POLY MGM MUSEUM is dedicated to preserving and promoting the richness of Chinese cultural heritage while showcasing the beauty of intangible cultural traditions. Since opening in November 2024, the museum has presented two Silk Road-themed exhibitions and continued to collaborate with museums, cultural and artistic institutions in China and around the world, expanding its network for cultural exchange and cooperation. These efforts have received widespread recognition from visitors and the cultural sector alike. To date, the POLY MGM MUSEUM has welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors from over 50 countries and regions. It has become one of Macau’s most prominent cultural tourism landmarks and an important platform for showcasing the excellence of traditional Chinese culture to international audiences.