Megaworld Corporation Plans to Build a 'Mactan World Museum'

Megaworld, a pioneering township developer, is creating a modern museum within its 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, as an ode to the island's cultural and historical significance.

The P1.2 billion Mactan World Museum will be built along Newtown Boulevard, directly in front of Megaworld's 8 Newtown Boulevard residential condominium. It will house a large collection of historic objects maintained by Dannie Alvarez, president of the Alliance of Greater Manila Museums, Inc. (AGMMI) and former chair of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' Committee on Museums. This collection showcases the centuries-long friendship and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Spain.

The museum will depict the journey of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew to Mactan, their defeat against tribal chieftain Lapu-Lapu, and the Hispanic history of the Manila Galleon trade. On the second floor, the museum will have five primary exhibit halls displaying collections, antiques, replica keepsakes, and interactive virtual displays on the Philippines' and Spain's varied influences and historical events. These topics include Spain's search for spices, the Kingdom of Sugbu, Magellan's early explorations, and the Battle of Mactan, among others.

The museum will also contain two performance spaces, a Flamenco Studio and a Multimedia Room, which can be joined into a single main hall to accommodate around 270 people. Visitors can experience traditional Spanish dance performances and short theatrical presentations. An immersive hall also gives visitors an audio-visual experience of historical events that occurred during the country's Spanish rule.

“It has always been part of our townships’ mission and identity to celebrate the arts, culture, and heritage of every location where we are present. We are excited to bring our plans to fruition for the Mactan World Museum here in Lapu-Lapu City, a destination that plays a big historical significance as far as the Philippines-Spanish heritage is concerned. Being at the center of The Mactan Newtown, this museum will provide locals and tourists with a creative avenue to connect, share interests as a community, expand knowledge, and form a deeper appreciation not only for Mactan but also for our nation’s history,” says Graham M. Coates, head, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
​
Three life-size monuments will be conspicuously placed around the stately edifice to add to its magnificence. Lapu-Lapu and King Philip II statues will be placed along the path to the museum's entrance. Beside the main fountain is the Spanish king atop his horse, frozen mid-gallop, while Lapu-Lapu’s statue, on the other side of the fountain, will be captured with his arms raised as he copies the wings of the Philippine Eagle perched on his arm. Another life-size monument to Ferdinand Magellan will also be found in the museum’s back garden along Newtown Boulevard, with the explorer depicted holding up a globe in his right hand.

Aside from its collection of historical relics and art, the museum will offer a variety of activities steeped in Filipino-Spanish customs and culture, including a seasonal market highlighting Cebu's primary foods, a guitar-making and shopping section, and a self-operated Filipino-themed photo studio.

The Mactan World Museum will be the latest addition to The Mactan Newtown. The township will soon include the Mactan Expo complex, a two-story independent convention complex. 

Currently, the township is home to top-tier residential condominium buildings, office towers, the 547-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, the 550-room Belmont Hotel Mactan (both managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts), and the Mactan Newtown Beach. The township also houses schools run by the Newtown School of Excellence, as well as retail shops, service outlets, and restaurants, including the Mactan Alfresco, which serves a variety of local cuisine.

The Mactan World Museum is the fourth museum in Megaworld's townships, following the Chinatown Museum in Lucky Chinatown, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), and the Brandy Museum in Iloilo Business Park. The World Museum is expected to open within the next three years.