Museo Iloilo Official

18/07/2026

Places of Memory, Places of the Heart: Celebrating Philippine Plazas and the Legacy of Dr. José Rizal

On June 20, 2026, Museo Iloilo proudly hosted the official launch of the "Places of Memory, Places of the Heart: Plazas in the Philippines" commemorative postage stamp series in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Heritage Month, and the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc.

One of the highlights of the commemorative stamp series is the inclusion of Santa Barbara Plaza, Iloilo, recognized as one of only two plazas in the Visayas selected for the special collection, alongside a plaza in Bacolod City. This distinction celebrates Santa Barbara Plaza's historical significance as a landmark of Philippine heritage and underscores its enduring contribution to the nation's cultural memory.

The occasion likewise marked the opening of the Dr. José Rizal Exhibit, curated by Museo Iloilo, which explores the enduring relationship between Dr. José Rizal and the Philippine plaza, the civic heart of every town and city where history, public life, and national identity continue to flourish.

Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Iloilo City Mayor Raisa S. Treñas-Chu and L/Ar. Paulo G. Alcazaren, joined by the Museo Iloilo Board of Trustees: Mrs. Gina Agnes S. Espinosa, President; Atty. Lina Layson, Board Secretary; and Mrs. Maria Therese Jalandoni-Macapagal, philanthropist and heritage advocate.

The exhibit highlights why monuments of Dr. José Rizal stand in nearly every Philippine plaza, as enduring symbols of patriotism, education, freedom, and civic responsibility. It also commemorates Rizal's historic visit to Iloilo on August 4, 1896, a meaningful chapter that strengthened Iloilo's place in the country's struggle for nationhood and independence.

Complementing the Rizal exhibit is the Philippine Plaza Exhibition, curated by L/Ar. Paulo G. Alcazaren, which presents the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of plazas across the country. Together, the exhibitions invite visitors to rediscover the Philippine plaza not merely as an open public space but as a living repository of collective memory, cultural identity, and community life.

The exhibitions are open to the public at Museo Iloilo until August 23, 2026.

Every plaza tells a story. Every Rizal monument reminds us of the ideals that continue to inspire our nation.

11/07/2026

Grand Finale of the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026 On-the-Spot Painting Contest.

Creativity, heritage, and imagination came together in a vibrant celebration of young artistic talent during the Final Round of the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026 On-the-Spot Painting Contest, held on June 20, 2026, at Museo Iloilo.

The finalists earned their places after emerging as champions during the province-wide qualifying competitions conducted on June 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2026, representing municipalities and cities across Iloilo Province and Guimaras. Their journey to the finals reflected not only exceptional artistic skill but also a deep appreciation for their communities' cultural heritage.

This year's competition gathered 20 outstanding young artists, divided into three age categories:
Category 1 (Ages 3–7) – 5 finalists
Category 2 (Ages 8–12) – 7 finalists
Category 3 (Ages 13–17) – 8 finalists

With the theme "Museo Iloilo and Plazas," participants were encouraged to go beyond simply depicting familiar landmarks. They were invited to imagine the plaza as a living cultural landscape—a place where history is remembered, traditions are celebrated, communities gather, and creativity flourishes. Through their unique artistic visions, each young painter explored how plazas serve as enduring spaces that connect people to their heritage while inspiring hope and imagination for future generations.

The artworks beautifully illustrated the plaza as more than an open public space. They portrayed it as the heart of community life—a venue where festivals, music, faith, family, friendship, and civic identity converge. Many entries also highlighted the important role of Museo Iloilo in preserving and sharing these stories, reminding us that museums and public spaces work together to safeguard the cultural memory of our people.

After an inspiring showcase of creativity and artistic excellence, the following artists were declared the Grand Winners of the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026:

Category 1 Grand Winner: Johann Umber Mirabuena (Manduarriao, Iloilo City)
Category 2 Grand Winner: Cayenne Luchelle Sallegue (Guimaras)
Category 3 Grand Winner: Rania Erika Tan (Arevalo, Iloilo City)

Museo Iloilo extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists, parents, teachers, partner local government units, and supporters who made this celebration of art and heritage a remarkable success.

The Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026 continues to affirm that when young minds are encouraged to create, they do more than paint—they tell stories, preserve memories, and reimagine the future of our shared cultural heritage.

Every stroke tells a story. Every plaza inspires a community. Every young artist shapes the future of our heritage.

Congratulations once again to all our young artists! We look forward to seeing your creativity continue to inspire generations to come.

09/07/2026

Building Better Public Spaces Through Heritage

On June 20, 2026, the Museo Iloilo hosted the Masterclass Workshop on Placemaking, Heritage, and the Future of Philippine Plazas led by renowned landscape architect Paulo G. Alcazaren. The workshop gathered 42 participants, including local government planning and tourism officers, faculty members, and students from various institutions across Western Visayas.

Representatives from several municipalities and cities in Iloilo joined the learning session, together with participants from ISAT University, PHINMA–University of Iloilo, University of San Agustin, John B. Lacson Foundation University, and West Visayas State University.

Through insightful discussions on heritage conservation, cultural landscapes, and public space planning, participants explored how plazas serve as vital centers of community life, identity, and cultural memory. The activity forms part of the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to heritage preservation, education, and sustainable cultural development.

Museo Iloilo thanks L/Ar. Paulo G. Alcazaren and all participants for making the workshop a meaningful exchange of ideas toward building public spaces that honor the past and inspire future generations.

Together, we continue to shape public spaces that honor our past, enrich our present, and inspire generations yet to come.

Because every great community begins with a place where people, culture, and history come together.

05/07/2026

Where Heritage Meets Art: Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026

Every plaza tells a story. It is where communities gather, traditions are celebrated, history unfolds, and memories are created across generations.

Museo Iloilo, TIEZA, Department of Tourism, Province of Iloilo, Office of the Vice Governor, Iloilo City Government, Uswag Ilonggo Party-List, Iloilo Medical Society, CWL, Double Dragon, Sarabia Pawnshop & Jewelry, Florete Group, and Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc proudly present the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project 2026, a celebration of the cultural significance of our plazas through art, heritage, and public engagement.

The celebration officially began with the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Plaza Exhibition, masterfully curated by L/Arch. Paulo Alcazaren, and graced by the presence of Mrs. Maria Therese Jalandoni-Macapagal and Mrs. Gina Agnes S. Espinosa, President of Museo Iloilo. Their presence underscored our shared commitment to preserving the rich cultural legacy of Iloilo and the Philippines.

The exhibition also features the remarkable works of the 20 Municipal and City Winners of the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project On-the-Spot Painting Contest, held on June 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2026. Representing the municipalities and cities of Iloilo Province and Guimaras, these paintings beautifully capture the architectural charm, historical significance, and vibrant documentation and presentation of our public plazas through Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc., for the support and coordination of the plaza exhibit materials.

Visitors can also explore the Rizal Exhibit, the Museo Iloilo Main Gallery, and enjoy guided cultural tours that offer a deeper appreciation of our history and artistic heritage.

The Museo Iloilo Plaza Project is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to rediscover the places that have shaped our communities and to recognize the enduring value of heritage in inspiring future generations.

We invite everyone—families, students, artists, heritage advocates, and travelers—to visit Museo Iloilo and experience this unique celebration of art, history, and community. Together, let us continue preserving the stories of our plazas and the legacy they leave for generations to come.

Exhibition Period: June 20 – August 23, 2026

Your heritage. Your plaza. Your story.

03/07/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY! BE SOMEONE'S HERO.

Every drop of blood you donate has the power to save a life.

Join us TODAY for the Bloodletting Activity: Donate Blood, Save Lives, a meaningful community initiative of Provincial Capitol Hospital Management Office, the Philippine National Red Cross – Iloilo Chapter and Museo Iloilo.

July 3, 2026 (Today)
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Museo Iloilo, Provincial Capitol Complex

A single blood donation can help up to three patients in need. Whether it's for accident victims, children battling illness, mothers during childbirth, or patients undergoing surgery, your generosity can make a life-changing difference.

Come with your family, friends, and colleagues. Together, let's build a healthier, more compassionate community—one donation at a time.

Give blood. Give hope. Give the gift of life.

19/06/2026

See you at Museo Iloilo tomorrow! Limited seats only, so we're reluctantly adopting a "first come, first served" policy.
In any case, there's plenty to see at Museo Iloilo from 20 June to 23 August 2026.
We have a show featuring some of the country's most beautiful and historic plazas, as curated by eminent Urban Planner and Landscape Architect Paulo G. Alcazaren.
We also have the works from our masterclass on envisioning the new Philippine plaza for the 21st century, as well as winning works from our On-The-Spot Painting Contest featuring pieces from young creatives from the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras.
Plus, to mark our National Hero's birthday, we have an intriguing new "Marites" piece on Dr Josê P. Rizal and Iloilo circa 1896.
So do drop by and say hi!
TABÛ-ANAY kita sa Museo Iloilo Official!

16/06/2026

TABÚ-ANAY kita sa Museo Iloilo this 20-21 June 2026!
Stay tuned for program details.

14/06/2026

CELEBRATING YOUNG ARTISTS ACROSS THE ISLANDS!
MUSEO ILOILO PLAZA PROJECT 2026

VENUE– PLAZA LIBERTAD

What an extraordinary day of creativity, culture, and community at Plaza Libertad!
Museo Iloilo proudly celebrates the talented young artists who gathered to paint their visions of heritage, public spaces, and community life under the theme: “BALIK BANWA: Bringing Life Back to the Plaza”

This event became even more meaningful as we welcomed enthusiastic student artists from Guimaras Island, who crossed the waters to share their talent, passion, and creativity with fellow young artists from across the region. Their participation reminds us that art knows no boundaries and that our shared cultural heritage connects communities beyond shores and seas.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Plaza Libertad:
C3 Category – BEHN SYAN MONTECLARO
C2 Category – CAYENNE LUCHELLE SALLEGUE
C1 Category – JOHANN UMBER MIRABUENA

Congratulations to our champions! Your artworks beautifully captured the spirit of our plazas as living spaces where history, culture, and community continue to thrive.

To all participants, whether from Iloilo, Guimaras, or neighboring communities, thank you for making this event a vibrant celebration of artistic excellence. Each painting tells a story, and each artist contributes to keeping our cultural heritage alive.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the parents, guardians, teachers, school administrators, and community leaders whose encouragement made it possible for these young artists to participate and shine. Your support nurtures creativity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for our shared history.

The Museo Iloilo Plaza Project is more than a painting competition, it is a movement that inspires communities to value public spaces, celebrate local identity, and empower the next generation of cultural stewards. Together, we are proving that when communities invest in art, heritage, and young people, the future becomes brighter, more colorful, and full of possibilities.

May this achievement inspire younger Ilonggo and Guimarasnon artists to use their creativity in shaping communities that value culture, heritage, and civic pride. Congratulations to all our winners and participants! We look forward to seeing more young artists bring life, color, and imagination to our beloved plazas.

14/06/2026

MUSEO ILOILO PLAZA PROJECT 2026

Museo Iloilo is delighted to announce the winners of the On-the-Spot Painting Contest held on June 14, 2026, at the historic Jaro Plaza, under the theme: “BALIK BANWA: Bringing Life Back to the Plaza”

After a wonderful showcase of creativity, talent, and love for our cultural heritage, we proudly congratulate our winners:

C3 Category – SHOUJEE GEPILGA
C2 Category – LIANNE JAMIE SIBUAN

Your remarkable artworks captured the spirit of our plazas as vibrant spaces of community, history, and shared memories. Through your creativity, you have helped bring color and life to the vision of the Museo Iloilo Plaza Project.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants who joined the competition. Your passion and artistic expression made this event truly meaningful and inspiring.

To the parents, guardians, teachers, and mentors, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication. Behind every young artist is a community of people who nurture dreams, inspire creativity, and help talents flourish. Your support has been invaluable to the success of this event.
Let us continue celebrating art, heritage, and community as we work together in preserving and reimagining our beloved public plazas for future generations.

Congratulations once again to our winners and to everyone who participated! The future of Ilonggo art shines brightly because of you.

13/06/2026