Chairs are products and agents of their social contexts. They reflect and affect society.

Some Filipinos call chairs, “silya” or “siya”. These words clearly come from the Spanish, “silla”. The obvious Spanish origins show that chairs are introduced objects.

The Filipino noun, “upuan” contains the root “upo” which means “to sit” and the suffix “an” denoting a place. “Upuan” can refer to anything from a stool to a throne. It is like the English “seat”. Yet, unlike “seat”, “upuan” denotes both a space for sitting as well as a piece of furniture.

This exhibit aims to explore the many cultural dimensions of Philippine chairs. Several themes are reviewed: conflict, vanity, discipline, power, public health, stylistics, to modernity as well as identity. The exhibit subtitle suggests that, beyond chairs, other related phenomenon like sofas and toilet seats will be studied.

Chairs can be symbols of authority. They can be instruments of discipline. They can reflect international trends. Understanding chairs requires insights into the many forces that have affected forms and functions.

In the world of furniture it is the chair that seems to have been created in the image of its makers. Only chairs have backs, sides, seats, legs and arms.

Do you have a favorite chair?

For further inquiries, call (02) 7811815/ (02) 4061611 local 8269/8337 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it