The Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum manifests a solid foundation of Pangasinan’s valuable cultural heritage. This museum serves as a doorway to the past that preserves the historical, cultural, and artistic treasures that have shaped the identity of the people. It is rightfully housed in the historic Casa Real, located in the heart of Lingayen, the capital town of the province of Pangasinan. The Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum features eleven (11) galleries that showcase the story of Pangasinan as a convergence point for culture, history, arts, education, and innovation. One of its features is the Asin Gallery which is dedicated for changing exhibits that will feature different art, culture, and history depending on the theme and season. The gallery is also an opportune platform to feature local artists and artisans, as well as notable personalities and their contributions in Pangasinan.
The home of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, the Casa Real was built in the middle of the 19th century during the Spanish colonial period and served as the first Provincial Capitol of Pangasinan. It was declared as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in 2002 due to its historical and cultural significance as a unique example of civic architecture from the Spanish and American colonial periods. However, due to its age and various environmental calamities such as earthquakes and typhoons throughout the years, the Casa Real sustained numerous damages and was eventually set to undergo a three-phase restoration project that started in 2015.
The project was made possible by the cooperation and contributions of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, then congressman Leopoldo Bataoil, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission (PHCC), the Pangasinan Heritage Society, Inc., and the NHCP.
