Established back in 1901 the National Museum of Philippines can rightly be described as one of the nation’s oldest and most iconic cultural institutions to date. Documenting the history of the country while preserving its national treasures, the institution located along Rizal Park on Padre Burgos Avenue serves as a one-stop Mecca for culture buffs hoping to discover the identity and the legacy of the Philippine people. Contained within an imposing structure designed by none other than Daniel Burnham, the famed American architect, the sprawling venue houses some of the most precious artistic, ethnographic, historic and political artifacts in the country. Conveniently located in the capital Manila, visitors should stopover at this iconic edifice which formerly housed the country’s congress to gauge a better understanding of the Philippine story and its twists and turns.

Also regarded among the city’s premier art galleries the National Museum of the Philippine’s Fine Art Department showcases exquisite works of art that date back to the 18th century and progresses up to the 21st century. Possessing more than 1032 individual pieces to its name, the museum displays paintings, sketches, statues, icons and multimedia artworks of the country’s greatest artists. Also displaying an engaging visual arts catalogues the highlight works of fine art at the museum includes The Coronation of the Virgin, the Bust of Mon.G Aglipay, Ink Fish, the Hills of Nikko series and murals such as The Burning of St.Domingo. Sculptures by Guillermo E. Tolentino and Napoleon V. Abueva are also found here along with masterpiece paintings by Carlos V. Francisco and Vicente S. Manansala. Modern age greats of the likes of Symfronio Y. Mendoza and Eduardo Castrillo are also on show at the museum.

Archaeological finds including sea shell jewellery, flaking tools, Manunggul jars and even remains of ancient civilisations unearthed in the Philippines are part of the museum’s collection of artefacts along with anthropomorphic cooking vessels, solid gold death masks and ivory seals. Ethnographic relics such as Mandaya baskets and Lepo sailing vessels are found in the museum’s Ethnography Dept. while the Natural History Dept. contains the National Museum’s Herbarium Collection as well as the institution’s geological and zoological collections.

Travellers in search of a stylish hotel in Manila should look to The Heritage Hotel Manila for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests with the crème de la crème in luxury amenities this elegant Manila hotel serves as an ideal rest for holidaymakers and corporate clients.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+