Take A Trip To The Philippine National Museum
Written By: Kiara Lo
Got nothing to do? Why don't you take a trip to the Philippine National Museum? Instead of going shopping in malls, why don't you visit our country's museum even just once for a change? You'll never know how much beauty an old canvas with colorful stains can hold. Even the littlest works of art can be the most fascinating ones.The building was designed by Architect Ralph Harrington Doane to become the public library. Although, when the vision for the library was abandoned to give way to the Philippine Legislature, Doane's plans were modified by Juan Arellano. Built under the American colonization, this was considered one of the grandest public buildings during that time. It was damaged and left in ruins after the second world war. The U.S. Philippine War Damage Corporation rebuilt the structure to the same dimensions, but it had less details compared to the previous one. It was renamed the "Congress - Republic of the Philippines." It was called "Executive House" during the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 for the National Museum on the second floor, and various government offices like the Office of the Prime Minister, Ombudsman, and Sandiganbayan on other floors. After the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, the use of the building was ongoing. Although, the government offices were transferred to other premises, which left the National Museum the only occupant of the building. Republic Act No. 8492, The National Museum Act of 1998 states that the Old Legislative Building will house the nation's art galleries. It was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2010.
Once you step inside the building, you see the Greek inspired entrance with Corinthian columns and a beautiful chandelier. Step further inside, and you are welcomed by a statue created by Guillermo Tolentino in the 1950s. It remains untitled, but it is a "Diwata." This structure beats his Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City.
Surpass that, and you see the enormous, well-known "Spoliarium" painting by Juan Luna. It shows how slaves (Philippines) can win (paint better) against their colonisers (Spaniards). It was awarded as the "Pambansang Yamang Pangkalinangan" on the 25th of August 2006.
When you walk past the painting, you will see the entrance to 2 separate halls that lead to the many art galleries that are being housed in the museum. The last gallery number was 25. Although, not all of them are numbered and open to the public (yet), which is why some numbers are skipped. Hallways may be considered as galleries, too. Each gallery contains a theme which the works of art are aligned to. Exhibits start on the 2nd floor of the museum, which is the House Floor. It contains Philippines art during the 17th to 20th centuries. The 3rd floor of the museum, which is the Senate Floor contains contemporary and modern art from the 20th to 21st centuries.
Even if you're not an art enthusiast or expert, the Philippine National Museum is truly a place for patriotism and love for one's nation. It embodies Filipino culture in simple works of art. It speaks so much about our country. What are you waiting for? Take a trip to the Philippine National Museum and see for yourself the beauty of art.
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