About the National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila is a premier cultural institution that celebrates the artistry and creativity of Filipino masters. Housed in a neoclassical building once home to the old Congress, this museum showcases a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and works of art that tell the story of the nation’s heritage and identity. From Juan Luna’s iconic Spoliarium to contemporary masterpieces, the National Museum of Fine Arts offers an inspiring journey through the Philippines’ artistic legacy.
A Museum Tour
A few days after my solo backpacking at the Museum of the Filipino People, it is the second part of Oktubre ang Buwan ng mga Museo. These two buildings of the National Museum of the Philippines are just a few steps away from each other. Additionally, they both hold historical significance in the country and have played a significant role in preserving and restoring the ancient and modern artifacts of the Philippines.
It was a free admission day, and as expected, many people were lining up to register. The photo above was taken in the registration lobby area. While on the line, I couldn't keep my eyes off the golden ceiling because of the great artwork and stunningly gorgeous colors. After the registration, I left my backpack in the baggage area and proceeded to the first part of the exhibit.
The current building of the National Museum of Fine Arts is a historic hall. It was the site of the 1934 Constitutional Convention, chaired by Claro M. Recto and many other significant events. It houses one of the country’s most well-known paintings, such as the Spoliarium by Juan Luna Y Novicio. It is displayed across El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante (The Assassination of Governor Bustamante), the largest known work by Luna’s contemporary and friend, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo. Information from the website of the National Museum of the Philippines
Galleries of the National Museum of Fine Arts
Gallery 1
Christian-themed art in the Philippines was prevalent in the 17th to 19th centuries when parts of the country were under Spanish colonial rule. Many of these religious images were carved wooden Santos (saints) made by unknown artists, as well as reliefs and paintings of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. This gallery also features a National Cultural Treasure, a retablo (altarpiece) from the Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Dimiao, Bohol. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
Gallery 2
Art Prints from the Archives of the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid.
Gallery 3
Academic and Romantic Art. In the mid-1700s, Spanish pharmacologist and botanist Juan José de Cuéllar commissioned Filipino artists to make drawings of Philippine plants that he had collected from his fieldwork in Luzon. The drawings were kept in the archives of the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid for over a century and were rediscovered in 1988 by researcher Maria Belen Bañas Llanos. In 1996, the Spanish government gifted a special copy of the collection to the Philippines, presented by King Juan Carlos I of Spain to President Fidel V. Ramos. The collection is now on display in this gallery. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
Gallery 4
Fundación Santiago Hall: Academic and Neoclassical Sculpture. The 19th century brought master Filipino sculptor Isabelo L. Tampinco (1850-1933), a contemporary of Jose Rizal who was known for developing the Estilo Tampinco style of carving and ornamentation. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
Gallery 5
Homage to Dr. Jose Rizal. This gallery honors Dr. José P. Rizal (1861-1896), known widely for his patriotism and acclaimed novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
Gallery 6
Classical Art from the 20th century. The photo above is the setup of Fernando Amorsolo, and the unfinished painting turned out to be Florencia “Nena” Singson Gonzalez-Belo, Dr. Vicky Belo's mother. Philippine artists in the early 20th century, the late contemporaries and artistic successors of Juan Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, painted in the classical style taught by academics, specifically the Amorsolo School of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
This hall was originally designed as a library in the early 1920s during the American colonial period, when architect Juan Arellano revised Ralph Harrington Doane's plans to convert the building into the seat of the legislature. Manuel L. Quezon, a leader of the movement for Philippine independence from the United States, then served as the Senate's leader. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
Gallery 13
GSIS Northwest Hall, the Pillars of the Philippine Modernism. On the photo above: Bust of Vicente Manansala. This gallery is dedicated to the works of modern painter Vicente S. Manansala (1910-1981), National Artist for Painting (1981). It features highlights from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the National Museum collections, as well as showcasing the artist’s memorabilia from the Manansala Family Collection. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
Gallery 15
A few of Dimasalang's paintings. Dimasalang (1968-1978): Artists’ Collections showcases the work of a group of artists-friends who painted and spoke of art together in Dimasalang Street, Manila. Members included Emilio (Abe) Aguilar Cruz, Sofronio (SYM) Y. Mendoza, Romulo Galicano, Ibarra dela Rosa, and Andres Cristobal Cruz. Exhibition runs from November 7, 2014, to July 27, 2015. Information from the National Museum of the Philippines website.
How to Get to National Museum of Fine Arts
Public Transporation
- From MRT or LRT-2: Take the MRT or LRT-2 and transfer to LRT Line 1. Get off at UN Avenue Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes toward Rizal Park. The museum is located along Padre Burgos Avenue, near the National Museum of Fine Arts.
- From Quiapo or Intramuros: Jeepneys and UV Express vans passing through Padre Burgos Avenue can drop you near Rizal Park. From there, it’s just a short walk to the museum.
By Private Car
Use Waze or Google Maps, pin the National Museum of Anthropology (Filipino People). Paid parking spaces are available around Rizal Park and along Padre Burgos Avenue.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
Opening Hours
The National Museum of the Filipino People is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and during national holidays.
Admission Fees
- FREE admission for all visitors, both local and foreign.
- Special guided tours may be arranged for groups (check in advance with the museum).
- For updates, always visit their Facebook Page
Summary
A trip to the National Museum of Fine Arts is a must for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Philippines. Every gallery highlights the talent, history, and resilience of Filipino artists across generations. Free to the public, this museum is not just a showcase of fine art but also a space that nurtures national pride and appreciation for the Philippines’ cultural heritage.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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