Palacio de Memoria
Former namesVillaroman Mansion
General information
StatusCompleted
Architectural styleSpanish Revival
Town or cityParañaque
CountryPhilippines
Coordinates14°31′12.1″N 120°59′39.9″E / 14.520028°N 120.994417°E / 14.520028; 120.994417
Current tenantsCasa de Memoria (auction house)
Completed1920s
Opened2019
Renovatedmid-2010s
OwnerLhuillier Family
Technical details
Floor count7
Renovating team
Architect(s)Miguel Rosales
Website
www.palaciodememoria.com

The Palacio de Memoria ("Palace of Memory") is a historic mansion in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.[1] It is currently owned by the Lhuillier Family, and is used as an events venue. It also host an auction house, known as the Casa de Memoria.

History

There are no records regarding Palacio de Memoria's builders or its original owners[2] although it is known to have been built in the 1920s[3] and have survived the Battle of Manila of World War II.[4]

The mansion came into possession by Francisco Villaroman, a physician and surgeon, sometime after the war.[5] Villaroman expanded the two-storey structure, which became known as the Villaroman Mansion, by adding five additional floors and an observation deck.[4][6] Diplomat and businessman Philippe Lhuillier and his family bought the property from the Villaromans in the early 2000s. The mansion was abandoned for around 20 years at the time it was acquired by the Lhuilliers.[4][5] It underwent renovations in the mid-2010s through the initiatives of sisters Camille Lhuillier and Angelique Lhuillier. The house was opened to the public in March 2019.[2]

In 2022, Palacio de Memoria received a marker for Adaptive Reuse from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts[7] The marker recognizes the mansion's engineering integrity and efforts to keep the authenticity of the building or structure design in order to conserve the site.[8]

Architecture and design

The Palacio de Memoria's original design is described to be an example of Spanish Revival architecture with its exterior exhibiting Filipino Art Deco design.[9] The mansion has seven-floors and its facade is white.[2] While the original architect of the mansion is unknown; Filipino architect Juan Arellano is believed to be involved in the mansion's original design in some capacity. The Lhuillers attribute the Art Deco curves of the grand staircase and terrazo flooring to Juan Nakpil. The residence also has a swimming pool.[4]

When the Villaromans expanded the building, there was no conscious effort for the additional floors and elements to conform with the mansion's original Spanish Revival style.[5] The mansion's renovation under the Lhuilliers was led by creative consultant Miguel Rosales who drew inspiration from the works of American architect Addison Mizner who is reputed for his Old World-style mansions in Florida.[9]

Tenants

After the Lhuillier family renovated the house, the Palacio de Memoria was opened to the public with selected areas of the property made available for rent for events.[10][11] The mansion also hosts the Casa de Memoria, an auction house established in 2016, which auctions off Asian and European antiques.[12][13][14]

References

  1. ↑ "Rare Magellan pieces to be showcased at Palacio de Memoria's flea market". ABS-CBN News. 2 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "Check Out This Restored Pre-War House in Parañaque City". Primer. Primer Media Inc. 8 May 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  3. ↑ Reyes, Maritess Garcia (18 March 2018). "7 Ancestral Homes and Heritage Buildings in the Philippines Turned Into Beautiful Dining Spots". Tatler Philippines. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Medina, Rachelle (4 September 2019). "Inside Palacio De Memoria, the Grand House of Roxas Boulevard". GMA News. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 Reyes, Isidra (19 December 2018). "This beautifully restored 7-storey mansion has airplanes parked in its backyard". ANCX. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "WATCH: Casa de Memoria Auction House Finds a New Home in a Pre-War Mansion". Spot.ph. Summit Digital. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  7. ↑ BrandRoom, INQUIRER net (2022-07-29). "Palacio de Memoria notches another milestone as latest recipient of Philippine Heritage Awards". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  8. ↑ "Palacio de Memoria wins distinction at the Philippine Heritage Awards". Manila Bulletin. 2021-11-25. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  9. 1 2 "The Metro Manila mansion people are talking about". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "Palacio invites you for a special dinner and tour". Manila Bulletin. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  11. ↑ Garcia, Becky (15 May 2021). "Celebrate love in this luxurious pre-war mansion". The Manila Times. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  12. ↑ "Palacio de Memoria: Forget KonMari and catch this old-world vibe". Inquirer Lifestyle. 5 March 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  13. ↑ "Casa de Memoria is back, and its first live auction for the year looks promising". Manila Bulletin. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  14. ↑ Salonga, Bianca (10 January 2019). "An Enchanced Auction Experience At Palacio De Memoria". Forbes. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
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