Megaworld aims to open the P1.2-B Mactan World Museum by 2027

TAN-LED project developer Megaworld Corp. said it is building a P1.2 billion modern museum in its 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The company aims to complete and open the Mactan World Museum in 2027, Megaworld said in a statement to the stock exchange on Thursday.

The museum will be built along Newtown Boulevard, directly opposite Megaworld’s 8 Newtown Boulevard residential complex.

It will showcase a collection of historical artifacts curated by Dannie Alvarez, chairman of the Alliance of Greater Manila Museums, Inc. and former head of the Committee on Museums of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the company said.

“The museum will provide a visual retelling of the journey and arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew in Mactan, his defeat by the fearless tribal leader Lapu-Lapu, and the Spanish legacy of the Manila Galleon Trade,” Megaworld said.

“The museum will have five major exhibition galleries on the second floor with collections, artifacts, replica souvenirs and interactive virtual displays related to various influences and historical events between the Philippines and Spain. These topics include the Spanish search for spices, the kingdom of Sugbu, Magellan’s early expeditions and the Battle of Mactan,” it added.

It will also feature two concert halls: Flamenco Studio and a Multimedia Room. These can be combined into one large room, which can accommodate approximately 270 people.

Additionally, Megaworld said the Mactan World Museum will offer various activities focused on Filipino-Spanish traditions and culture. These activities include a seasonal bazaar showcasing Cebu’s premier delicacies, a guitar making and retail space, and an on-site Philippine-themed photo studio.

“It has always been part of the mission and identity of our townships to celebrate the art, culture and heritage of every location we serve. We are excited to realize our plans for the Mactan World Museum here in Lapu-Lapu City, a destination that holds great historical significance as far as Filipino-Hispanic heritage is concerned,” said Graham M. Coates, Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls . .

“As this museum is located in the center of The Mactan Newtown, it will provide locals and tourists with a creative way to connect with each other, share interests as a community, expand knowledge and form a deeper appreciation, not only for Mactan but also for the history of our country,” he added.

In addition to the museum, the Mactan Township will include the two-storey Mactan Expo Center.

The municipality has several properties, including the 547-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, the 550-room Belmont Hotel Mactan and the Mactan Newtown Beach.

It also includes residential condominium developments, office towers, schools such as the Newtown School of Excellence, shops, service points and restaurants.

On Thursday, shares of Megaworld fell 0.56% or one centavo to P1.79 each. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave