The four-story, dome-shaped Museo de Galeón is officially open, and it’s a wonderful sight to behold. Offering an immersive, educational, and engaging look into Filipino maritime history, international trade, and our shipbuilding tradition, the museum has found its home at the Mall of Asia—and it’s very much worth a visit.

At its heart is a full-scale Spanish-era galleon, complete with detailed exhibits on its construction. Visitors can enter the galleon from the museum’s top level, enhancing the immersive experience and reflecting the thoughtful way the space has been conceptualized and designed. Other exhibits explore the exchange of culture, goods, and ideas among Spain, the Philippines, and Mexico. Five permanent galleries chronologically trace the history of trade, navigation, as well as religious and cultural influences. Porcelain, gold, and other valuable cargo are also on display.

As chairman of the Museo de Galeón Foundation, Ambassador Carlos Salinas was visibly happy, proud, and overjoyed during this formal opening of the museum’s first phase. Designed in partnership with Gallagher and Associates, the project also benefited from the invaluable support of the Spanish and Mexican embassies, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mitsui OSK Lines—all of which deserve recognition and appreciation.