6 arts and culture spaces to explore this Museums and Galleries Month
In the Philippines, October isn’t just for Halloween celebrations; it also marks the start of Museums and Galleries Month. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or taking your first curious steps into the world of exhibitions, this month offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Filipino arts and culture.
Bahay Nakpil-Bautista
Located in Quiapo, Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is an ancestral bahay na bato associated with the Nakpils, a significant family in Philippine history. Most notable among them are Gregoria de Jesus, the “Lakambini ng Katipunan,” and her husband, musical composer and Katipunan vice-leader, Julio Nakpil.
The museum features permanent exhibits about the house’s former residents, the Katipunan movement, and includes a small library of Filipiniana literature accessible to researchers.
Beyond its role as a museum, Bahay Nakpil-Bautista also functions as an active community center, hosting exhibits for emerging artists, meetings for advocacy groups, and organizing walking tours of Manila.
Located at 432 A. Bautista, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Kalakhang Maynila. Open only on Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance fee costs P80.
Tandang Sora Women’s Museum
The Tandang Sora Women’s Museum opened on Jan. 6, 2025, commemorating the 213th birth anniversary of Melchora Aquino, Mother of the Philippine Revolution. This museum honors not only Aquino, but also celebrates the contributions of Filipino women throughout the nation’s history. The bahay na bato-inspired building houses a creativity corner, an audio-visual section, and a rotating exhibit space.
Aside from a comprehensive timeline documenting Filipino women’s significant roles across various sectors—such as politics, arts, science, and media—the museum also preserves materials and memorabilia from feminist movements in the Philippines.
Located at Tandang Sora National Shrine, Banlat Road, Quezon City. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fee is P50; senior citizens, PWDs, and Quezon City residents may enter for free
Fundacion Sansó
Fundación Sansó is a nonprofit foundation established in 2014 to preserve and promote the artistic legacy of renowned visual artist Juvenal Sansó. It maintains an extensive collection of over 600 works from Sansó’s personal archive, including paintings, prints, textile designs, opera set designs, sketches, and painted slides.
Aside from preserving the Spanish-born Filipino artist’s legacy, Fundacion Sansó also actively contributes to the development of the Philippine cultural sector by spearheading various arts-related projects, scholarships, and grants.
Located at 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan City. Open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
AIMS Museo Maritimo
Found inside the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) campus, the AIMS Museo Maritimo is the Philippines’ first maritime-themed museum that offers comprehensive exhibitions on the country’s seafaring history. It provides insights into significant events such as Magellan’s global circumnavigation and the trade interactions between Mexico and the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
Visitors can also explore maritime artifacts and displays, learn about notable figures across different sectors of the maritime industry, and understand the duties and responsibilities of a Filipino maritime officer.
Located at Gate 1, Lighthouse Bldg. AIMS Campus, Roxas Blvd. cor. A. Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is P100; rate for students, senior citizens, and PWDs is P50.
Book Museum cum Ethnology Center
Founded in 2013 by Dominador Buhain, president of REX Publishing, the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center houses a curated collection of limited-edition books and published materials from over 200 countries. Buhain established the museum to share knowledge from his travels and reignite an appreciation for reading within Filipinos. In his collection are remarkable pieces such as a copy of the “Doctrina Christiana,” the first book printed in the Philippines, and a miniature set of William Shakespeare’s works.
Doubling as an ethnology center, the museum features two artifact exhibitions highlighting Cordilleran, Mangyan, Tausug, and other Indigenous groups. The space also includes a 1950s-inspired coffee shop filled with James Dean memorabilia, honoring the museum owner’s favorite actor from that era.
Located at 127 Southeast Dao St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City. Open from Tuesday to Saturday*, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fee is P250, with a P100 consumable voucher for the James Dean Café.
*Reservations are required for visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, at least two days in advance
RiseSpace Art Gallery in Makati
Founded by photographer Erwin Canlas and maintained alongside his family, RiseSpace Art Gallery is more than just an exhibition space; it is also a platform for artistic expression and connection, welcoming emerging creatives, established artists, and art enthusiasts alike. Dedicated to fostering creativity and communication within the art community, RiseSpace hosts not only exhibitions but also artist talks and performances.
Their inaugural exhibition, “Visions,” showcased works from the Canlas family members—Erwin, Rene, and Isabela—which expressed their common philosophy of art as a shared language.
Located at 2nd Floor, Unit 4, Comuna Bldg. A, 238 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Ext, Makati City. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
