The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), a symbol of Filipino architecture, culture and global convergence, is undergoing an extensive renovation to prepare the landmark for a new era.
The PICC has been the setting of the most significant moments in Philippine history. It has welcomed world leaders, renowned performing artists and generations of proud Filipinos. It has hosted personal and professional milestones through the past five decades.
Temporarily closed for renovation for the past 5 months, the PICC is being restored and readied to once again bring people together in celebration, partnership and dialogue come October 2025.
Renovation works at the Plenary Hall blend original design features with technological upgrades.
Where Heritage Meets Innovation
Two landmark events in 2026 prompted this historical renovation – its 50th anniversary and the Philippine hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
Months of rigorous planning guided the restoration and modernization of the PICC, a National Cultural Treasure, drawing from conservation studies, expert consultations and market landscaping. At the heart of these efforts is the PICC’s commitment to preserve the 1976 vision of its designer, National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin.
The PICC itself is a masterpiece. Its bold and imposing facade draws people into a geometry of massive concrete blocks displaying brutalism’s signature raw and exposed finishes. The entire complex is minimalist and functional, with shapes, forms, patterns and materials repeated all over its almost 12-hectare footprint.
The original grained raw concrete resurfaces through the work of skilled artisans.
As the restoration unfolds, the original beauty of Locsin’s magnum opus has begun to reclaim the spotlight. In the skilled hands of artisans, the PICC’s concrete elements, which have softened and faded over time, have sharpened. Concrete grains and textures have come out anew, and brutalist strength can once again be felt as you walk down the PICC’s halls and spaces.
In contrast with brutalist inflexibility are the softer elements, tones and curves of the PICC: wood rails topping raw concrete stairways and balconies that flow through various levels; warm wood walls and floors that breathe life into colder concrete elements; and soft elegant lighting that amaze and at the same time draw people into expansive spaces.
One of the biggest challenges to the renovation is marrying the PICC’s commitment to restore with its duty to modernize and even trailblaze in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Brutalist elements are softened by curved warm wood accents and ambient lighting.
Thus, included in the project are key upgrades that will ensure that PICC remains competitive in the domestic and global market. New technologies, particularly complete audio-visual equipment for event servicing, are being installed within the PICC’s rooms and halls. Gigantic LED walls will be integrated into each space, apart from high-speed complex-wide Wi-Fi; enhanced security systems and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Placing the PICC on a distinct pedestal in the MICE industry is its showcase of hundreds of priceless works of art. All of these pieces have been moved out of the PICC before the start of the renovation, except 4 permanently installed cultural treasures, including the massive “Pagdiriwang” by National Artist Jose Joya, and the imposing “Grid” and “Anito” sculptures by National Artist Arturo Luz, which continue to be subjected to protective measures and strict conservation protocols during the renovation.
Along with the much-anticipated reopening of the PICC, the PICC will also unveil its newly curated art collection, featuring key pieces from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Upon resuming operations, the PICC will not only be a leading MICE player but will institutionalize its decades-long status as a museum of art.
A Play on Juxtapositions: the “Brutalist Weave”
Says Atty. Nicolette Ann P. Cruz, General Manager of the PICC: “Every form and feature of the PICC is a play on juxtapositions. Through the renovation, the PICC hopes to bring both physical and sentimental appreciation of this historical and cultural masterpiece to new heights. Entrusted to the hands of renowned experts in the fields of art and architecture, infrastructure, interior design, engineering and construction is the challenge of harmonizing heritage with innovation and aligning preservation with progress.”
She concludes: “This will be more evident when the works are unveiled: light contrasted with shadow; lines softened by curves; coldness tempered with warmth. But into the boldness of Locsin’s brutalism will be woven threads of Filipino warmth and hospitality. When we reopen our doors, we will welcome the world into a 50-year vision of lasting genius and artistry.”
