This pioneering virtual museum showcases PH history, art and culture

The Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum (SRMM), developed by the Philippine Consulate General in New York in partnership with Filipino American XR designer Ralph Roma, offers a unique, immersive digital platform where visitors can explore Filipino art, history and culture through 3D-rendered exhibits accessible from anywhere in the world. Photo from New York PCG

NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and Sentro Rizal New York have launched the Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum (SRMM), a pioneering virtual museum showcasing Philippine history, art and culture.

Developed in collaboration with Filipino American XR designer Ralph Roma, the SRMM offers a cutting-edge, immersive digital experience.

The Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum is a virtual platform, where visitors can explore curated exhibits, interact with 3D-rendered artifacts and engage in real-time multimedia presentations, making Philippine heritage accessible 24/7 to a global audience.

The SRMM features:

• A digital collection of paintings from the Philippine Center in New York, highlighting the artistic talents and cultural expressions of Filipinos.
• Interactive, high-definition 3D representations of indigenous fabrics from the Philippines, showcasing intricate weaving patterns.
• José Rizal’s masterpieces, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, with links to virtual manuscripts from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ Memory Project.
• A 3D bust of Dr. José Rizal, which visitors can explore from all angles.
• A piano recording of Interlude – Ibarra, based on Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, performed by Filipino educator and composer-musician Joed Balsamo.
• Real-time chat and voice features for a dynamic, social experience.

“The Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum is a groundbreaking initiative that embraces the power of innovation and technology to bring Philippine culture closer to the hearts of Filipino Americans and the global community,” said Consul General Senen T. Mangalile.

“This platform opens a new door to our rich history, making it accessible and engaging for all, especially the younger generation who may be geographically distant from Sentro Rizal New York.”

The SRMM is designed to engage Filipino American youth and Filipinos worldwide, providing an immersive way to explore their heritage and experience cultural exhibitions from anywhere.

How to access the SRMM

Via web:

• Visit spatial.io.
• Sign up or log in using your email, Google or Facebook account.
• Search for “Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum” and click to join.

Via the app:

• Download the Spatial app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Sign up or log in using your email, Google or Facebook account.
• Search for “Sentro Rizal Metaverse Museum” and tap to enter.

Create an account:

• Sign up with email, Google or Facebook.
• Verify your email if required.
• Customize your avatar.
• Go to your profile and choose from the available avatar options.
• Save changes to personalize your virtual experience.