“A trip to the National Museum is an immersive adventure open to all”
Our class went on an enlightening journey to the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. Even though I had been there before, this visit was a different experience compared to the first one. We had a guide who helped us understand the stories behind the artwork, making the tour way more interesting.
What caught my eye
No Entrance Fee Brings in More Friends: One remarkable thing about the museum is that they didn’t charge us to get in. This meant more people could come and see the pieces in the museum. It was nice because everyone could enjoy the museum, no matter how much money they had. I liked that a lot of different people were there, making it more fun and lively. It’s also a way to attract more people regardless of age. I noticed that most of the visitors were students, but there were also adults and the elderly. It just proves there is no age limit when it comes to museums and interest in history.
Newer Pieces to Look At: This time around, the museum expanded its offerings, incorporating newer artworks alongside historical pieces. The juxtaposition of old and new created a dynamic narrative, emphasizing that Filipino art isn’t confined to the past; it’s a living, breathing entity. The highlight of my visit was the painting “Filipino Struggles Through History” by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, a representation of Filipino resilience across challenges. The journey of this painting, from deterioration to restoration, mirrored the resilience depicted within it. As I look at the artwork, I can’t help but reflect on the collective strength of Filipinos throughout history and hope for a future where our struggles are recognized and addressed by the government.
A touch of Filipino essence
Captions in Filipino: To enhance the experience, the museum could consider adding captions in Filipino alongside English. This simple addition would not only enrich the understanding of local visitors, but also encourage a broader audience to appreciate the cultural significance of the pieces. After all, it is our National Museum, and every Filipino should feel connected to its stories.
Engaging Activities for All: Drawing inspiration from my visit to the National Museum in Singapore, I hope our museum will have interactive elements. More QR codes, providing additional information when scanned, and headphones with audio descriptions would make the exhibits more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Conclusion: A Journey for Everyone
In essence, a trip to the National Museum goes beyond merely observing artifacts; it’s an immersive adventure open to all. The absence of an entrance fee ensures more friends can join this exploration. The inclusion of both old and new exhibits broadens the horizons of our understanding of Filipino art.
Adding Filipino words and stories next to the art and incorporating interactive activities could transform the museum into a hub of engaging learning experiences. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have visited it, and I hope more people can partake in this enriching cultural journey.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. She wrote this reflection paper for her class on Integral Human Development. She can be reached at [email protected].
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty and its administrators.