The Lopez Memorial Museum is the oldest privately owned and managed museum and library specializing in Philippine material. Its rariori include books and maps of the sixteenth century, works by the first internationally acclaimed Philippine painters Juan N. Luna and Felix P. Resurreccion Hidalgo, and priceless personal effects of Philippine nationalist Jose P. Rizal.

With a growing museum collection, an expanding library catalog, and one of the best-equipped conservation centers in the country, the museum cares for holdings covering 600 years of scholarship and artistry. In the words of a long-time user, the institution measures up to First World standards. Its staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and courteous, which accounts for the venue’s large and stellar following. Since its inauguration in 1960, the Lopez Memorial Museum, library, education programs, and conservation center have become the sum of its parts: a critical resource, a special place, and a spiritual home for enthusiasts of Philippine arts and studies. This publication is one way of unfolding its story and of setting the pace and standard for decades to come.

Today the museum is at the forefront of Philippine exhibition conceptualization and design. This publication stands as a record of the institution taking on the immense challenge of preserving Filipiniana material and digitizing close to three million documents. For the men and women who view this institution as a haven for scholars and who enjoy the challenge of viewing new art, the 50 or so “Voices” scattered throughout the publication will resonate well with the kind of impact that the Lopez Memorial Museum has had on their personal and professional lives.