SM to open first museum at MOA

MANILA, Philippines – SM Prime Holdings Inc. is targeting to open its first-ever museum in the second half as it aims to transform the Mall of Asia into an integrated lifestyle center.

In an interview, SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy said the Acapulco Manila Galleon Trade Museum would showcase 450 years of trading history between the Philippines and Mexico.

“We will try to revive the whole history of the galleon trade. We’re still in the final stage to come up with the replica of the first galleon ever built in the Philippines,” Sy said.

“I’m targeting (to open it) in the second half of 2016 but there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done,” he said.

Sy said the move to open the galleon trade museum was inspired by former senator Ed Angara, a staunch advocate of education.

This is also part of Mall of Asia’s expansion, with the end goal of raising the malling experience of its consumers.

Aside from the Galleon Museum, SM Mall of Asia will also have a rooftop botanical garden, a football field and a theatre for performing arts.

The theatre would be different from the MOA Arena as it would cater to a higher level of performing arts and not just concert artists, Sy said.