My Top 5 Reasons why Filipinos should visit the National Art Gallery (at the National Museum)

It was the first time that we went to the National Art Gallery of the National Musuem with my kids. I love the facade.  It was such a grand-looking place.  I think the first time I went with Ramir was when I was still in college, for a classwork we need to do.  Going here was like a breath of fresh air.  It was something new to our family, but we knew we would enjoy and learn a lot from. I have been to some art galleries in the US - the Musuem of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, the National Art Gallery in Washington, DC and De Young Museum in San Francisco, and the way ours was arranged now was something at par with those galleries.  Although of course, in terms of collections, ours wasn't as expansive, but I must say, we really have good ones.  Besides, the notable works of our country's national artists are here.  It really makes me feel proud. So here are my top 5 favorite collections at our very own National Art Gallery.

1. Sculptures of Jose Rizal
I only see them in books and I'm here face to face with the works of our national hero.  I am a fan of our renaissance man and his art pieces are representations of his creative facet. 

2. Sculptures of Guillermo Tolentino
His sculptures, to me, are the best.  His human forms are incomparable.  His iconic works like the Bonifacio Monument and the Oblation have brought the spotlight to his genius.

3. Paintings of Juan Luna
I can only swoon over his Spolarium.  His light and shadows are also wonderful.  His mastery of the medium has brought much pride to our country.

4. Paintings of Carlos Francisco
I can't comprehend how an individual can work on murals. But Botong's a muralist.  And I'm so impressed.  His four murals - The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines is proof of his great artistry.  I actually sat down in front of it and stared for at least five minutes.

5. Paintings of Fernando Amorsolo
His countryside paintings are the best countryside paintings I've ever seen.  I don't know what it is about the Amorsolos that gives you that peacefulness and laid back feel of the countryside.  The tones and richness of his colors are uniquely his.

There are many more collections and noteworthy pieces.  I also love the paintings of Vicente Manansala and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. I think even if you are not an art enthusiast, you would enjoy all the beautiful art works that are displayed at the National Art Gallery. In my opinion,  museum visits should be something that every Filipino should do.  I think there should be a conscious effort on our part to impart the good heritage that we have and pass it on to the next generation.  Filipinos have amazing talents.  We might have conquered the world with music, but there's much more in our arts and culture that are also worthy of the spotlight.  To know more about them, the National Art Gallery of the National Museum is a good start.

DETAILS:
1. Address: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila
2. The National Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free admission on Sundays.
3. Entrance Fees: Museum of the Filipino People and National Art Gallery
(also includes visit to exhibits of the National Planetarium.)
Students - P50.00
Senior Citizen - P120.00
Adult - P150.00
4. For inquiries call:
Museum Education Division
Telefax #: 527 0278
Email: education@nationalmuseum.gov.ph
Look for Lina/Tess