It’s been ages since I visited the National Museum. I used to work in that hallowed building back in the 90s, because the Philippine Senate was housed there. It’s really such a shame to be ogling at museums in other countries and not loving your own. Must.go there.soon.
The National Museum today has undergone a complete transformation. In fact it can already compare with its counterparts in Asia and beyond. It boasts of an extensive art and artifact collection housed in 21 galleries and spanning two colonial-era buildings. What can be seen in its historic walls? The works of great men like National Artist Fernando Amorsolo whose ongoing retrospective at the museum features his best works and drawings.
Somebody says one of the best gifts you can give to yourself this Christmas is the gift of cultural understanding and appreciating art. It is the gift of having a Grand Tour of the National Museum. Who can disagree with something noble like that? Details after the jump:
“Ever wondered what the Manunggul Jar is saying with its two spirits steering in the afterlife? Did you know that the 400 year old galleon trade linked us culturally and historically to both Spain AND Mexico? Ever paused to get the full picture of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and how the painting created our nation? Have you ever seen a full complement of the very best of paintings and sculptures by our National Artists? And the stories in their creation?
Everyone’s who has been on John Silva’s Grand Tour of The National Museum say this three-hour experience of being guided through their history has been inspiring, educational, and well worth it.
For this holiday season, treat your friends (Balikbayans love it) and family to the best gift ever, the gift of learning one’s culture and past. As a special bonus, the National Museum has a retrospective on Fernando Amorsolo featuring his best portrait works and drawings. John will give an added extensive tour/lecture on the first National Artist and his artistic contribution to the world.
The Grand Tour of the National Museum is scheduled for the following dates: November 19, 22, 23, 26, December 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 20th, 2008. The tour begins at 10 am sharp and ends at 1 pm. The tour covers two buildings, 20 galleries from Archaeology, Anthropology to classical and modern arts and sculpture. The fee is 700 pesos per adult and 500 pesos per child. Walking shoes are recommended and the tour is wheel-chair accessible.
Reservations are essential so please contact 0926 729 9029, 0917 419 5928, 527 5082, or e-mail jsilva79@mac.com. ” Part of the proceeds will go to art appreciation classes for public school teachers.
john silva is a good storyteller and visionary.i went on a Nat’l. Muesum tour with him and enjoyed a lot. I even became prouder of my race. 🙂
Hi Edelweiza. Thanks for the heads-up. I still have to try the National Museum tour, but yes I agree, this one is more meaningful than the usual gallivanting in the mall 😀
I shall be looking forward to receiving the reservation you are going to buy me for Christmas then….:-)
the last time i went to the national museum was way back college days. it was a course requirement. i remember juan luna’s spolarium. the huge painting mounted on the wall is overwhelming and kinda creepy but definitely a great work of art. i’ve been meaning to bring my boys to the museum just for change of scenery.
Natuwa ako sa post mo, I’ve always believed that as Filipinos, we should make an effort to know and appreciate more about our heritage. Kaya naman, last August talagang may I go ako sa National Museum with my friends. I hope more people should go there. Hindi ba, mas maganda if you check our museums first before travelling abroad and check out the other countries?
Thanks for the heads up. I’d probably join the tour scheduled in December. Been there ages ago, and that time it seemed so jurassic.