5 Museums in Metro Manila You Should Visit Today

Did you know that the Philippines celebrates Museum and Galleries Month every October? As proclaimed by the Malacanang, this national declaration recognizes the preservation and enrichment of local art which gives people a great opportunity to visit museums and galleries that highlight local culture.

We listed down five museums to visit in Metro Manila for a quick taste of talent and history. From century-old paintings, contemporary exhibits, artifacts, and sculptures, treat yourself to some of the country’s most engaging and valued art with our cheat sheet below.

National Museum
www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph

Located at the Padre Burgos Drive in Manila, the National Museum houses the country’s most significant and historical bodies of art. Aside from Juan Luna’s “Spolarium” and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo’s “El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante” (The Assassination of Governor Bustamante), the museum also houses contemporary Filipino paintings, religious artifacts, and some recovered sculptures by Dr. Jose Rizal. Schedule a whole day for this visit because the 14 branches of the National Museum sure have plenty to offer.

Did You Know? Museum visitors get in for free until October 29 in celebration of its 114th anniversary and the Museum and Galleries Month. It’s also the perfect chance to view a part of the Berlin Wall in current exhibit.

Ayala Museum
www.ayalamuseum.org

One of the most visited galleries in Makati, the Ayala Museum is home to the Filipinas Heritage Library, a modern library that provides access to rare books, photographs, and recordings on the Philippines’ arts, culture, and history. Aside from exhibitions, the Ayala Museum also holds free workshops on writing and design, plus concerts, from time to time. Entrance to the Ayala Museum is P75 for students and P150 for regular visitors.

Did You Know? TeamManila collaborated with Ayala Museum’s successful Inspire Every Day! campaign in which TeamManila’s Screen Machine live silkscreened shirts for free.

Museo Pambata
www.museopambata.org

Built for the young and the young-at-heart, the Museo Pambata is an interactive museum that encourages visitors to play around with the exhibits. Unlike traditional museums, the Museo Pambata doesn’t display facts and artifacts behind glass shelves to build a specific connection between kids and art. Learn about history and science in exciting theme rooms like “Old Manila” and “My Body Works” and view cute art exhibits curated by children.

Did You Know? The Museo Pambata is open for children’s parties which include storytelling and workshop activities for kids.

San Agustin Museum
www.sanagustinchurch.org

Just a few steps away from the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, is the San Agustin Museum at the General Luna Street in Intramuros, Manila. Furniture, clothing, icons, and religious art that date back to the 16th century are housed within the museum’s hallowed halls. Get a knack of old-school art for just P100 (adults) and P50 (students).

Did You Know? A 3,400 kilogram church bell, taken down by the Augustinian friars in 1927, is situated right in the middle of the museum’s old porter lodge.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila
www.metmuseum.ph

If you’re into cultural heritage and ancestry, then The Met is the museum for you. Funeral masks, Neolithic jugs and jars, and a wide array of pre-Hispanic gold jewelry are part of the museum’s permanent exhibitions. Contemporary art from some of today’s finest painters are exhibited occasionally, too. Museum hours are from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5:30pm, with an entrance fee of P100.

Did You Know? The Met was established in 1976 and is located inside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Categories Features