XU - Museo de Oro

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XU - Museo de Oro The Museo de Oro showcases three Major exhibits which are the Ethnohistory of Northern Mindanao, the Ethnology of Mindanao and the Fr. Demetrio SJ Gallery.

In August 1967, Fr. Francisco R. Demetrio, S.J. started and founded the Xavier Folklife Museum, initially as an audiovisual aid in teaching Cultural Anthropology and Folklore, which eventually evolved into what is known today as Museo de Oro. In 1968, the Museum was moved to a two renovated rooms in the first floor of the Lucas Hall building, one of which became the office and library of the Philippine Studies Department. Over the Years, the Museum collection had increased and after seventeen years, a three-story modern building was constructed through the donations and help of Fr. Demetrio's former students and friends, as well as the support of Xavier University administration. It was inaugurated in July 6, 1987 by the late President Corazon C. Aquino. The new building became the permanent house for the museum collections together with the archival documents on local history and folklore. The Museo de Oro was also intended to serve as a Research Center on Ecumenism and Inculturation, besides folk literature. After the demise of Fr Demetrio in 1996, the Museo de Oro continued to open its doors to valried visitors -- students and interested public, however, there were not much activity except for viewing of the exhibits. In 2005, Fr Jose Ramon T. Villarin S.J., former president of X.U., gave full support for the renovation and revival of Museo de Oro. In 2011-2012 Fr. Roberto C. Yap S.J., the new President of X.U. approved of the final phase of the museum renovation. The museum aligns its mission to the cultural formation thrusts of the University: to engage in the education of the young people specifically the students; to preserve and conserve the traditional cultural heritage of Mindanao and archival documents on local history; and to serve as a center for Indigenous People's Studies and Local History in Mindanao. The newly renovated Museo de Oro Building Completed in September 2014, now exhibits the two most important sections: the Ethnohistory of Northern Mindanao and the Ethnology of Mindanao.

27/08/2026

XU Museo De Oro is closed today August 27 in celebration of XU Heritage Day and also on the ff dates:
August 28 - City Fiesta
August 31 - National Heroes Day

MUSEO DE OROXAVIER CENTER FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS | XAVIER UNIVERSITY Museo de Oro is a folkloric, historical, and ethn...
27/08/2026

MUSEO DE ORO

XAVIER CENTER FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS | XAVIER UNIVERSITY



Museo de Oro is a folkloric, historical, and ethnological museum of Xavier University. It was founded by Fr Francisco R Demetrio SJ on 27 August 1967. It started as a folk life museum that highlighted the way of life of both rural and urban Filipinos. Fr Demetrio was a Philippine Studies scholar whose work and collections covered folklore, anthropology, sociology, culture, and the arts. The museum takes pride in being the second museum established in Mindanao and the first folk life museum in the country.



The permanent building of Museo de Oro was constructed through the support of Fr Demetrio’s friends and students. It was inaugurated on 27 August 1987 by former President Corazon C Aquino. In 2012, the museum underwent renovation. The renovation was completed and the building was blessed on 27 August 2014.



Today, Museo de Oro houses a wide range of collections. These include artifacts on Mindanao ethno history and material culture, archival documents on ecumenism and local history, folk literature, and contemporary artworks.



Museo de Oro is a key program of the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts. It supports the mission of Xavier University as a Filipino university.



The Galleries



Ethno History of Northern Mindanao



Museo de Oro presents a historical timeline of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Northern Mindanao. The exhibit covers the prehistoric period, pre-colonial period, Spanish period, American period including the founding of Xavier University by the Jesuits, a brief Japanese period, and the present period. It also highlights a local mode of transportation invented by a Kagay anon, the motorela.



Ethnology of Mindanao



Museo de Oro presents an ethnological exhibit on the way of life and traditions of Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao. The exhibit highlights their myths, locations, clothing, adornments, musical instruments, hunting tools, weapons, and other implements.



Fr Francisco R Demetrio SJ Gallery



Museo de Oro features contemporary art exhibitions that showcase the works of Mindanao artists, as well as artists from other parts of the country and abroad. It also hosts performances, literary conversations, and workshops.



Museo de Oro Programs



A. Ethno History in Northern Mindanao



B. Ethnology of Mindanao



C. Fr Francisco R Demetrio SJ Gallery



D. Collection and Conservation Management



E. Digitization and Documentation



F. Research and Publication



G. Sining sa Tag ulan (Art Workshops)

Excerpt from Kelly Ramos art statement: ..."Some artists see Cagayan through the lens of heritage and history, with the ...
20/08/2026

Excerpt from Kelly Ramos art statement: ..."Some artists see Cagayan through the lens of heritage and history, with the iconic Ysalina Bridge taking up a huge part of the exhibition space — the artists giving homage to its distinctive steel structure; while some explore whimsy by painting the Kagay-anon folktale of a mythical golden fish that dwells in the river below..."
PANAGTIGUM REDUX exhibit is until September 30, 2026 at XU Museo de Oro

Excerpt from Kelly Ramos art statement: ..."Some artists see Cagayan through the lens of heritage and history, with the ...
20/08/2026

Excerpt from Kelly Ramos art statement: ..."Some artists see Cagayan through the lens of heritage and history, with the iconic Ysalina Bridge taking up a huge part of the exhibition space — the artists giving homage to its distinctive steel structure; while some explore whimsy by painting the Kagay-anon folktale of a mythical golden fish that dwells in the river below..."
PANAGTIGUM REDUX exhibit is until September 30, 2026 at XU Museo de Oro

🎨 PANAGTIGUM REDUX: KAMI Visual Arts DomainBuilding on the momentum of the DTI-MisOr KAMI PANAGTIGUM 2026 Summit, the Mu...
27/07/2026

🎨 PANAGTIGUM REDUX: KAMI Visual Arts Domain
Building on the momentum of the DTI-MisOr KAMI PANAGTIGUM 2026 Summit, the Museo de Oro -Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts invites you to a landmark exhibition celebrating local creativity, collaboration, and mentorship!
Featuring 50 local visual artists and creatives across Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. ✨
📍 Location: Fr. Demetrio SJ Gallery, XU Museo de Oro (XCCA)
🗓️ Opening: August 19, 2026 (Wednesday) | 3:00 PM
⌛ Runs Through: September 30, 2026
Organized by the CdeO Arts Guild in partnership with XCCA, DTI–Misamis Oriental, ORO-TIPC, KaMi Creatives, and the City Tourism & Cultural Affairs Office.

IN PHOTOS: SINING SA TAG-ARAW 2026 CULMINATING ART EXHIBIT 🎨✨Art has always been more than colors on a canvas — it is em...
22/05/2026

IN PHOTOS: SINING SA TAG-ARAW 2026 CULMINATING ART EXHIBIT 🎨✨

Art has always been more than colors on a canvas — it is emotion, imagination, patience, courage, and the quiet stories artists choose to tell without words.

Last May 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM, the grounds of Museo de Oro became a space filled with creativity and expression as the students of Sining sa Tag-Araw 2026 proudly showcased the artworks they poured their hearts into throughout the workshop.

Together with parents, guardians, mentors, and guests, this culminating exhibit became a celebration not only of talent, but also of growth, dedication, and the beauty of creating something meaningful from imagination. Every brush stroke, texture, color palette, and detail reflected the unique vision and personality of each young artist.

Behind every artwork displayed was a process — moments of learning, experimenting, mistakes, patience, and self-discovery. And through art, these students were able to transform simple ideas into pieces that inspire, connect, and speak beyond words.

To witness young artists confidently share their creations with others is a reminder that art continues to thrive wherever there is passion, guidance, and freedom to create.

Sining sa Tag-Araw 2026 was not just an exhibit — it was a celebration of stories, creativity, and the artists behind every masterpiece. 🖌️✨

IN PHOTOS: SINING SA TAG-ARAW 2026 Every masterpiece starts with passion and practice.🎨✨Behind the scenes of the Advance...
19/05/2026

IN PHOTOS: SINING SA TAG-ARAW 2026

Every masterpiece starts with passion and practice.🎨✨

Behind the scenes of the Advance Art Lessons guided by Mr. Rey Bollozos where young artists pushed their creativity further and brought their visions to life at Sining sa Tag-Araw 2026.

Held last May 4–8 and May 11–13, 2026.

Address

Corrales/Hayes Streets
Cagayan De Oro
9000

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+638822723116

Website

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