Embark on a historical journey with the Asian Civilisations Museum’s Manila Galleon exhibition, tracing the interconnected trade routes from Asia to the Americas through Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 15 November 2023 – Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) presents Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas, Singapore’s first large-scale exhibition tracing historical trade links across the Pacific that connected Asia to the Americas and Europe. Featuring over 140 exquisite objects spanning the 16th to the 20th century, the special exhibition investigates how the movement of people, goods, and ideas through the Philippines and Mexico created a distinctive cultural and artistic heritage that was shared between seemingly distant regions.
Visitors will encounter rare and important objects on loan from prestigious international partners, from precious silverware and silks to Chinese porcelain and Japanese lacquer, many presented for the first time in Singapore. Looking at Manila as a precursor of Singapore, the exhibition reflects the unique qualities of our blended society and highlights the impact of port cities on global affairs.
Mr Kennie Ting, Director of ACM and Peranakan Museum explains, “Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas furthers our exploration of the idea of a global Southeast Asia that was at the very heart of world trade, and was a crossroads of peoples, goods, faiths, cultures, and ideas. The exhibition spotlights Manila’s role as an entrepot and central node within a global trade network. Asian commodities such as porcelain and textiles flowed across the Pacific to the Americas through Manila, and likewise, American goods like silver and chocolate reached Asia from Acapulco. Along with these goods came cultural exchange, the legacy of which is still palpable in the material culture of the Philippines and Mexico.
The exhibition brings together objects from multiple countries and we have worked closely with twenty partners from the Latino and Filipino community, locally and abroad — so the show itself serves as a bridge between peoples and cultures. Personally, this is a subject very close to my heart. From the time I took on the role of Director, I’ve wanted to present an exhibition on the Manila galleon trade. I’m very happy that the exhibition is finally happening. I hope it encourages our visitors to see Southeast Asia in a new light.”
From 1565 to 1815, enormous ships called galleons sailed annually across the Pacific from Manila to Acapulco, carrying porcelain, silk, spices, and other goods. They returned with millions of pieces of silver to purchase more goods. Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas unearths the stories of artists, traders, and consumers of the time, foregrounding the often-overlooked connections and influences behind goods that are ubiquitous today.
The exhibition begins by introducing visitors to the origins of goods and ideas that are now easily found in Southeast Asia, from natural produce such as chocolate to the introduction of the Christian faith.
Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas will also be complemented by digital and on-site programs, curator tours, and weekend festivals for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages. Visitors can indulge in the flavors of the Philippines and Mexico through food, dance, and craft activities, including a paper craft demonstration by award-winning Mexican artist Pedro Ortega during the opening weekend. In January, persons with visual impairment can sign up for special touch tours of Manila Galleon, presented in partnership with Dialogue in the Dark Singapore. History enthusiasts can also look forward to a symposium, conference, and publication in the new year, organized in conjunction with the special exhibition.
Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas runs from 16 November 2023 to 17 March 2024 at ACM. Admission charges apply.
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