Every year, October is designated as Museums and Galleries Month. In addition to highlighting the value of taking an interest in Filipino history and culture, the month recognizes museums and galleries. Galleries and Museums Month emphasizes how closely a nation's cultural and artistic assets are tied to the concept of national destiny and the process of establishing a nation. It also aims to raise "national consciousness."
Through Presidential Proclamation No. 798, this yearly celebration was started in 1991. The Philippines' "expressions of unity and national identity" will be on display within the month of October.
Although we all know that most Philippine museums charge a fee to enter, many establishments are offering free admission to the public this month. Check out the institutions that will be providing free admission and events throughout this Museum and Galleries Month.
The Top 6 Free Museums in the Philippines
A museum is a place where items, artifacts, and other historical and religious artifacts are gathered, preserved, cared for, and explained. These artifacts are displayed for public viewing at museums. The term was first used in Florence in the 15th century, and it originates from the Ancient Greek term "mouseion," which means "seat of muses." The phrase was formerly used to describe collections that were on display, even up until the 17th century. The first public museum to use the word "museum"
But before they were termed museums, the oldest collections were private ones that belonged to private people. They were only available to a select group of affluent members of society. They served as "wonder rooms" for getting together with friends.
As time went on, new kinds of museums that could house various artifact types started to appear. Open-air museums, museums that conserve historic buildings, ecomuseums, virtual museums, museums devoted to archeology, art galleries or museums, historical museums, maritime museums, wartime museums, and even transient pop-up museums are all available today. Continue reading for a list of the top six free art museums in the Philippines.
1. National Museum of Fine Arts
Located on Padre Burgos Avenue in Ermita, Manila
You can travel across time at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Each floor is steeped in history, each gallery depicts a certain time period, and each work of art is an essential part of the narrative that chronicles the story of our country.
The structure itself is impressive. This neoclassical building, built in the early 1920s, is home to various noteworthy works by well-known Filipino culture artists like Guillermo Tolentino, Felix Resureccion Hidalgo, and Juan Luna. The most notable work of art is Juan Luna's Spoliarium, which won a gold medal at the Spanish Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.
The National Museum of Fine Arts was originally intended to be the National Library, but in reality, it was the former Legislative Building. The four-story structure currently has 29 galleries with artwork by National Artists, 19th-century Filipino artists, and notable contemporary printmakers, sculptors, and painters.
2. National Museum of Anthropology
Located in: HXPJ+3C6, P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Teodoro F. Valencia Cir, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
The National Museum of Anthropology, originally known as the Museum of the Filipino People, is a division of the National Museum of the Philippines and hosts ethnological and archaeological exhibitions.
The National Museum of Anthropology has information about the Philippines' prehistoric past. The five-story structure is home to collections of land-based, anthropological, and marine archeological artifacts that tell the history of the nation. Around 10,000 pieces make up the museum's permanent collection, which ranges from cultural artifacts to vestiges of the galleon trade.
3. National Museum of Natural History
Located in: Teodoro F. Valencia Cir., Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
12 permanent exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History showcase the Philippines' vast biological and geological variety. It comprises displays of botanical, zoological, and geological specimens that have been imaginatively arranged to reflect our particular natural history. The "Tree of Life" structure, which unites all the different ecological systems in the Philippines, from the spectacular mountain ridges to the spectacular sea reefs, is located in the center of the museum.
The National Museum of Natural History wasn't open to the public until 2018, despite the structure having been constructed as the Agriculture and Commerce Building in 1940.
4. Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET)
Located in: HX6P+WJ6, BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila, Metro Manila
The concept of "Art for All" was first introduced by the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, also known as the MET. The exhibitions, which are presented in collaboration with the Bangko Sentro ng Pilipinas (BSP), showcase the aesthetic and cultural legacy of the Philippines and strengthen national identity through creativity. The MET and BSP collaborated to build a museum that houses the works of both national and international artists in recognition of the diverse art styles and expressions that people around the world share. Free admission is available at BGC, Taguig; however, because of the limited viewing, you must schedule your appointment at least one day in advance.
5. National Planetarium
Located in: Rizal Park, Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
The National Planetarium, commonly referred to as the National Museum Planetarium, was a planetarium located in Manila that belonged to and was run by the National Museum of the Philippines. It was a 16-meter dome situated in Rizal Park on Padre Burgos Avenue in the heart of Ermita, between the Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden.
You will have an extraordinary experience at the National Planetarium while learning about astrophysics through talks, performances, events, lectures, and observations. Its "Filipino Life Guided by Skies" display specializes in the ethno-astronomy practices of Filipino cultural communities. The Philippine Night Sky, Culture Astronomy, the Cosmic Timeline, Gardening and Hunting, Time Reckoning, and Seafaring and Navigation are the six divisions of the ethno-astronomy display.
6. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
Located in: Ground Floor, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Design and Arts Campus (D+A Campus), Dominga Street, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
De La Salle College of Saint Benilde founded the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design as a non-profit organization. The integration of new media and technology into art and culture is demonstrated through their exhibits.
Education and access to modern art pieces, which are typically only found abroad, are provided by the Museum of Modern Art and Design. Through its internationally designed programs of contemporary art exhibitions augmented by an ever-expanding educational platform, as well as additional cultural and art-inspired endeavors, it showcases the potential of technology and new media. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday without charge.
Museums are frequently overlooked. We find it delightful whenever there is a reason to value them a bit more. To celebrate Filipino cultural heritage, this month is dedicated to museums and galleries. Connections to a nation's culture are crucial.
Politics in a nation is always influenced by its culture. This is demonstrated by the focus on raising national awareness through historical exhibits during Museums and Galleries Month.
Since before the arrival of the colonizers, the Philippines has had a colorful history. But after earning its independence, what ultimately remained of the nation were historical artifacts maintained in a few Philippine museums or added to the personal collections of history aficionados. The good news is that we can still travel there for free with our loved ones, friends, and families.
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