Sir Robert Ho Tung Library pairs a historic residence with a modern public library extension. Its story links a private home, a bequest to Macao, and a civic institution, making the building itself a lesson in how domestic architecture can acquire a lasting public purpose.
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The library’s green garden setting and traditional house make the public purpose easy to miss at first. The original residence belonged to Carolina Antónia da Cunha; Sir Robert Ho Tung purchased it in 1918. He later bequeathed the property to Macao for use as a public library, which opened in 1958.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- The original house belonged to Carolina Antónia da Cunha.
- Sir Robert Ho Tung bought it in 1918 and bequeathed it for public library use.
- The public library opened at the site in 1958.
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