Nestled in the heart of Manila, the National Museum of Fine Arts stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines. This magnificent institution, housed in the neoclassical edifice of the former Legislative Building, has a storied past that intertwines with the nation's history.

The journey of this iconic building began in 1918, designed initially to be the National Library by architects Ralph Harrington Doane, Antonio Mañalac Toledo, and Juan M. Arellano. However, due to funding delays, it was repurposed as the Legislative Building. The structure underwent further modifications with the addition of a fourth floor and ornate sculptural work, transforming it into a symbol of governance and culture.

The building bore witness to the ravages of World War II, and in 1945 the Japanese soldiers used the building and its premises as their stronghold and modified it with their defensive installations, yet after only several days of occupation where it was heavily bombarded by the American troops, leaving it in ruins. 

The building was reconstructed in 1949, maintaining its original building footprint and four-story height, but with a simplified façade.

In 1998, this historic structure was reborn as the National Museum of Fine Arts, becoming a custodian of the Philippines' artistic legacy. It houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by classical Filipino artists such as Juan Luna, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, and Guillermo Tolentino, whose works are pivotal in understanding the Filipino soul and psyche.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is home to 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising 19th-century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers

Once you’ve entered the museum, it is hard to miss and admire the museum’s crown jewel, ‘The Spoliarium (1884)’ painted by the National Artist Juan Luna which took him eight (8) months to finish. This gargantuan frame with a size of 4.22 meters in height and 7.675 meters in length secured in bolt and chain; this masterpiece was a gift by the Spain Government to the Philippines and was cut into three parts, and transported to the country, which it arrived in Manila on September 30, 1958. The restoration took a year to complete and is now the largest painting in the National Fine Arts Collection and in the entire Philippines.  

You can visit this link which offers a digital 360-view of the entire museum.

Also on view are art loans from other government institutions, organizations, and individuals. Some of the pieces in the collection are gifts from several prominent patrons in the country.

As we walked around the galleries and hallways admiring each piece, I couldn’t help myself reckoning the total value of each piece in each gallery. 

Like how much is the current asset value of those statues, paintings, and artifacts, including those old crucifixes you’ll see on its glass shelves? 

One of my favorite galleries is what I call ‘the pink room’ which houses several paintings depicting landscapes, pictures, and lifestyles all over Europe back in the early 19th century, during that time when travel was a luxury, and only rich Filipino gentlemen could afford to do so. 

It also displayed several portraits of beautiful Parisian women, and Filipino ladies during that time. 

I am also surprised that there’s no entry and admission fee and you can visit the museum any time during their opening hours for free.

Which makes me wonder, how can this institution maintain the upkeep of this building, including the possible occasional restoration of some paintings, let alone the whole operational costs?

Perhaps this institution gets huge funding from the government and from several rich patrons in the country and abroad. 

The museum's significance extends beyond its walls, serving as a cultural hub for the local community. It plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of Filipino cultural identity, offering a window into the nation's history, struggles, and triumphs. 

For the people of Manila and the wider Filipino community, the museum is not just a repository of art; it is a source of national pride and a place of learning and inspiration.

Visiting the National Museum of Fine Arts is worth your time in your travel itinerary. We will visit once again when we are in the city. 

Dress code: There is NO dress code when visiting the museum, however, it is best to wear something appropriate (no revealing clothes). 

You can also opt to dress up when you visit the museum and take some of your souvenir photos to complete the whole experience. Due to our tight schedule, I wasn’t able to wear my traditional dress; perhaps I’ll do it during my next visit.

Location: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Official Website: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/our-museums/national-museum-of-fine-arts/

As we celebrate the museum's contributions to the local community, culture, and arts, we recognize its role in shaping the cultural consciousness of the Philippines. It is a beacon of heritage, inviting all to explore the depths of Filipino creativity and resilience. The National Museum of Fine Arts is not just a place to visit; it is a journey through the heart of Filipino identity, one that continues to inspire and educate generations to come.

For more travel stories around the Philippines, check our previous posts here.