National Art Gallery (National Museum of the Philippines)

Last month was my first time to visit the National Art Gallery.  Before, I didn't know that the National Museum has two buildings -- the Museum of the Filipino People (located at the old Department of Finance bldg), and the National Art Gallery (located at the old Legislative bldg). Note that these are two adjacent buildings.

You can find inside the National Art Gallery collection of art works from our National Artists and other notable artists of our country.  On the first gallery, the Hall of the Masters (the works of Felix Hidalgo and Juan Luna), you can find one of the most well-known paintings here in our country, the Spoliarium by Juan Luna. It is so huge that it makes the spotlight of the National Art Gallery.

There are a lot of galleries located on the two floors of the museum and some are still under renovations to display more art works. The other galleries showcase the works of Rizal, Botong Francisco and Amorsolo, among others. 

The entrance is still free and if you have time please do check this museum to see the works of great Filipino artists.

Below are some photos.

Front of the National Art Gallery (the Old Legislative Building)

A View of the Clock Tower of the Manila City Hall from the National Art Gallery building

Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Felix Hidalgo's painting

Amorsolo's painting tools with an unfinished work

Sperm Whale Bones

Old Retablo of Dimiao Church, Bohol

National Museum of the Philippines (First Stop: The National Museum of the Filipino People)

Filipinos, specially those who are living in Metro Manila and those who love to travel, have you ever been to our National Museum?

My first time was in grade school, and that was during our field trip. Well, after almost two decades, I decided to visit again the Museum, and this was because I don't have enough money for an out-of-town trip, and I want to see something different during my restdays.  So people of the Metro Manila, if you are thinking what to do in the metro, besides malling or eating, why not try to visit historical places.  It turned out my visit was a worthy and learning experience.

Our National Museum consists of two adjacent buildings, one is the National Museum of the Filipino People and the other building is the National Art Gallery.

First stop, some info and photos of National Museum of the Filipino People... (next post is about the National Art Gallery)

The Museum of the Filipino People is located at the old Department of Finance building in Rizal Park. This is a four-story museum. It houses the anthropology and archaeology division of the National Museum. Here you can find wreckage from a Spanish battleship called San Diego where many artifacts were recovered like jewelries, potteries, coins, and war weapons.  You can also find an exhibit about the origin of the Filipino nation, pre-historic Philippines and some of its archaeological treasures.

Below are some photos of the Museum of the Filipino people.

National Museum
P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila
Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free admission on Sundays
website: nationalmuseum.gov.ph

Entrance:  Individual Fee (PHP)
Student: 30.00
Senior Citizen: 80.00
Adult: 100.00

National Museum of the Filipino People (the Old Department of Finance bldg)

Manunggul Jar, a burial jar

Marble Hall (inside the Museum)