Building on its legacy of managing the Ayala Museum and Filipinas Heritage Library, the Ayala Foundation envisions this new venue as a space that celebrates visual art in its myriad forms. Designed to inspire and provoke thought, the center will serve as a beacon for contemporary artistic expression.
“This center will not only showcase contemporary art but also nurture the creative spirit within us all,” said Ayala Foundation chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala.
He added, “Envision a space that serves as an experimental platform for artists to explore innovative concepts in response to the ever-changing world. A place that fosters curiosity and creativity, igniting a passion for the new and the now.”
The center, a collaboration between world-renowned architect Kulapat Yantrasast of WHY Architecture and Lor Calma & Partners, promises a seamless fusion of global innovation and Filipino heritage.
Yantrasast, who is behind major museum renovation projects such as the Rockefeller Wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the new wing of The Louvre, partners with Ed Calma, whose portfolio includes the Mind Museum in BGC and the Museum of Contemporary Art at the College of St. Benilde School of Design and Art.
Strategically located alongside Circuit Makati's Samsung Performance Arts Theatre and PowerMac Black Box Theatre, the center will offer dynamic, immersive art experiences, including digital installations, interactive exhibitions, and performances.
“We believe that an appreciation of Filipino culture and heritage is an integral part of national development. This upcoming contemporary art center is an expression of our enduring commitment to uphold arts and culture as an important pillar of Ayala Foundation,” said Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino.
As a key addition to Makati’s creative district, the center aligns with the Philippine government’s vision for the 25-kilometer Pasig River esplanade, emphasizing sustainability and community revitalization.
“It is an iconic addition to the estate that not only anchors the arts alongside the performing arts theater but also uplifts the community by inspiring creativity and innovation,” shared Ayala Land president and CEO Meean Dy.
The announcement of this project coincides with Ayala Museum's 50th and Ayala Corp.'s 190th anniversaries.
The project is a milestone for Makati’s cultural landscape, poised to propel the Philippines' creative industries to global prominence.
