Textiles, ceramics, and gold—plus a meaningful way to enjoy the museum experience—await art and culture enthusiasts.
The Ayala Museum officially opens its revamped permanent exhibitions to the public today, eight months after the museum’s soft opening in December 2021.
Located on the fourth floor, the three exhibitions—Philippine Pre-colonial Gold, Indigenous Textiles, and Southeast Asian Trade Ware Ceramics—tell the story of the “Crossroads of Civilizations.” They explore how the country’s identity, imagery, and ingenuity were shaped by centuries of engagement and exchange within Asia and beyond.
Additionally, a Visible Storage section is now present at the 4th floor, where guests can view a portion of the archaeological, ethnographic, fine arts, and historical objects in the Ayala Museum’s vast collection.
The New Exhibitions
Skeins of Knowledge, Threads of Wisdom
Indigenous textile arts in the Philippines demonstrate the ingenuity, creativity, adaptability, and sophistication of the early Filipinos. The exhibition reminds us that among our indigenous communities are living examples of how we may be able to restore some balance in our lives, the country, and within global communities.
Skeins of Knowledge, Threads of Wisdom will place the textiles in the context of community, environment, culture, tradition, spirit, and matter.
Ceramics and Cultural Currency: Exchanges of Pottery and Prestige
Large quantities of Chinese and Southeast Asian trade ceramics found in the Philippine archipelago suggest an active inland and inter-island cultural exchange within the region as early as the ninth century.
Ceramics and Cultural Currency: Exchanges of Pottery and Prestige examines the practical, social, economic, and spiritual values that Filipinos ascribed to these trade wares over a millennium of exchange.
Gold of Ancestors: Pre-colonial Treasures in the Philippines
Originally opened in 2008, the Gold of Ancestors exhibition has been refreshed for a new generation. On display are more than a thousand archaeological gold objects, showcasing the cultures that flourished before the Spanish colonization of the islands.
The artifacts were recovered from various archaeological sites and contexts across the country, often in association with tenth or twelfth-century Chinese export ceramics. The exhibition depicts how the Philippines was an important cultural center within Asia during pre-colonial times.
Ayala Museum’s new exhibitions will be open for viewing beginning August 3, 2022, completing the museum’s onsite experiences. Still on display are “Intertwined: Transpacific, Transcultural Philippines,” “Landscape into Painting: Fernando Zobel Serie Blanca,” “Dioramas of Philippine History,” Filipinas Heritage Library’s “Liberation: War & Hope,” “Ayala Museum: In Microcosm,” and the “Globe Digital Gallery.”
Cultural Education for a Cause
More than opening new exhibitions for art and culture enthusiasts to appreciate, the Ayala Museum provides more opportunities for visitors to make their trips more worthwhile.
In a ceremonial signing held last July 20, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the Ayala Foundation, Inc., formalized their partnership to encourage BPI cardholders to donate for a cause and enjoy the exhibits at the museum.
Starting July 27, 2022, BPI Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cardholders may fund a child’s education by donating to Ayala Foundation’s Education Program. As a token of gratitude, every P1,000 or greater amount donated using a BPI Credit, Debit or Prepaid Card will come with a free ticket to the Ayala Museum.
“We invite our generous BPI Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cardholders to participate in this effort while deepening their knowledge of the local art scene. This is as the Bank continues to aspire to be at the forefront in championing Philippine art through various initiatives for better arts awareness and appreciation,” says Jenelyn Z. Lacerna, SVP and Unsecured Lending and Cards, Products and Sales Head, BPI.
“Our collection has delighted the arts and culture enthusiasts among the BPI Cardholders. We welcome those who have not joined in this effort yet as we invite them for a very enriching experience at Ayala Museum, as part of our mission to build and nurture partnerships to achieve impact, scale, and sustainability for everyone involved,” adds Ma. Elizabeth “Mariles” L. Gustilo, Senior Director of Arts & Culture of the Ayala Foundation.
To ensure that guests feel inspired and safe during their visit to the museum, operational adjustments and safety protocols remain part of the museum experience. Pre-booked admissions, timed entries, and limited capacity on admissions will still be practiced. Tickets and visitor guidelines are available through www.ayalamuseum.org.
