The future of Philippine contemporary art is bright, now that it’s found its home in the heart of Makati City.
The Ayala Foundation, which also owns the Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library, is set to establish a contemporary art center at the Ayala Circuit Makati Mall.
With the goal of attracting visitors of all ages, the future contemporary art center will be the “epitome of new,” creating a venue solely dedicated to modern art and innovative approaches to creation and thought.
The center will showcase visual arts to immersive installations, performances, films, digital art,and other interactive spaces, ultimately presenting artistic expression across all mediums.
With the Samsung Performance Arts Theatre and the PowerMac Black Box Theater, the addition of this contemporary art center will cement Circuit Makati — and eventually Makati City — as a prime cultural and creative hub in the Philippines and beyond.
“Envision a space that serves as an experimental platform for artists to explore innovative concepts in response to the ever-changing world around us. A place that fosters curiosity and creativity, igniting a passion for the new and the now. This center will be a space that not only showcases contemporary arts but also nurtures the creative spirit within us all,” said Ayala Foundation Chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala.
The center’s announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Ayala Museum and the 190th anniversary of the Ayala Corporation.
The building was designed by architect Kulapat Yantrasast and his firm, WHY Architecture —known for their major museum renovation projects such as the new wing of The Louvre in Paris, France — and in partnership with Lor Calma & Partners.
Lor Calma & Partners is led by architect Ed Calma, whose projects include the Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and the Museum of Contemporary Arts at the College of St. Benilde School Design and Arts Campus.
This partnership unites WHY’s innovative approach to cultural spaces with Lor Calma & Partners’ deep understanding of Filipino design heritage.
The center is set to become an anchor location in Makati City’s emerging creative district, located beside the Pasig River, and is also aligned with the government’s vision for the 25-km Pasig River esplanade.
“This contemporary art museum completes Circuit Makati’s vision as a center for arts and culture. It is an iconic addition to the estate that not only anchors the arts alongside the performing arts theater, but also uplifts the entire community by inspiring creativity and innovation,” said Ayala Land President and CEO Meean Dy.
The contemporary art museum is set to be launched by 2027. Which artists and art collections do you want to see in the museum?
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