National Museums

Thursday we visited some of the national museums in Manila. We visited the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History in a day, but there was enough in each to fill a full day.

We first visited the National Museum of Fine Arts, where we saw countless sculptures, carvings, paintings and other works. Among the highlights were Spoliarium by Juan Luna Y Novicio and the paired Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, a collection of sculptures by Isabelo L. Tampinco, depictions of and works by Jose Rizal, and The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines by Carlos V. Francisco. Each floor was full of impactful pieces.

At the National Museum of Anthropology a broad look at how people have lived in the Philippines was presented. I was especially intrigued by how textiles were developed and by the fashions worn at different times and in different regions.

In the central courtyard the was also a sweet sleeping kitten.

Near the museums is the Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom, representing Lapu-Lapu, the first Asian to lead a successful uprising against European invaders.

The National Museum of Natural History is a beautifil building filled with exhibits exploring the geograph and biology of the Philippines, with a special focus on ecology.