“When we think of home” exhibit at the National Museum of the Filipino People
I’ve always noticed that some locals of some destination I’ve visited haven’t been around much their own place. I must admit, that when we talk of Manila, even if I’m a resident, I haven’t been around that much to explore it. Blame it on the heat or the traffic I guess but there’s more to Manila beyond the crazy traffic. When I was in Laos, I overheard one foreigner voice chatting in Skype that he’ll never go back in Manila. This made me think what could have given him a bad impression or experience.
Heading towards the National Art Gallery Museum building
I hope to feature Manila regularly to paint a some what different picture of it to other tourist. I already have my first feature last week on San Agustin Church and also MV Doulos visit. Now we’ll go on a short walk out of the walls of Intramuros and head to the National Museum. It’s a good thing I had a chance to visit the following museums on my recent photo assignment with Seair Inflight. But I’m hoping to visit more and feature them as well.
Museum of the Filipino Museum Stairs
There are actually two buildings for the National Museum. The main museum housed at the former Congress Building is now the National Art Gallery where the classic masterpiece, Spolarium by Juan Luna can be viewed. It now focuses on the Arts and Natural Sciences. The adjacent building which used to be the Finance Building is now called the National Museum of the Filipino People, housing the anthropology and archaeology division.
Site Stone Room
Among the two, the National Museum of the Filipino People is less strict in allowing photography (without flash) inside. It has 4 floors and 4 halls that has a number of sections divided by different timelines in history. From Prehistoric, Stone Age, Pre-hispanic, Hispanic and towards the modern times. It is best toured from the top floor going down to appreciate the chronological history of the Philippines.
Prehistoric Room
Covering the whole floors can be done in an hour or two (even more) depending on how interested you are. But prepare to have information overload as there is so much to discover here. I really enjoyed my stroll on these 4 floors and I learned and discovered some things I never new about the Philippines. Some of my favorite rooms are the Stone Age, Origins and People. Recently I’ve visited a museum out of the country and found our museum to be the better ones, thanks to its recent refurbishing.
Origins of Filipino People
A visit on these museums is an enriching cultural experience. The price of which is almost the same as going to the movies but you are using your feet and viewing some interesting artifacts of history.
Filipino People Room
Essentials:
Both the National Art Gallery and Musuem of the Filipino People are open Wednesday to Sunday (except holidays) from 10am to 4pm. Fee for visit to both museums are Php 150 for adults, Php 50 for students and Php 120 for adults.
elementary pa ata last kong punta sa national museum. syempre dahil pa yon sa field trip
Hello there!
your work has inspired me in a lot of ways.
take care always! =)
~~btw, i’ve put you on my links list, if you don’t mind.
i haven’t been here and a lot of places around manila either! maybe i should take time and start with fort santiago…
The museum is beautiful. I vaguely remember being there a long time ago when they were doing some renovations and all the art were stored in one part of the building.
This is one must see when visiting Manila.
Ferdz, I’ve never been to this museum. It’s beautiful. I love that staircase. It’s grand.
wow! galing ng kuha! makapunta nga dito sa national museum,are they open on saturdays ?until wat time kaya?
I’ve been meaning to go to National Museum to see the Spolarium but no chance yet
Thank for featuring the museum!
One more place for me to see when I revisit. Thanks!
Haha! Ako din Tin-tin. Parang nung nasa school pa ko last na nagpunta dito. Many things have changed.
Thanks is really great to know Kat! Thank you for adding me to your links.
Hi Jasper Jugan! That’s a neat idea and do a wlaking tour around Manila.
I highly recommend a visit here Photo Cache.
Loved the staircase as well Shoshana. It’s an enriching experience to visit one.
Thanks CJ Marc! As stated above, it’s open on Saturdays.
Thanks Nina.
Yup BertN! And it wouldn’t take a whole day just to go though them.
ayos na ayos itong post mo to remind people like me that we’re missing a lot by taking the national museum for granted. ditto, with other museums and art venues around.
Maybe because people are expecting that there’s nothing new in a museum. But I think we should visit those places every once in a while to know if there are some changes, improvements and updates. c”,)
Metro Manila is so big that there are always new things and places to discover…
I need to confess I also didn’t visit the National Museum yet… shame on me.
After seeing your pictures…I will !
nakakatawa na nakakainis na mas madami pa akong nabisitang museums sa ibang bansa kaysa Pilipinas at doon bawal ang mag-picture ha. this post is like a reminder to us to come and visit our national museums. na tunay namang maipagmamalaki din. madaming matututunan about our culture and heritage. the fourth shot is fantastic. pero Ferdz, napansin ko lang, tila iisa ang modelo mo, hehe. Same girl right?
Yep Og! Now I’ll really make it a point to visit museums of other places na rin since I enjoyed Manila’s.
That could probably be one reason Rai, but in truth they are always updating naman and refurbishing.
So true Sidney! We’ll never know which nooks and crannies hold.
I can say that our museum is really world class and worth visiting Rayts. Naku, yup, that same girls is our pseudo-model/editorial-assistant on our shoot.
it’s good that at least on the second building, you are allowed to take photos. because thru blogs we somehow promote tourism as well just as you feature it here. i like how they arranged every item that it really needs to be seen by the filipinos to trace our heritage.
Bukas pa pala tong National Museum, magkano entrance?
love how the new national museum looks. heehee. i remember when it first opened, everything was still reeking of fresh paint..but that just added to the excitement
i think manila is best viewed through the eyes of a local. people need to see beyond the traffic and the grime. i still think manila is a great city
There are 2 buildings diba? Yung main building napasok ko isang beses palang din nung elementary pa ata ako non dahil din sa field trip, the new building in Luneta minsan ko lang din napasok during college days kahit sa TUP Manila kami nag aaral
Pero ask ko lang kasi I am abroad now bukas paba yung main building kung asan yung spoliarum? Last time kasi pinasyal ko mga pamangkin ko doon eh sarado. any ways great site and pics buti allowed kumuha ng picture sa loob.
saan po ba banda tong national museum???magkano po entrance fee?