SDG 11: Promoting Public Access to Museums, Galleries, and Cultural Exhibitions
De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde demonstrates its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing free and accessible opportunities for the public to engage with museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, and cultural artifacts. Through the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) and the Benilde Fashion Museum (BFM), the College promotes cultural appreciation, artistic expression, and heritage preservation while fostering inclusive spaces for learning, dialogue, and community engagement.
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) offers exhibitions and public programs that are free and open to the general public, positioning contemporary art and design as platforms for dialogue, critical reflection, and discovery. Complementing these initiatives, the Benilde Fashion Museum (BFM) provides public access to monthly exhibitions, including its two permanent BFM Corners, which showcase the works and contributions of Filipino fashion designers from the 20th century. These exhibitions are also documented and shared through social media, extending their accessibility to broader audiences beyond the College’s physical spaces.
Together, these initiatives reinforce Benilde’s role in preserving cultural heritage, supporting creative communities, and expanding public participation in the arts. The following activities and initiatives highlight the College’s continuing efforts to provide accessible cultural and artistic experiences for both the Benildean community and the general public.
Free Public Access to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD)
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) provides free public access to contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs, encouraging greater participation in cultural and artistic experiences. Located at Benilde’s Design and Arts Campus, the museum serves as an inclusive platform where visitors can explore contemporary artistic practices, engage in meaningful dialogue, and appreciate the role of art and design in society.
To promote accessibility, MCAD accommodates individual and group visits, offers guided online tours, and provides accessibility services, including sign language interpretation, wheelchair provision, ramps, and elevators. These initiatives demonstrate Benilde’s commitment to removing barriers to cultural participation and making artistic experiences available to diverse communities. MCAD Manila
Supporting Evidence: MCAD Public Visit and Admission Guidelines
MCAD Official Website – Public Access and Visitor Information; Exhibit post
Preserving Filipino Fashion Heritage through the Benilde Fashion Museum
The Benilde Fashion Museum (BFM) promotes public appreciation of Philippine fashion history by providing access to monthly exhibitions and curated displays of significant fashion works and artifacts. Through its two permanent exhibition spaces, known as BFM Corners, the museum showcases the creative contributions of Filipino fashion designers from the 20th century, highlighting the evolution of Philippine fashion and its cultural significance.
Beyond physical exhibitions, BFM extends public access through digital documentation and social media features accompanying its exhibition installments. These efforts help preserve Filipino fashion heritage while making historical and contemporary fashion narratives accessible to wider audiences. By connecting cultural preservation with public education, the museum contributes to Benilde’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting inclusive access to the arts.
Supporting Evidence: Benilde Fashion Museum Exhibitions and Public Engagement Benilde Fashion Museum – Facebook Exhibition Post
