National Museum of the Philippines -National Art Gallery

This signage will welcome you upon entering the perimeters of the museum grounds.

I failed to take a shot of the museum's facade because my camera's battery ran out.

The National Art Gallery of the National Museum

The National Art Gallery is the the main branch of the National Museum of the Philippines.It is located along Taft Avenue, one of Manila's busiest roads. The museum's building used to house the Philippine Senate and the Philippine House of Representatives.  

The Galleries found inside the National Art Gallery of the National Museum

The building has dedicated two floors for different exhibits.Since, I got tons of photos on my files I decided to include few of my favorite pieces.

Juan Luna Gallery at the National Museum

Juan Luna is one of the renowned painters in the Philippines who played a vital role in the propaganda move against the Spanish rule during the 19th century.

Busk of Juan Luna at the National Museum

Juan Luna is famed for his Spoliarium, a master piece that depicts Filipino en slavery during Spanish colonization. The piece won at an Art Contest in Madrid Spain during that era. The said work of art is one of the most treasured collection found inside the National Museum.

Spoliarium by Juan Luna found out the second floor of the
National Museum of the Philippines.Photo Source: www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph

Aside from the Spoliarium you can find a hall that showcases the works of Juan Luna. This includes his own version of a selfie.

Self Portrait of Juan Luna at the National Museum

Upon appreciating the master pieces of Juan Luna, I got to noticed his signature. For the Longest time I thought painters would incorporate their cursive signatures that looks like a calligraphy on their paintings.Thus I found it strange to see that Juan Luna's signature is in plain print letters.

Juan Luna's signature found in one of his works entitled Mi Madre (My Mother). 

This cute adorable little baby also caught my attention. 

Painting of Juan Luna in the National Museum

Religious Arts at the National Museum  

One of the significant influences of the more than 400 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines is the Catholic Religion. Hence, it is not surprising that the National Museum have quite a number of Catholic Religious pieces. 

Below is an imagery of Sto Nino, young Jesus Christ. 

If you were able to visit centuries old traditional Catholic churches in the Philippines you'll notice that they have a magnificent altar backdrop. The said backdrop are termed Retablo which literally translates to "behind the altar". 

Below is one of the retablo included in the Religious Art collection of the National Museum.

Retablo found inside the National Museum

 Sculpture  

The museum also has a collection of sculptures by Guillermo Tolentino. Below are some of his master pieces found inside the National Museum.

Busk of Lapu-lapu sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino. One of the treasured art pieces found inside the National Museum 

Scale Model of the Commonwealth Arch found at the National Museum

Works of Fernando Amorsolo at the National Museum 

Fernando Amorsolo  as one of the most celebrated National Artist in the Philippines also has a hall intended for his works.

Unfinished work of Fernando Amorsolo found at the National Museum

The National Museum has a room solely dedicated for the drawings of Fernando Amorsolo

The Former Senate Session Hall at the National Museum 

I am an avid fan of Neo-classical architecture. Specifically the intricate details of each wall and column decor. Hence I felt so delighted upon entering this hall. 

This hall used to house the session hall of the Senate of the Philippines.

Former Senate Session Hall at the National Museum. I suppose that the loft style hall

is intended to separate the spectators from the Representatives while having their sessions.

The ceiling's of the former Senate Session Hall inside the National Museum.

Works of Vicente Manansala at the National Museum 

Seven large paintings of Vicente Manansala that were originally displayed at the former building of General Life Insurance Company(Philam Life) are now displayed at one of the galleries of the National Museum.  

Painting of Vicente Manansala found at the National Museum.

Operational Hours of the National Museum

Days: Tuesdays to Sundays  

Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm 

Kindly,refer to their website for there holiday schedules. The National Museum Official Website

Entrance Fee of the National Museum

Grab your chance this month because  all the branches of National Museum are wavering there entrance fees, in celebration of the month of the Independence Day and the month of Jose Rizal's birthday. 

Regular entrance fee costs Php 150 per person.However,the museum offers discounts for groups of 50 pax and discounts for student and senior citizen 

How to Get There?

The fastest way to get there is to ride the LRT 1, the route that stretches from Roosevelt in Quezon City up to Baclaran in Paranaque. Just drop by at United Nations Avenue station and walk to the Museum. 

Conclusion 

Definitely,the National Museum has a wide variety of  noteworthy pieces worth visiting for. Additionally, it has successfully, maximize the building in a way that the art pieces were properly organized and arranged. Kudos, to the management of the museum for preserving such a historical structure and serving as a platform of heritage and cultural learning.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your chance for a free museum access at the National Museum and had the chance to know more about Filipino heritage. 

Your thoughts about this place?Leave your comments below.