Travel Hacks

Time-travel in one day in Manila's National Museum

Were you able to partake in National Museum's "Museums & Galleries Month" last October 2012? If you did, then you probably enjoyed exploring the grounds since the entry to the official repository of the Philippines was offered for FREE. Yes, we got in for FREE! When I found out about this, it gave me and Rubel the opportunity to revisit the rich history of our country. I know that it's been years since I last stepped foot in this building in Manila. So I gathered all my museum-wandering-self just so I could taste what the 1900's edifice has to offer.


When we got to the museum that afternoon, several people were already clustered inside the receiving area. Rubel and I just left our bags and went scurrying to where the SPOLARIUM was --- at the Bulwagang Hidalgo at Luna. The Spolarium was a huge painting that Mr. Juan Luna finished in March 1884. 

Several rooms were also lined up for every floor that we visited. There were paintings, life-size sculptures, ancient manuscripts and a lot more interesting pieces. You can see below some of the most intriguing artifacts that we were able to see during our DIY tour.


If these photos weren't enough, then it would be best to experience firsthand what the National Museum has to offer. I assure you that most of the national treasures that you will find there will certainly keep you in awe.

Explore & Be Free!
Mai 

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40 comments

  1. i am stunned looking at those photos u took dear!! i have never been to a museum in the philippines and this is a good information for me to use next time! though, considering that i visited jose rizals house sounds very museum nrin hahah xx

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  2. I have only been to the National Museum once, and that was many years ago (maybe when I was in high school). I do pass around this area lot when I commute to work every day. I have no time though to visit it again. :)

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  3. Come to think of it, I've been to museums in other countries but not our own. It's great that you gave us a nice tour of the National Museum.

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  4. During my college days in PLM this is my sanctuary. One of the directors of the Museum is my professors and when we do plays we practice in one of the corners of the museum. Thank you for bringing me back the memories. Also, I am proud that the senate office is no longer inside the museum. Now we can go here and immerse ourselves about the greatness of our Nation's past.

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  5. This is one of the places that each Filipino should visit. This will help boost awareness and love to our country and tradition. Surely, I'll visit this place and bring my pamangkins. Thanks Mai for this :)

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  6. I have never been there and it's a dream.. I really want to see Spoliarium myself.. it's an awesome art! and those colorful weaves.. they define our culture..

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  7. Good to know that other bloggers got inside the National Museum for free and picture taking was allowed.


    I had my share as well though sad to say I can only post 10 (out of 400+) pictures as my laptop crashed a few days back.


    And I'm looking forward to go back there and take again pictures of my lost collection.

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  8. Too bad I'm not aware of this. I would have jumped at the opportunity right away. i love the stuff you featured, especially those paintings. Nice shot on the last photo :)

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  9. Ganayan na ba ang National museum ngayon.. ha..ha..ha... pwede na pala na maging part ako ng exhibit dyan, Almost 40 years na akong huling nakapunta riyan.. But going to museums is fun specially kung time traveler ka.

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  10. I've never seen the Spolarium in person but is it really that BIG? O_o all I can say is WOW, that's definitely worth to see...

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  11. How I wish I could also spend a day at the musuem. I'm currently out of the metro kasi and when I'm in Manila, I only have three days to do the things I need :) Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. -Algene

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  12. It's almost 5 years since we came there .. it's really cool to see our country's history and treasure. I really enjoyed the time when I came in our National Museum.

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  13. This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but I have never been inside this museum :(

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  14. I cant remember the last time ive been to this place. I think, it was when i was still in elementary. What a shame. But looking at your pics, the place seems to be pretty well preserved and managed.

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  15. I've never been to this place. Hope to visit it soon.


    http://www.mommyhopeful.info

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  16. I've only been inside the National Museum once and I can't wait to go back again! :) We explored the galleries in quite a hurry, so a next trip is really in order.

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  17. hi mai... getting to the National Museum was the activity I missed during my last visit .. got an invitation from the curator but time did not permit .. It was nice the taking photos was allowed inside ... before bawal ...

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  18. Astig noh? Try to visit the National Museum on your next trip back here. :)

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  19. May changes na din sa National Museum, pero for the better.. may mga rooms na under construction last time I went pero it was to further beautify and organize the place. :)

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  20. The best thing yet is to explore it firsthand. Visit ka soon, Franc! :)

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  21. I couldn't agree more! And thank you for sharing that bit of your past, Sir Orly. :) Interesting..

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  22. Surely! Glad I was able to engage you into bringing your pamangkins sa National Museum. Sana ma-appreciate nila. :)

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  23. Exactly! Believe me, mesmerizing and Spolarium! :)

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  24. Sayang naman! But at least may natira. :)

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  25. Thank you for noticing City Roamer. :)

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  26. hahaha! grabe ka naman tay! And 40 years.. time to revisit the museum then! :)

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  27. Yes, the painting is really big and more! :)

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  28. I hope you get to visit the National Museum on your next Manila trip.. kahit a few hours lang, solb kana! :)

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  29. Were you able to visit the National Museum? :)

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  30. Time to explore it, Jason! Promise, masaya magexplore sa loob. Daming matututunan. :)

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  31. The museum actually had a few closed areas then since renovation was taking place. For preservation purposes din siguro yun.

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  32. Try to allot at least a day para maExplore mo lahat ng rooms. :)

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  33. I think allowed lang siya nung galleries month -- taking photos that is. I'm not sure if they'll allow it now. Super lucky lang na narinig ko toh kaya nakabalik rin ulit. :) Next balik mo ng Manila, dalaw kana sa National Museum. :)

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  34. I am not a historically inclined person but a visit to the National Museum had also made my day some years back. It sparked nationalism in me :D Nice shots you have here Mai :)

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  35. Spolarium is great, I'll visit the museum again next month with my husband. Love the Filipino masterpiece

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  36. Time travelling through the days the nation had been. cool!

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