Museums and Exhibits in Metro Manila That You Must Visit (Part 2)

Manila is home to many museums that store plenty of treasures for history buffs and the casual tourists alike. But aside from these national gems, there’s also an emerging group of museums that showcases the more modern side of the arts.

If you are a budding artist or just want a different kind of entertainment for the weekend, check out our second installment of Museums and Exhibits in Manila.

Located in the heart of Antipolo, Pinto Art Museum is a little hard to find, but it is definitely worth the effort. The museum is aptly named pinto, which is the Filipino word for “door,” because of the many doors and passages that connect different galleries in the area.

Even if you don’t have that much knowledge about art techniques or forms, you’ll still be fascinated by the quirky sculptures and installations around the museum. They feature modern and contemporary art using different kinds of media, from the typical canvass to unconventional materials like wires, cans, and even trash. We’re sure that you’ll find something that will pique your interest.

Read: Museums and Exhibits in Metro Manila That You Must Visit (Part 1)

Art in Island Interactive Art Museum is offering a different kind of art experience. Everyone is used to just looking at art and taking pictures of it in conventional museums. But at this museum, the experience is not complete if you’re not in the picture!

Dubbed as the largest 3D art museum in Asia, you’ll be sweating once you’re done. The walls and floors are covered with images that will trick your eyes and will make your jaw drop. It includes different zones and eras where you can strike your best pose, the crazier the better. Traverse through mystical jungles and trail around European cities with your friends at Art in Island Interactive Art Museum.

While our local museums typically focus on our past, The Mind Museum aims to highlight our future through science and technology. Since its opening in 2012, The Mind Museum has intrigued both kids and adults with its world-class facilities and interactive installations—from atoms to bones, and even human brains.

The museum has five galleries that are designed to tell a story. There are galleries about atoms, the earth, life, the universe, and technology. These galleries will take you on a ride showing how humans came into being and what the future could bring. They also feature changing exhibitions to keep visitors coming back.

For a mind-boggling experience, visit The Mind Museum with your family and friends.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) prides itself in bringing international works to the local scene. It showcases contemporary art not usually seen on our shores—art that uses different kinds of media to intrigue the minds of modern artists.

Some of the international artists that MCAD has featured are Michael Lin and Paul Pfeiffer. The installations at the museum are constantly changing because of the many artists they feature and the collaborations they have at different times. You can expect to see something different when you return after your first visit.

Amidst the busy business district of Makati stands Yuchengco Museum. The museum showcases a collection of classic and modern art that brings pride to the Filipino community. You’ll see creations of Filipino greats like Juan Luna, Fernando C. Amorsolo, and Carlos “Botong” Francisco, as well as works by modernists like Anita Magsaysay Ho and Victorio Edades.

One of the must-see pieces in the museum is their Suspended Garden installation by Tony Gonzales and Tes Pasola. The seemingly floating rocks aim to provide a calm space to visitors, imitating the popular Japanese Zen gardens.

Instead of mall-hopping this week, why not do some museum-hopping with your family and friends? Feast your eyes on these modern museums and support the works of Filipino artists.

Finally, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, do you believe that all eyes are capable of perceiving beauty? Start the discussion in the comments section below!