A Visit to the National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines has been opening its doors to tourists free of charge since July this year (2016). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon.

To go there, from LRT Buendia, ride the FX situated at a corner near the stairs to the LRT station, going to SM Fairview. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Manila City Hall. From there, just cross the street and there is the National Museum. If the FX does not pass through the road that goes directly to the Manila City Hall, they usually go through the road at the back of SM Manila. They will drop you off there. You just have to walk the street at the left where you will enter the hind side of the mall! Then, walk to the front of the mall and cross the street to the Manila City Hall via the underground passage, then, again, you have to cross the street to the museum.

There are no pedestrian lanes between the Manila City Hall and the National Museum of the Philippines, so the crossing is life threatening! You just have to be careful crossing there.

It is a three-floor building with two wings each floor. Each wing, I believe, has eight galleries. You can go there as early as ten in the morning if you really want to enjoy looking at the paintings and reading through the descriptions for the paintings, because a day is not even enough!

When you enter, there is a desk where you will register your group. Then, you have to leave all your belongings at the baggage counter. I advise that you bring a small bag with you, or if it is inevitable that you bring a large bag, try to carry an extra small body bag for your wallets, handkerchief or tissue. You can take pictures inside, but video-shooting is definitely a no-no. Taking pictures with a flash is also prohibited. You can look, but you cannot touch ANYTHING! There are people who overlook the place, so if you do get near or touch any items, you better prepare yourself from the resounding “Bawal pong hawakan!” and people will instantaneously look at you with disdain! Of course, food and drinks are not allowed. Aside from these, you can basically do anything inside.  

For more information, you can check their official website at:  http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/Visit/Visit.html

Here are some of the photos I have captured inside:

{This is the Spoliarium by Juan Luna. The encryption at the side of the Painting says that this is the original painting of Juan Luna, finally on our soil. The Spanish government has given this precious painting to the Philippines as a gift. Truly a marvel!}