MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month, the Ayala Foundation is staging lectures and immersive activities at the Ayala Museum to encourage people to learn more about Philippine arts, culture, and history. Staying true to upholding “Faith in the Filipino,” the Ayala Museum created these activities to highlight the creativity and talent of Filipinos past and present.
The stories behind the artifacts and Juan Luna’s long-lost painting
On October 14, the museum will present the first of the History Comes Alive: Eras Lectures which focuses on Dr. Ambeth Ocampo’s latest work, Cabinet of Curiosities: Eras in Philippine History. The lecture will look at artifacts of Philippine history and the stories they tell about what it means to be a Filipino.
The second History Comes Alive: Eras Lectures happens on October 21, and focuses on “The Pursuit of Greatness: Juan Luna Eras.” It will train the spotlight on the national hero’s long-lost painting, “Hymen, oh Hyménée” and how it affects people’s perception of Luna, his art, and his time.
The painting was first unveiled to the public at the Ayala Museum last June in time for the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. It is the centerpiece of the museum’s “Splendor” exhibit, which runs until the end of the year.
Ikat technique demo and Jeepney Jazz musical debut
On October 22, Ayala Museum joins the celebration of National Indigenous People’s Month with a demo and walk-through of the Skeins of Knowledge, Threads of Wisdom exhibition. Curator Dr. Patricia M. Araneta will demonstrate the different ikat techniques used in the cotton and silk textiles of the Cordilleras and Muslim Mindanao and highlight how it is also practiced throughout insular Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.
Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) will also host the Jeepney Jazz, a mini-concert series showcasing different themes or time periods. On October 13, Jeepney Jazz kicks off and puts the spotlight on indigenous fusion and jazzy OPM with Project 201.
On October 28, Saturday, FHL presents the second Jeepney Jazz Concert featuring Dan Gil and Bituin Escalante, who will debut New York, Cubao, an original jazz musical.
Updated Braille reading guides, museum membership, and Free Admission Day
This October, Ayala Museum is also introducing an all-new Braille reading guide for its dioramas as part of its efforts to make art and culture accessible to more people.
It will also encourage guests to renew their membership or sign up for different tiers, such as the family membership that allows four cardholders (two main and two extensions) unlimited museum visits, 100 free visits to the Filipinas Heritage Library, and discounts at the Museum Shop and Museya Kafé.
The museum is also introducing a new tier: the Teens Circle, for guests ages 13 to 19 years old. This allows the cardholder to enjoy 12 free museum visits, 15 free FHL visits, and a discount at the Museum Shop.
Last but not least, Ayala Museum will host a free admission day for the public this October to celebrate Museum and Galleries Month. Details to be posted on the museum’s website and social channels.
To learn more about Ayala Museum Memberships and the museum’s latest activities, visit here.
