Manila, Philippines — The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Asia’s first international convention center and a National Cultural Treasure,[1] has reopened its doors following an extensive complex-wide renovation that masterfully weaves heritage with innovation.
The renovation was undertaken in preparation for the Philippine hosting of the ASEAN Summit and the PICC’s 50th anniversary in 2026. Paying homage to the vision of National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, the PICC’s iconic Brutalist aesthetic was preserved while incorporating contemporary features for greater efficiency and functionality. Each upgrade was conceived to elevate the client and guest experience, from thoughtfully restored interiors that balance elegance with practicality to technological enhancements that meet the needs of modern events.
With these improvements, the PICC continues to set the gold standard in Philippine infrastructure and reaffirms its leadership in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, having been recognized with the Tourism Award for MICE Excellence at the 2025 Philippine Tourism Awards.
A Venue Reborn: the PICC’s Comprehensive Upgrades
The Delegation Building
From the outside, the PICC Delegation Building appears to hover above the front lawn, continuing the illusion of floating volumes, a Locsin signature in the CCP complex. The lawn was restored to its original 1976 landscape design.
The building entrance has been made more spacious to improve circulation and event flow without compromising security, making it convenient for high-volume conventions and events. Upon entry, guests are welcomed by the renewed grandeur of the Main Lobby – its 3,068 droplights restored to full brilliance with new bulbs, its ceiling meticulously hand-painted with metallic powder, its marble floors refinished, and its concrete walls laser-cleaned.
At the right side of the lobby, the newly refurbished Delegation Lounge combines comfort, privacy, and prestige with its tastefully designed interiors and enhanced security measures for VVIP guests.
Conference rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors now feature modern touches that reflect the PICC’s architectural character, providing clients venues that inspire while promoting productivity. Office spaces on the 5th floor have been redesigned with contemporary layouts and furnishings.
The Secretariat Building
The Secretariat Building’s meeting rooms, known for their distinctive wooden lattice walls and high ceilings, have been carefully restored and updated with modern features. The rooms are now equipped with LED screens and advanced audio systems to support events, such as hybrid meetings and multi-session conventions.
The Secretariat Lounge offers delegates an elegant environment with refined interiors, plush seating, and warm lighting, serving as an extension of the Secretariat Rooms.
The Plenary and Reception Halls
The PICC’s most popular venues—the Plenary Hall and Reception Hall—retain their iconic identity while integrating new technologies. Designed to accommodate thousands of guests, both halls now have expansive LED screens, upgraded audio systems, and dimmable lighting.
The Plenary Hall features refurbished wood walls, ceilings, doors, and seating with chairs fitted with new brass seat numbers. State-of-the-art lighting and enhanced acoustics ensure every conference, performance, and milestone event delivers maximum impact.
The Reception Hall radiates timeless elegance, highlighted by thousands of polished globule chandeliers, ornamented ceilings, refreshed fabric walls, and refinished woodwork, creating a picture-perfect setting for banquets, ceremonies, and special celebration.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard has been transformed into an open-air gallery, showcasing 20 sculptures donated by APEC member economies, anchored by National Artist Arturo Luz’s Anito. Restored to its original pebble wash flooring, the space now features an infinity waterfall, improved ponds, ambient lighting, and a 30-speaker audio system. Ideal for receptions and performances, the Courtyard offers a unique outdoor event experience.
Wayfinding and Connectivity
Throughout the complex, new brass signage and upgraded wayfinding complementing PICC’s interiors make navigation easy and efficient, while high-speed Wi-Fi ensures reliable connectivity for the digital requirements of events.
A Living Museum
As the most visited National Cultural Treasure, the PICC also serves as a living museum. A curated selection of over a hundred artworks from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas collection, including newly displayed pieces, adorns its halls. With permanently installed masterpieces such as National Artist Jose Joya’s Pagdiriwang and Arturo Luz’s Grid and Anito, alongside works by other renowned Filipino artists such as Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Napoleon Abueva, H.R. Ocampo, Ang Kiukok, and Abdulmari Asia Imao, delegates and guests are fully immersed in the richness of Philippine arts and culture within the PICC.
A New Era of Excellence
Already open for bookings, the newly renovated PICC welcomes events of every scale – from international conferences and government summits, to corporate meetings and social gatherings.
As it nears its golden year in 2026, the PICC stands as a proud symbol of Filipino excellence in architecture, infrastructure, and hospitality, setting the highest standards in the MICE industry.
[1] Unique objects found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant to this country and nation (Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 374). These highly valued cultural properties are indispensable in the understanding of history and culture of the Philippines.
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