Distinguished guests officiated at the opening of “A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance – An Exhibition on the Resonant History and Aesthetic Memory of Macao Firecrackers” at Sands Gallery on March 18.
Sands China has launched “A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance – An Exhibition on the Resonant History and Aesthetic Memory of Macao Firecrackers” at Sands Gallery, The Grand Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Macao.
Running until Aug. 31, 2026, the free exhibition marks the centenary of Iec Long Firecracker Factory and highlights the historical significance of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Featuring more than 400 exhibits, including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools and packaging labels, the exhibition presents a comprehensive narrative of the industry, once one of Macao’s four major economic pillars.
Distinguished guests officiated at the opening of “A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance – An Exhibition on the Resonant History and Aesthetic Memory of Macao Firecrackers” at Sands Gallery on March 18.
Officiating guests toured the exhibition at Sands Gallery on March 18.
Organised into six thematic sections, it explores craftsmanship, industrial development, export history and the artistic evolution of packaging design, alongside interactive and archival elements.
Jointly presented with the Library and Faculty of Humanities and Arts of the Macau University of Science and Technology, the exhibition reflects collaboration between academia and industry.
Curated by Professor Ung Vai Meng, it draws on three decades of research, combining historical documentation with artistic interpretation to transform industrial heritage into a contemporary cultural experience.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd., spoke at the opening ceremony.
“Sands China has always been committed to fostering the development of Macao’s diverse arts and culture,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd. “Since taking on the revitalisation of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory in 2023, we have actively invested resources to breathe new life into this important era of Macao’s industrial history, reimagining it as a cultural symbol where heritage is renewed through innovation.
“In collaborating with MUST, the Macao Museum, and the Archives of Macao to provide historical exhibits and academic support, and by inviting Professor Ung Vai Meng as curator, we have harnessed the synergy of enterprise and academia to present the firecracker history in its fullest and most authentic form.
“By rejuvenating this integral chapter of Macao’s past, Sands Gallery offers the public free access to discover the brilliance, creativity, and craftsmanship that underpinned the city’s firecracker industry, inspiring younger generations and visitors to appreciate Macao’s strongest competitive edge – its profound cultural heritage. We will continue to work closely with all sectors of society to support the integration of culture and tourism, promoting Macao’s diverse arts and culture on an ever-expanding stage.”
Professor Ung Vai Meng, curator of the exhibition, delivered his remarks at the opening ceremony.
Professor Ung Vai Meng added: “Firecracker manufacturing was once one of Macao’s most important traditional industries. For many older residents, it represents a shared collective memory of the last century. In the 1950s and 1960s, Macao-produced firecrackers accounted for an estimated 30% to over half of global output, holding a pivotal position in the international market.
“On the centenary of Iec Long Firecracker Factory, I am delighted to collaborate with Sands China to present this exhibition, enabling today’s residents and visitors to gain deeper insight into this history and to appreciate the artistry of firecracker packaging labels. I hope the exhibition will transport audiences across time to hear the echoes of a century-long era that belongs uniquely to Macao.”
The initiative extends beyond the main exhibition through academic collaborations and international outreach.
Bringing together more than 400 exhibits – including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools, and packaging labels – the exhibition offered a richly layered narrative of the century-long history and cultural significance of Macao’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries. It represented the first exhibition to comprehensively trace, research, and present the development of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Bringing together more than 400 exhibits – including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools, and packaging labels – the exhibition offered a richly layered narrative of the century-long history and cultural significance of Macao’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries. It represented the first exhibition to comprehensively trace, research, and present the development of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Bringing together more than 400 exhibits – including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools, and packaging labels – the exhibition offered a richly layered narrative of the century-long history and cultural significance of Macao’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries. It represented the first exhibition to comprehensively trace, research, and present the development of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Bringing together more than 400 exhibits – including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools, and packaging labels – the exhibition offered a richly layered narrative of the century-long history and cultural significance of Macao’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries. It represented the first exhibition to comprehensively trace, research, and present the development of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Bringing together more than 400 exhibits – including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools, and packaging labels – the exhibition offered a richly layered narrative of the century-long history and cultural significance of Macao’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries. It represented the first exhibition to comprehensively trace, research, and present the development of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Bringing together more than 400 exhibits – including original manuscripts, firecracker-making tools, and packaging labels – the exhibition offered a richly layered narrative of the century-long history and cultural significance of Macao’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries. It represented the first exhibition to comprehensively trace, research, and present the development of Macao’s firecracker industry.
Sands China will participate in Art Central in Hong Kong from March 25 to 29 as an Associate Partner, showcasing Macao’s firecracker heritage alongside works by emerging local artists, further promoting the city’s cultural identity on a global platform.
Exhibition and related activities
“A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance – An Exhibition on the Resonant History and Aesthetic Memory of Macao Firecrackers”
- Exhibition Period: March 18 – August 31, 2026
- Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00
- Venue: Sands Gallery, Level 6, The Grand Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Macao
Seminar on “Aesthetics of a Square Inch: A Century of Visual Culture Change Through Macao’s Firecracker Packaging”
- Date: March 29, 2026
- Time: 15:30-16:30
- Venue: Art Central Theatre (by Booth P5), Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
“Historical Resonance: Firecracker Label Art from Eastern Guangdong”
- Exhibition Period: From now until March 31, 2026
- Venue: 3/F, Block R, MUST
- Organisers: MUST Library, Faculty of Humanities and Arts of MUST, Sands China Ltd.
“Timeless Treasures: Archival Materials of Macao’s Firecracker Industry”
- Exhibition Period: April 10 ‒ May 31, 2026
- Venue: Lantai Jiying Exhibition Area, 4/F, MUST Library
- Organisers: MUST Library, Faculty of Humanities and Arts of MUST, Sands China Ltd.
