The first mall in Manila was the Crystal Arcade, which was opened in 1932. The Art Deco commercial complex was designed by renowned architect Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of national hero Juan Luna.
The mall featured detailed metal work, spacious and well lit galleries, air conditioning, and several floors with available space for offices and retail activities. It housed several offices and upscale business, including the stock exchange. The Crystal Arcade was one of the grandest commercial edifices in prewar Manila.
Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1945 during the war and its ruins were demolished a few years later to give way to the new PNB Building. The site today is an empty car park.
Manila’s first modern mall was Harrison Plaza in Malate which was built in 1977. It was demolished in 2019.
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