The SM Mall of Asia and Museo del Galeon are set to launch the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Museum in Pasay City in the third quarter of 2016.
The dome-shaped museum will feature the history of the 250-year old global trade route where the Philippines and Mexico played major roles. Its main feature is a replica of the galleon ships used for trade.
“The new museum will be a game changer as we see this significantly contributing to education and tourism. We are very excited to take part in bringing back to life this importance piece of our trade heritage and history,” Edgar Tejerero, president at SM Lifestyle Entertainment, the entertainment solutions company of SM Prime Holdings.
The museum will highlight the galleon trade’s impact on today’s commerce, banking, travel, and cultural exchange. The dome will showcase the actual process of building a galleon, while exhibiting relics such as porcelain, gold and other goods that were traded in the Spanish era.
SM Mall of Asia’s ongoing redevelopment, which includes the museum, will expand its floor space from the current 406,962 sqm to a gross floor area of around 700,000 sqm. Upon completion in 2017, SM Mall of Asia will regain its status of being the largest mall in the Philippines, a status currently enjoyed by SM North EDSA which has a GFA of 497,912 sqm.
Museo del Galeón Inc is a non-stock non-profit corporation tasked to preserve historical artifacts pertaining to the galleon trade.