Two months after its reopening and subsequent use for the 2019 SEA Games, the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Malate, Manila will be open on Feb. 1 for its first public tour. Headed by its chief restoration architect, Gerard Lico, the public tour is in conjunction with the launch of his book with heritage advocate Ivan Man Dy entitled “Deco Filipino: Art Deco Heritage in the Philippines.”
On a Facebook post, Lico shared that at 3 p.m. on the aforementioned date, Dy and he will host a lecture at the coliseum’s lobby and a walking tour around the iconic Art Deco structure. Dy, on the other hand, hinted at a 1930’s-era themed afternoon, even referring to the cult literary work of F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby.”
The 85-year old arena underwent its first renovation last year since 1953, costing P250 million. Designed by renowned architect Juan Arellano who’s also behind the Metropolitan Theater and the National Museum, Rizal Stadium is one of the most important Art Deco structures in Manila that still stands today.
Lico and Dy have yet to announce registration details for their Feb. 1 lecture and walking tour.
Header photo courtesy of Tristan Tamayo/Inquirer Sports
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