The Yuchengco Museum announces the reopening of its permanent galleries. Marking the museum’s most significant transformation since opening at RCBC Plaza in September 2005, the reimagined spaces seamlessly integrate fine art, historic artifacts, and archival documents to tell a powerful story about Filipino identity, creativity, and progress.
The fresh layout connects three core exhibits: The Cultural Legacy of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, Lyrical Life: Amorsolo, and Buhay Rizal. The late Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, who established the museum, firmly believed that a business without a soul is incomplete. The updated galleries honor this enduring philosophy by demonstrating how art, history, and visionary leadership collectively build the spirit of the nation.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to our newly designed permanent galleries,” says Jeannie Javelosa, Director of the Yuchengco Museum. “By bringing the stories of Ambassador Yuchengco, Fernando Amorsolo, and Dr. Jose Rizal together, we want to show how art, history, and civic leadership connect. These galleries honor our past while challenging a new generation of Filipinos to find their own voice and build a meaningful legacy.”
The Cultural Legacy of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco
This exhibit traces the Yuchengco family’s 100-year history, starting from their ancestral roots with imperial scholar Yu Tiao Qui in China to the creation of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) in Manila. The display highlights the leadership of Alfonso T. Yuchengco (AY), who took over the family business in 1953 and brought major financial innovations to the Philippines, such as the Diners Club credit card system and the growth of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).
Looking beyond AY’s monumental impact on commerce, the gallery honors his diplomatic service as a Philippine Ambassador to China, Japan, and the United Nations. His life and the ongoing philanthropic work of the AY Foundation were deeply guided by the values of Dr. Jose Rizal, focusing on honor, integrity, and an uncompromising passion for excellence.
Lyrical Life: Amorsolo
This exhibit focuses on Fernando Amorsolo—the first National Artist of the Philippines—who masterfully captured bright, tropical sunlight to shape the country’s visual identity. The gallery follows his journey from a peaceful childhood in the countryside of Camarines Norte and formal academic studies in Madrid, Spain, to his famous masterpieces that utilized distinct backlighting to make his subjects beautifully glow.
Visitors will also discover Amorsolo’s resilience in his post-World War II years. To support his large family, Amorsolo relentlessly produced up to 10 canvases a month, maintaining an unwavering commitment despite severe health challenges and failing eyesight.
Buhay Rizal
This display gives visitors an intimate, nuanced look at Dr. Jose Rizal, the polymath, doctor, scientist, artist, and writer who proved that words can be more powerful than weapons. The gallery highlights how his banned novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed systemic corruption of Spanish colonial rule, unifying the public and igniting the Philippine revolution.
Guests can also explore Rizal’s deeply personal side, including rare items from his tragic, long-distance romance with Leonor Rivera, who inspired the iconic literary character, Maria Clara.
Visitor Information
The Yuchengco Museum is open Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays and holidays), 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati City. For more details, email info@yuchengcomuseum.org or follow @YuchengcoMuseum, and @YSpaceattheYuchengcoMuseum on social media.
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