Revisiting The National Museum of the Philippines in 2024
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I decided to start the new year by spending an entire day at The National Museum of the Philippines. Since January 2 was not a holiday, I thought that the museum would be empty but I forgot that students have not gone back to school yet. The museum was teeming with kids and teenagers.
The Manila City Hall is visible from the entrance to the National Museum of Fine Arts |
The Spoliarium |
How to Get There
I decided to take the Pasig River Ferry to the museum. I realized that this was the least stressful way to get to Manila from Mandaluyong. I even got to see different kinds of birds while on the ferry. The travel time is one hour though so it is not for people who have an appointment or schedule to keep.
The nearest landmark to the National Museum is Rizal Park but the park is currently undergoing renovations so its facade is no longer easily recognizable. When facing the Manila Bay, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology are on the right side of Rizal Park while the National Museum of Natural History is on the left. The nearest train station is LRT UN Avenue.
Entrance Fee
The National Museum is still free. Visitors just need to present a valid ID.
The National Museum of the Philippines.
The National Museum of the Philippines is composed of three buildings: The National Museum of Fine Arts, The National Museum of Natural History, and The National Museum of Anthropology.
The National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is my favorite out of all three. It also had the least crowd probably because kids find art boring.
Here are some paintings and sculptures in the gallery that I found very interesting.
Juan Luna's La BulaqueƱa |
Juan Luna's bronze bust |
Most of the important and famous pieces are found at the ground level of the museum and here are the most important ones.
Here was something I did not expect to see. Apparently, in Rizal's own words, he was married to Josephine Bracken as he gave her a book with the words 'to my dear and unhappy wife' inscribed. Now that's something they don't teach you in school!
The National Museum of Anthropology
I did not like The National Museum of Anthropology that much because I felt like we were only being shown what conforms with the narrative that has been approved. I found it amusing that one of the visitors explained to her child that the Aeta tools being displayed were what their ancestors used in the past. I mean does she even have a drop of Aeta blood?
Ever heard of Philippine Jade? Well apparently, it's a thing!
Here is proof that our ancestors were visited by aliens.
Ancient Astronaut Theorists say yes!
The National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History was the most crowded of all three.
I guess if I were a kid, I would also find this part of the museum complex the most interesting.
Reminders when visiting The National Museum of the Philippines
1. Oversized bags should be deposited at the baggage counter.
2. Flash photography is not allowed.
3. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum.
4. There is no dress code but people generally wear smart casual to museums.
Museum Schedule
The National Museum of the Philippines is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Here are some historical buildings near the Lawton Ferry Station.
Manila Metropolitan Theatre
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Comments
The info regarding the museum schedule and your reminders are very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I need to visit this museum in the future.
ReplyDelete