Amidst the hustle of work and study, there will be moments when we take a well-deserved break to unwind and refresh our bodies and minds. It’s difficult to function when burnout hits, making us feel like walking error machines, or worse, completely zoned out to our surroundings. So, let’s switch gears, round up the squad—or fly solo, whatever floats your boat—and step into an artistic wonderland. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ll share a few awesome spots I’ve scoped out, both in and out of Metro Manila.
Art in Island
Located in Quezon City, this museum stands as the ultimate destination for 3D environments in the Philippines. Art In Island captivates every visitor with immersive art that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The art displayed in this museum comes to life through projectors, accompanied by immersive sounds and lights, allowing you to fully experience living inside the artwork. Art In Island features 12 different art zones, each showcasing various forms of creativity and expression. You’ll find mirrors reflecting digital art, walls decorated with animated animals, paintings that illuminate in the dark, and a variety of sculptures that invite you to strike aesthetic poses for photos and videos. You’ll also encounter playful art illusions that make you a part of the painting, such as a lady who accidentally throws off her shoe while swinging, and you’ll be the one to creatively interact with the scene.
Exploring this museum is a magical experience; wandering through it opens up a whole new realm of imagination. In every area, your mind engages with the creativity surrounding you, freeing you from unnecessary thoughts and allowing you to relax and be amazed. Personally, I enjoyed my visit to Art In Island so much that I found myself too captivated to take many photos. However, my friend managed to capture me, and the results were enchanting. I faced a dilemma in choosing which photo to post, or even considering whether to update my profile picture on social media.
The entrance fees for Art In Island are as follows: PHP850 for adults, PHP700 for students, PHP600 for kindergarten and grade school students, PHP600 for senior citizens and PWDs, and children under 3 feet tall are granted free admission. In addition to its captivating exhibits, the museum offers an ongoing promo for birthday celebrants, adding an extra touch of magic to your special day. Art In Island is open from 11:00 am until 7:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday, with ticket sales ending at 6:00 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum extends its hours from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, with ticket sales until 7:00 pm.
To reach Art In Island, your main landmark is the Gateway Mall. If you’re near the MRT-3 line, riding it is a convenient way to get to the museum. Take a northbound train and alight at Araneta Center-Cubao station. Inside Gateway Mall, head to the exit nearest the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Once outside, you can either walk through Cubao Expo, as the entrance is inside, or take a jeepney along Aurora Blvd. and disembark at the corner of 15th Ave. Then, walk along 15th Ave. until you reach Art In Island. Alternatively, you can walk to the Rosario Terminal next to the Smart Araneta Coliseum and take a Rosario-Citibank jeep directly to the museum. If you’re driving, finding the museum with Waze or Google Maps is straightforward, and parking is available in front of the building.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artinisland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artinisland/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artinislandph
X: https://twitter.com/artinisland
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila explores a wide range of artistic genres, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, showcasing the vibrant creativity of Filipino and international artists. Established in 1976, it has aimed to be a premier destination for contemporary art. Now, it has evolved into a new art space with the mission of “Art for All” in Bonifacio Global City to engage with a broader and more diverse audience. The new Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located inside the MK Tan Centre building and consists of three floors, each with its special theme.
I was able to explore an art exhibition by Annie Cabigting entitled “When We Look at Art…” which extended from the ground floor to the second floor. Through her paintings, Cabigting showcased different individuals appreciating other artworks in their own ways, using her signature photorealist style for which she is known. Looking at the paintings, I couldn’t help but feel like I was becoming a part of their narrative, and it’s incredible how each of her artworks can captivate your imagination and make the art on the canvas feel real. On its third floor, a different exhibition titled “Histories and Horizons: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila Collection” highlighted the works of various artists. My initial impression was one of astonishment at the variety of beautiful artworks waiting to be explored. Even the arrangement compelled me to decide whether to start on the right or left side to immerse myself in every art piece. In this exhibition, every visitor is invited to immerse themselves in the diverse Filipino culture, where mythological creatures, traditions, and the essence of Filipino society converge.
Access to the museum requires a reservation, and this system effectively manages crowd levels across the museum, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for every visitor. Also, if you missed the chance to visit the “When We Look at Art…” and “Histories and Horizons: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila Collection” exhibitions during their scheduled times, don’t worry! The Metropolitan Museum of Manila has a lineup of ongoing and upcoming exhibitions that you can explore on its website and social media pages. The Metropolitan Museum is open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. However, the museum is closed during holidays and other special notices.
For a seamless journey to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, hop on the central route BGC bus from the Edsa Ayala station terminal. Once you arrive at the NutriAsia stop, simply stroll along 8th Avenue until you encounter the eye-catching large yellow and black sculptures, guiding you to the museum entrance. If you have a vehicle, I wasn’t able to determine if there are any parking spaces at the building; however, there are many parking spaces available outside the MK Tan Centre.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metmuseummanila
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metmuseummanila/
Website: https://metmuseum.ph/
Pinto Art Museum
Venturing beyond the Metro, the Pinto Art Museum is a sanctuary brimming with artistic treasures in Antipolo City. Housing a vast collection of art pieces and spanning different genres and styles, navigating through the galleries may find yourself turning to a map that is provided by the staff, so you won’t miss any of the hidden treasures. In 2010, the Pinto Art Museum was established to showcase the art collection of Dr. Joven Cuanang, a renowned Filipino neurologist and supporter of the arts. With the belief that art holds a diplomatic connection to various “nationalities, worldviews, and communities.” “Pinto” means “door,” and let me tell you, this art museum has a lot of doors to explore and as you wander through, you’ll find yourself drawn to each door, eager to see what artistic world awaits you to discover.
With a spacious design and aesthetically curated layout in the surrounding nature, the Pinto Art Museum consists of 6 distinct galleries and each is a canvas of artistic narratives. There’s one painting that left a strong impression on me that skillfully evokes complex emotions. Titled “God Bless Pilipinas” by Jojit Solano, this artwork is a profound exploration of societal complexities. Through its intricate details and powerful imagery, Solano was able to capture the essence of societal tensions. Standing before it, I found myself grappling with a range of sentiments, from discomfort to appreciation, leaving a reminder about the power of art to confront uncomfortable truths and inspire meaningful reflections. But amidst the intensity, other diverse artworks can be found within the galleries. With curated sections dedicated to romance, comedy, and scenic landscapes, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of the artistic world. Plus, if you get hungry from all the exploration, you’ll find a restaurant and a cafe in Pinto Art where you can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering delicacies. From savory dishes to delectable desserts, it can satisfy your craving and fuel your artistic adventures. Apart from its food, the Pinto Art Museum presents numerous picturesque spots ideal for capturing ethereal and unique photos.
The entrance fee to the Pinto Art Museum is PHP250 for individuals aged 18 years old and above, PHP200 for senior citizens, PHP125 for students with valid proof of enrollment, and free for children aged 3 years old and below. As for its operating hours, the museum opens at 10:00 am until 6:00 pm every Tuesday to Sunday. Its admissions are only for walk-ins and no reservations and pets are not allowed. If you’re looking to host a grand photoshoot or plan a magical event, Pinto Art Museum offers its spaces for such occasions. You can contact them via email at [email protected] for your inquiries.
Initially, my mom, my friend, and I planned to commute to the Pinto Art Museum via the e-jeep at SM Megamall’s bus terminal. However, our desire to arrive at the museum early led us to opt for a Grab ride instead, despite the higher cost. Leaving the museum, we decided to be more budget-conscious for our ride home. Here’s a tip: you can hop on one of the tricycles lined up nearby and ask to be dropped off at Robinsons Antipolo. Once at Robinsons Antipolo, you can easily find the bus terminal and board a bus bound for the new LRT 2 Antipolo to Recto. From there, you have the flexibility to disembark at a station closer to your home or your desired transportation hub. For those traveling by car, parking spaces are available at the Pinto Art Museum, although it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot, as it tends to get crowded in the afternoon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pinto.Art.Museum.officialpage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinto.art.museum/
X: https://twitter.com/pintoartmuseum
Website: https://www.pintoart.org/museum
Words by Alyssa Joji Silva
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE April 2024 Issue