Last Thursday, July 23 marked the opening of Transitions, the second of three exhibits that aim to showcase the Manila Observatory’s vibrant history of scientific research and service in celebration of its 150th anniversary.
This follows after the highly successful run of the first exhibit, Discoveries, which gathered more than 300 people of all ages from different parts of the world last April to June.
While Discoveries recounted the colorful beginnings of the institution to its pre-war contributions, Transitions focuses on how the Observatory persisted in rebuilding its identity after the complete destruction wrought by World War II.
In her opening remarks, MO Executive Director Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared the struggle of figuring out how best to show what that period meant for the institution:
“Our challenge in the exhibit was to invoke the rebirth of the Observatory and the renewal of its mission through research in response to what the Jesuit fathers saw as the real needs of the time.”
Transitions will run until September and will be followed by Frontiers, the third and last exhibit for the 150th anniversary of the Observatory, which will then feature its accomplishments from the 1990s to present.
Free guided tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Those who are interested may contact Ms. Mariel Templanza at tel. no. 4265921 to 23 local 300 or send a message to archives@observatory.ph.