Metro Manila’s mall culture can get old. For some new perspective and alternative strolling, ANIKA VENTURA suggests taking to these museums.
National Museum of the Philippines
THE DRAW: Aside from housing the famous Spoliarium painting of Juan Luna, the National Museum is revamping its Museum of the Filipino People, National Art Gallery and Planetarium. A behind-the-scenes tour that shows the restoration process applied on works by Filipino masters, plus a visit to the museum’s laboratories, will be available until June.
THE PRICE: Php100 for the Museum of the Filipino People, Php350 for the behind-the-scenes tour.
AND, YOU’RE OFF: Opening hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Address: P. Burgos Street, Rizal Park, Manila. Call (+632) 527 0278.
Marikina City, which has roads like Sandal Street and Slipper Street, is known for its shoe museum.
Marikina City, which has roads like Sandal Street and Slipper Street, is known for its shoe museum.
Marikina Shoe Museum
THE DRAW: A former rice mill turned into the world’s largest shoe museum, its main attraction are the 800 pairs of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos’ 3,500 pairs of shoes. Displayed alongside them are footwear of celebrities, ambassadors and Philippine presidents.
THE PRICE: Php20 for Marikina residents, Php50 for non-residents.
AND, YOU’RE OFF: Opening hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Address: J.P. Rizal Street, San Roque, Marikina. Call (+632) 646 6451.
Museo Pambata
THE DRAW: Known as the Philippines’ premier children’s interactive museum, Museo Pambata uses games and hands-on exhibits to educate children on topics ranging from career options to the human body. Their “I Love Planet Earth” room which is inspired by lessons on climate change just opened.
THE PRICE: Php100 for children and adults.
AND, YOU’RE OFF: Opening hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. Address: Former Elks Club Building, Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila. Call (+632) 523 1797.
Pinto Art Museum
THE DRAW: Set on a hilltop, Pinto Art Museum features the personal collection of one of the Philippines’ leading neurologists and art patrons, Dr. Joven Cuanang. Pieces dating back to the 1980s, including the early works of now-famous artists like Ben Cabrera can be viewed here.
THE PRICE: Php100.
AND, YOU’RE OFF: Opening hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Address: The Silangan Gardens, 1 Sierra Madre St. Grandheights, Antipolo City. Call (+632) 703 4453.
Ayala Museum
THE DRAW: No dusty old museum feel here. Easily accessible and constantly evolving, Ayala Museum gives a good mix of historical and contemporary pieces, classic and upcoming artists, traditional and interactive exhibits, and local and international collections. Right across, try the museum’s Miele Guide-certified café.
THE PRICE: From Php75 to Php425 depending on which gallery is visited.
AND, YOU’RE OFF: Opening hours are 9 a.m.-6 pm from Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends. Address: Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City. Call (+632) 757 7117.
Vargas Museum
THE DRAW: As the main museum of the University of the Philippines where many of the country’s national artists graduated, it offers the best representation of Philippine art from the 1880s to 1960s. The current art scene is also well-represented with exhibits from contemporary artists, book launchings and music events.
THE PRICE: Php20 for UP students, faculty and staff; Php30 for non-UP guests.
AND, YOU’RE OFF: Opening hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, except for the main gallery which has varying schedules. Address: Roxas Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City. Call (+632) 928 1927.
