Do you know where you can find a book that’s almost as old as the Philippines?
Probably the oldest tome you’ll ever see in our 7,107 islands is nearly 500 years old, and it is on display at the Lopez Memorial Museum as part of the ongoing exhibit, Trajectories.
The museum, since its founding in 1960, has grown from an initial collection of 19th century Lunas and Hidalgos to include important modern and contemporary pieces. What started as the personal collection of Eugenio H. Lopez Sr., has evolved into a trusted and well-loved Philippine institution.
The current exhibition explores the way the museum collection grew throughout the years. Here are five Trajectories must-sees:
1. The aforementioned De Moluccis Insulis, the oldest book in the collection
This 490-year old book chronicles Magellan’s expedition to circumnavigate the globe in 1519. The book was written by Maximilianus Transylvanus after he interviewed the survivors of Victoria, the only surviving galleon from Magellan’s expedition.