Monument and memory refreshed: The National Museum and Kärcher partner to clean Gomburza landmark

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and Kärcher, the German brand and global leader in professional cleaning technology, undertook a conservation-safe cleaning of the Gomburza National Monument — a collaboration that brings together technology, heritage and innovation in safeguarding one of the Philippines’ most significant public artworks.

“Through this collaboration, Kärcher demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving our historical treasures while supporting the museum’s ongoing efforts in conservation and public education. We look forward to presenting this monument in a refreshed and pristine condition — ready to inspire and be admired by thousands of visitors, tourists, and commuters alike,” said Jeremy R. Barns, NMP director general, in a speech read by NMP deputy director-general for Administration Maria Rosenne Flores-Avila during a press conference at the museum on 22 October.

Beyond the cleaning project, Kärcher’s collaboration with the National Museum also includes the donation of modern cleaning equipment to aid in future conservation efforts. In a brief turnover ceremony, Valerio Perucci, Kärcher regional president for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan and Bangladesh, and Darwin Bañez, general manager of Kärcher Philippines, formally handed over three high-performance Kärcher cleaning machines to the NMP, represented by Flores-Avila.

“We are honored that we can formally receive the donation of state-of-the-art cleaning equipment along with the invaluable cleaning support graciously provided by our partner, Kärcher Philippines,” said Flores-Avila.

Implemented in time for the celebration of Museums and Galleries Month, the cleaning effort is part of Kärcher’s 90th anniversary challenge to complete 90 cleaning projects around the world in 2025, and marks the 10th anniversary of Kärcher Philippines, making this milestone undertaking both symbolic and historic.

“This initiative reflects Kärcher’s belief that technology should serve memory and meaning. Through the conservation-safe cleaning of the Gomburza National Monument, we are safeguarding cultural heritage by using careful, science-informed methods to bring back details time had obscured, so the public can read the artwork as its creator intended, while the monument’s integrity remains fully protected,” said Bañez.

“Here in the Philippines, we are proud that this effort marks a perfect 10 — our 10th monument cleaning in the 10th month during our 10th year as Kärcher Philippines,” he added.

The Gomburza National Monument, located along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila, joins the roster of other Philippine landmarks that have benefited from Kärcher’s advanced cleaning efforts. These include the San Agustin Church, EDSA People Power Monument, Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Jose Rizal Monument, Fort Santiago, Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in Parañaque City, Diocesan Shrine and Church of Our Lady of Candelaria in Silang, Minor Basilica of San Sebastian and Andres Bonifacio Monument.

Through its cultural sponsorships, cleanup campaigns, community initiatives and partnerships with cultural institutions, Kärcher has been building a name in heritage cleaning worldwide with projects that include the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the statues of Mount Rushmore in the United States. The company aims to demonstrate how modern technology can support the conservation of monuments that hold deep historical meanings.

Perucci described the company’s science-based approach to each project: “Before any project begins, our team always carries out thorough testing to understand the case, the material, and the type of dirt that needs to be removed. Only after this test do we apply the best cleaning method, using Kärcher technology to ensure sustainable results. Here at the museum, we are using a combination of gentle cleaning for the monument and deeper cleaning for the surrounding plaza. All is done with pure water only — no chemicals — and with full respect for the original material. Of course, technology alone is not enough. Behind every cultural project, there is a team of passionate people — engineers, technicians, and local partners—who make this possible.”

They also said that they undertook each project with deep respect.

Created by acclaimed Filipino sculptor Solomon Saprid and first inaugurated on 17 January 1972, the bronze Gomburza monument commemorates the martyrdom of three Filipino priests — Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora — collectively known as Gomburza, who were executed on 17 February 1872, after being accused of involvement in the Cavite Mutiny. Their deaths became a turning point in Philippine history, inspiring a generation of nationalists including Dr. José Rizal.

Originally installed at Plaza de Roma in Intramuros, the monument was later relocated to its current site in 1980, where it now faces the National Museum of Fine Arts. On 17 February 2021, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines officially declared Liwasang Gomburza as a national monument during the 150th death anniversary of the priests.

For Kärcher Philippines, the cleaning of the Gomburza National Monument is a testament to how modern industry can take an active role in honoring the past. The company and the National Museum reaffirm a shared vision: that innovation, when guided by care, can help preserve the nation’s heritage for generations to come.