Manila-Acapulco Galleon Objects Take Centerstage in Mexico's Franz Mayer Museum

Chief Curator Abrahan Villavicencio shows Ambassador Deapera an ivory crucifix from the Philippines

MEXICO 20 December 2024 — A Spanish colonial-period Manton de Manila (Manila shawl) will be the newest addition to the permanent exhibit at the renowned Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico as shared by the museum´s director Giovana Jasperson to Ambassador Lilybeth R. Deapera during a visit to the museum on 18 December 2024.

The installation of the shawl in January 2025 adds to the growing number of Galleon trade-related objects in the museum. Objects pertaining to the colonial trade that are already displayed are Philippine wooden trunks and ivory crucifix, and Chinese porcelain. 

The Ambassador welcomed the invitation to deliver a talk on the Manton de Manila and the Galleon trade as part of the parallel activities in support of the installation of the shawl. 

The Galleon talk is among the many collaborations the Embassy and the museum committed to realize in the coming months. 

The Museum known for housing Latin America’s largest collection of decorative arts primarily holds the collection of the German-born collector Franz Mayer whose interests in furniture, porcelain and  objects of the Galleon trade are prominently displayed in its permanent exhibits. The museum also houses other collections from well-known personalities that add diversity to the museum´s overall collection. 

Franz Mayer Museum loaned objects in the successful Manila Galleon Exhibition held at the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singapore from 16 November 2023 to 17 March 2024. END

Mr Villavicencio shows the future space of the Manton de Manila in the museum´s permanent space

Ambassador Deapera with Franz Mayer Director Giovana Jaspersen after exchanging ideas for collaboration between the Embassy and the museum

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