The National Museum of the Philippines
A five-minute walk from Rizal Park is the National Museum, the repository of the country’s cultural, historical and natural heritage. It houses the representative works of the National Artists, as well as the renowned paintings of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Juan Luna, 19th Century artists whose pieces won in art competitions in Spain.
The museum also puts on display some prehistoric finds, including the Tabon skullcap, pottery, ceramics and other artifacts from China and Indochina and remnants of pre-Hispanic boats that brought Malay immigrants to the Philippines dating to about 1250 A.D. Other establishments worth visiting in the area are the Metropolitan Theater and the National Library.
The building was part of Daniel Burnham's plan for the development of Manila. Upon its completion, the second, third, and fourth floors were occupied by the Senate and House of Representatives while the ground floor was occupied by the National Library. In mid-1996, the Senate of the Philippines moved out of the building. In 2003, renovation started to transform it into National Art Gallery of the national Museum.
As of writing, the National Museum of the Philippines is currently under reconstruction but do not despair. Instead head around the corner to the Museum of the Philippines People. This particular museum is world standard and a “must see” for at least two to three hours. It is immediately behind the National Museum (south) a handsome building on Finance Road.
Start at the bottom or start at the top, walk the stairs or catch the elevator. You will enjoy the kaleidoscope of Filipiniana, dress, artifacts, lifestyle, art, environment and the walk through historic surroundings. Start at the top and with the weaving and wafting skills, the history the people and the product. Treasures, gold ornaments and adornments, eating and fighting utensils of old and not so old can be found.
Art and artists of the Philippines are world renowned and well represented through the displays here. There are special displays of youth art from time to time if you are lucky enough to catch one of these, don’t miss it, you will no be disappointed at the underlying and inherit skills of the Filipino.
The wreck of the 15th century Manila/Spanish galleon “Santiago” is displayed in simulation of the ocean bead in which it has rested for centuries. This is a very modern, well preserved and presented display for such an ancient and beautiful lady.
Provincial life and life style, dwellings, transport and rural environment are on display and will capture your interest as you walk thru. You will be surrounded by the languages, multiplicity of cultures and beliefs are on display.
Stop over at the Museum store, a t reasure trove in its own right and you will not leave empty handed. The prices are very, very reasonable and the range wide, give yourself half hours exploration here.
Well that’s it, but a WARNING….there is nothing to eat or drink at the museum so be prepared. Not perfect you know but nearly.
NATIONAL ART GALLERY OF THE PHILIPPINES:
As you enter the National Art Gallery, two imposing sculptures by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino greet you. They are heroic monuments, cast in metal, to Manuel Quezon, former Senate President, and Sergio Osmena, former Speaker of the House. At the lobby of the building are two wooden reliefs by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, assisted by Renato Rocha and Jose Mendoza. They portray Rajah Sulayman, His Court, and the Palisades (1967) and Legazpi and the Founding of Manila (1967). At the pediments of the back and front facades of the building and at the former Session Hall of the Philippine Senate are sculptures by Otto Fisher Credo, Walter Strauss, Vidal Tampinco, and Ramon Martinez.
ENTRANCE FEES:
Individual: Adults: P100.00, Senior Citizen: 80.00, Students: 30. 00
Group: Adult: 80.00, Senior Citizen: 40.00, Student: 25.00. For students enrolled in Philippine schools only.
PLANETARIUM EXHIBIT DAYS: Tuesday to Saturday (walk-ins and group tours), Sunday (walk-ins only).
MUSEUM HOURS: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (NO NOON BREAK).
Contact:
National Museum of the Philippines
P. Burgos Ave., City of Manila, Philippines
Administrative Division: Tel: (+632) 527-12-09, (+632) 527-66-21. Email: admi...@nationalmuseum.gov.ph
National Art Gallery, Tel. No. 527-0278
Planetarium, Tel. No. 527-7889
Branch Museums, Tel. No. 527-4192
Official website of the National Museum of the Philippines: http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/