Art that has been part of a country’s history is something that catches my interest. It gives me an idea of how their people lived in the past through art pieces. I have already mentioned that I love art. I was so excited when I found out that I would be able to visit and marvel at some of the exhibits of the National Museum of the Philippines.
This is actually a two-part blog series. The first installment is about the National Museum of Fine Arts. The other one would tackle about it’s adjacent building, the National Museum of Anthropology.
National Museum of Fine Arts
This branch of the National Museum of the Philippines was formerly called as the National Art Gallery. Its primary goal is to preserve and protect the Philippine’s cultural treasures; and to preserve their legacies for the future generations. The museum houses artworks of different forms dating from the 18th century to the late 21st century.
The Building and Its Interiors
The structure is called the Old Legislative Building. The creation of the building began in 1918 and was planned to be used as a public library. Due to funds shortage, the construction was paused.Then it was resumed so that it can be used by the bicameral congress during its early days. Later on, the Philippine Senate used it before it was turned into a museum. It possesses a neo-classical architecture. Personally, I love the beautiful style of the building and its interiors; but somehow it gave off an eerie vibe.
Warning: It’s a pretty big building. If you want to the get most of your visit, make sure you have a lot of time. Wear comfy shoes because you will walk a lot. Don’t go on an empty stomach. You might get dizzy and end up fainting from all of the walking!
The statues above the cornice looked like they are staring at passers by.
This is a beautiful spiral staircase!
There are a total of four floors. Visitors are not allowed to enter the 1st floor. It is where the offices and storage rooms are located. When we visited, some rooms were closed due to renovation.
Old House of Representatives Session Hall
Untitled (Diwata) by Guillermo Tolentino
Upon entering, you will be greeted by this beautiful mortuary statue created by Guillermo Tolentino.
El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante by Félix Resurrección-Hidalgo
Once inside, you will find the famous large paintings done by Juan Luna’s and Félix Resurrección-Hidalgo.
Retablo from the Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Dimiao, Bohol.
Retablo from the Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Dimiao, Bohol.
Academic and Romantic Art
Academic and Neoclassical Sculpture
Tribute to the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal
Portrait of a Lady by Fernando Amorsolo (The piece he was working on before he died)
World War II Depiction/Bataan Death March
Warning: In the museum’s Gallery, you might find some pieces disturbing.
Drawings of Fernando Amorsolo (The first National Artist of the Philippines)
Guillermo Tolentino Sculptures
The elevator won’t take you to this floor, so you can just ride up to the 3rd floor and use the staircase.
Mañosa: Beyond Architecture
The exhibition is only here from February 12, 2017 to May 12, 2017. It features the life and works of architect Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa. He is famous for his Filipino-inspired designs. He notable for incorporating indigenous designs in his works.
I am from Davao City and Pearl Farm is a famous resort there. I didn’t know that he’s the person behind the beautiful designs of the resort until I saw his exhibits.
Aside from buildings, he also designs furniture and toys.
That’s the end of the virtual tour. My next post would be about the National Museum of Anthropology. What about you guys? What was the biggest museum you have visited? Did your feet get sore? Tell me all about it by commenting below.
National Museum of the Fine Arts Art that has been part of a country's history is something that catches my interest. It gives me an idea of how their people lived in the past through art pieces.