The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is proud to present “Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas,” Singapore’s inaugural large-scale exhibition delving into the historical trade links across the Pacific that united Asia with the Americas and Europe. This special exhibition explores over 140 exquisite objects dating from the 16th to the 20th century, investigating the intricate web of people, commodities, and concepts that flowed through the Philippines and Mexico, engendering a unique cultural and artistic heritage shared across seemingly distant regions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to encounter rare and significant objects on loan from esteemed international partners, including precious silverware, silks, Chinese porcelain, and Japanese lacquer, many of which are being presented for the first time in Singapore. Taking Manila as a precursor of Singapore, the exhibition showcases the distinctive attributes of our multicultural society and underscores the influence of port cities on global affairs.

Mr Kennie Ting, Director of ACM and Peranakan Museum, expounds, “’Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas’ extends our exploration of the concept of a global Southeast Asia, which was at the epicenter of world trade and served as a melting pot of peoples, merchandise, beliefs, cultures, and ideas. The exhibition illuminates Manila’s pivotal role as a trading post and central hub within a global trade network. Asian commodities like porcelain and textiles traversed the Pacific to the Americas through Manila, and conversely, American goods such as silver and chocolate reached Asia from Acapulco. Alongside these goods came cultural interchange, the legacy of which remains tangible in the material culture of the Philippines and Mexico.

The exhibition assembles objects from numerous countries, and we have collaborated closely with twenty partners from the Latino and Filipino community, both locally and internationally — thereby making the exhibition itself a conduit between peoples and cultures. Personally, this topic is particularly significant to me. Since assuming the role of Director, it has been my aspiration to present an exhibition on the Manila galleon trade. I am delighted that the exhibition has finally come to fruition. I trust that it will inspire our visitors to perceive Southeast Asia in a new light.”

Uncovering the Origins of Chocolate, Silver, and Saints

From 1565 to 1815, colossal galleons sailed across the Pacific annually from Manila to Acapulco, transporting porcelain, silk, spices, and other goods. They returned laden with millions of pieces of silver to procure more merchandise. “Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas” reveals the tales of artists, traders, and consumers of that era, emphasizing the often-overlooked connections and influences behind goods that are now ubiquitous.

The exhibition commences by introducing visitors to the beginnings of goods and ideas that are now readily found in Southeast Asia, from natural produce like chocolate to the introduction of the Christian faith.

Tickets are at SGD$12 for Singaporeans & PR; $25 for foreign visitors. Free for Singaporeans/PR students and seniors. $20 for foreign seniors.