National Museum of Fine Arts

Overview

The National Museum of Fine Arts occupies the former Legislative Building on Padre Burgos Avenue, a grand neoclassical structure that once housed the Philippine Congress. Since 1998, it has been the country's premier art museum, home to the most important collection of Filipino visual art spanning the 17th century to the present.

Highlights

• Spoliarium by Juan Luna: The massive 1884 painting — 4.22 × 7.675 meters — depicting fallen gladiators in a Roman arena, which won the gold medal at the Madrid Exposition.
• Fernando Amorsolo Gallery: Works by the first National Artist of the Philippines, known for luminous pastoral and historical scenes.
• Contemporary Wing: Rotating exhibitions showcasing modern Filipino artists working in installation, video, and mixed media.

History

The neoclassical building was designed by American architect Ralph Harrington Doane and completed in 1926. It served as the Philippine National Assembly and later the Senate until the government moved to a new complex in 1972.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Free admission for everyone — no ticket or registration required.
• Tip 2: Start on the top floor with the Spoliarium and work downward through the colonial galleries.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.