Macau’s Chinese-Western Dispensary – also known as the Chong Sai Pharmacy – re-opens this week after a MOP10 million (US$1.3 million) renovation.
In Rua das Estalagens, the dispensary was founded by the “Father of China”, Dr Sun Yat-sen. The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has held a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the renovation project as well as the 150th anniversary of Dr Sun Yat-sen’s birth.
IC president Ung Vai Meng says the Macau government bought the pharmacy building in 2011. It now serves as a temporary display space for commemorative exhibitions honouring Dr Sun Yat-sen as well as noting the architectural features and traditional characteristics of the building, which dates from about 1892.
Despite not being included in the Unesco-classified Historic Centre of Macau, the renovation work was one of three main projects to help protect the city’s cultural heritage.
IC plans to convert the building into an exhibition venue.
Photo: Macau Daily Times.