It is in fact the only state collection of ecclesiastical artifacts. It consists of over 7,000 pieces, the major part of which was collected between 1979 and the late 1980s. The oldest artifact now on display at Intramuros Museum is a wooden carved crucifix of Jesus that resembles the Bulul figure of the Ifugao. The resemblance is explained by the fact that the cricifix dates back to the 17th century when the Filipinos were converting their beliefs from the native gods to evangelization. Another similarly old piece is a sculpture of the Baptism of Christ but it is not currently a part of the permanent exhibition.
The Intramuros administration (IA), the administrative body behind the opening of the new museum, says the permanent exhibition offers visitors a time jouney to witness the process of evangelization in the Philippines and changes that the natives got through as colonization and a new religion was introduced on the archipelago.
The collection of the Museo de Intramuros is a great example of scrupulous attempt to collect and preserve within the Philippines an important aspect of the country's cultural heritage. With cultural tourism trending, the new museum will also engage a specific market and help tourism increase revenue. The museum opened its doors to the public today, May, 2 and right now the admission is free.
Museo de Intramuros Opens in Manila
News in Asia
The Museo de Intramuros has opened today at the San Ignacio Church in the Philippines' capital of Manila. The museum houses the largest ecclesiastical collection in the country.