Manila's conglomerates are owned by powerful clans whose histories are inextricable from that of the city. Two museums, facing off less than a block away from one another, offer insights into how they live and work. The Ayala Museum, ayalamuseum.org, established by the Zóbel de Ayala family that owns most of Makati, includes a showcase of works by family member Fernando Zóbel, a prominent artist in his own right. The Yuchengco Museum, yuchengcomuseum.org, established by a former U.N. ambassador, includes a gallery dedicated to family history, as well as a bizarre but fascinating collection of portraits of the sweethearts and mistresses of peripatetic Philippine national hero José Rizal (apparently quite the ladies' man).

• 1. Ayala Museum
  Dela Rosa Street, Manila, Philippines; (63-2) 757 7117 14.55355121.02318 ayalamuseum.org
• 2. Yuchengco Museum
  Puyat Avenues, Manila, Philippines; (63-2) 889 1234 14.55481121.02519 yuchengcomuseum.org