Efforts to build a galleon museum dates back in 2010 when Department of Foreign Affairs secretary, Alberto Romulo, organized a diplomatic reception attended by ambassadors from 32 countries linked to the historical Galleon Trade. In the meeting such plans to build the museum were discussed. Then Senator Edgardo Angara went to Mexico City to meet with heads of relevant institutions to lobby for support for the project to build a galleon museum. Talks with the National Archives of Mexico, Colegio de Mexico, National Autonomous University of Mexico and Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí to discuss on a research collaboration with Philippine universities and academics. Mexican firms Grupo Carso of Carlos Slim Helú, FEMSA, and Cemex as well as Guerrero State government stated that they will back the galleon museum project. The plans to build a galleon museum were supported by Mexican politicians and figures such Margarita Zavala, First Lady of then President Felipe Calderon, Senators Teofilo Torres Corzo and Humberto Mayans as well as Mexican academics and publications also expressed support. Philippine based-cultural agencies requested government seed funding from the Philippine government while a public fund raising was made. A presidential instruction by President Benigno Aquino III was made to provide financial support. However this instruction was unsuccessful. Henry Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings later offered to build the museum and donate a lot within the SM Mall of Asia complex. The Museo de Galleon Foundation was created for the project. In mid-2015, Sy met with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim in Mexico with the latter agreeing to donate artifacts to the SM Group for the museum.
Construction and architecture
An estimate of about will be spent by the SM Group for the museum's construction. Construction began in November 2014 and was initially planned for completion by late 2015. The museum was then planned to be opened in the 2nd quarter of 2016, but the opening date was moved at least three times to the 3rd quarter of the same year, to early 2017, and later to August 8, 2017. The latest given date is planned to be the soft opening of the museum. An architectural firm based in Mexico alongside with architects based in Hong Kong and Florida, United States, were also involved in the project. The museum is being built on a lot provided by the SM Group. The museum will have three stories and will measure 65 x60 meters.
Museum layout
The museum will have a of total exhibition space and will feature a full-scale replica of a Galleon which will be long within the interiors the museum. Visitors of the museum will be able to observe the construction of the replica which will take about 2 years to be completed. The exhibit will have a linear presentation arranged in chronological order. Five permanent galleries and a temporary exhibition space will be housed by the museum. Among the exhibits to be housed in the museum are religious icons, navigation instruments and trade commodities originating from 42 countries involved in the galleon trade.
