WHAT started as the personal collection of the late Lopez Group founder Eugenio H. Lopez Sr. has evolved into a trusted and well-loved Philippine institution. In fact, the Lopez Memorial Museum and Library collection now ranks as “one of the finest in Asia.”

Since its founding in 1960, the fine art section has grown from an initial collection of 19th century masterpieces consisting of 36 Juan Lunas and 182 Felix Resurrección Hidalgos to include modern masterpieces. The library currently counts over 19,000 Filipiniana titles by 12,000 authors, rare books, maps, manuscripts and literary works. With the institution’s digitization project and conservation laboratory, it provides convenient access to materials while ensuring that these are preserved for current and future use.

Over the years, LMM has always been committed to move the institution forward by broadening its engagements outside its physical structure, as well as pursuing an interdisciplinary approach to its exhibitions and programs.

With the Rockwell Tent as venue, the anniversary activities kick of with the launching of the coffee table book “Unfolding Half a Century: The Lopez Memorial Museum” on February 18 alongside the opening of a cutting-edge exhibit, Threads: The Museum as Site for the Weaving of Tales.

Threads features contemporary artists Jean Marie Syjuco, Ann Wizer, Myra Beltran, Jef Carnay, Ann Tiukinhoy Pamintuan, Leo Abaya and Kiri Dalena. Abaya and Dalena will craft works taking off from their personal conception of the museum, while the other artists will “cosplay” characters found in iconic works from the museum collection. Taken together, their works will speak on what museums do, as sites of remembrance and narrative-making. Elements of these performances and installation pieces will be exhibited at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall North Court from February 19 to 25.

Parallel to this will be the opening to the public of LMM’s 50th anniversary exhibition at the museum’s premises in Ortigas Center, Pasig. The exhibition, After the Fact, evokes recollections of past exhibitions as well as a preview of future directions of LMM. It features key works from the museum collection and works by Gaston Damag, Antipas Delotavo, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya and Keith Sicat.

After the Fact also occasions the launching of LMM’s new website from which visitors will be able to access a searchable and indexed digital archive of approximately 100,000 images from the archive.

At 50, Lopez Memorial Museum and Library fulfills Lopez Sr.’s belief that by preserving and promoting our Filipino heritage, Filipinos would develop a deep sense of national pride.

Events

Feb. 12-Sept. 18: After the Fact at Lopez Memorial Museum

Feb. 18: “Unfolding” launch at Rockwell Tent

Feb. 19-25: Threads: The Museum as Site for the Weaving of Tales at Rockwell Power Plant Mall North Court

Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road, Pasig. Museum days and hours are Mondays to Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except holidays. For more info, call Fanny or Jane at 631-2417