Interactive displays drum up pedestrian interest in museums

While museums rarely reach popularity with the masses, some galleries are trying to change the way these centers are seen.

One of these museums is the Yuchengco Museum, wherein interactive displays, special lectures, and traveling exhibits are trying to renew interest in the flagging art centers.



GMA News' "News To Go" Tuesday featured some of their interactive pieces, including stylized deck chairs and even a floating rock garden.

Shaped like rocks from a zen garden, the Suspended Garden is made of recycled pulp and is completely safe to play with. Museum goers can lie on the carpet, made from newspaper twine, and observe the rocks, part a clear path through the stones, or even look at the exhibit from a higher level.

"The museum is meant to be enjoyed. Parang masarap na luto 'yan eh, kailangan yung nilalasam-lasam mo siya," said Carla Martinez, Yuchengco Museum information officer.

Beyond modernization however, Filipinos are not natural frequenters of museums. Noted Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo said museums are lucky to receive half a million visitors a year, despite malls generating the same amount in just a week.

Furthermore, he said most only visit museums for academic trips. Bad experiences also cull the urge for return visits.

Despite this, Ocampo believes that Filipinos are naturally appreciative of art, but thinks museums can teach people to appreciate more than this.

"(Magandang opportunidad ito) hindi lang para makita ang nakaraan pero kung saan tayo nanggaling at paano tayo naging ganito," said Ocampo. — Rie Takumi/VC, GMA News