Universities in Metro Manila are known for their excellence across academic disciplines, boasting top-notch facilities, and engaging in valuable research.
Nestled within these centers of intellectual pursuit are rooms and halls that exhibit unique attractions, provide visitor information, and offer glimpses of the treasures that reside within their walls.
These spaces allow students to explore and acquire a deeper understanding of art and captivating historical narratives, enabling them to delve into the past.
Here are some university museums to visit, making them perfect destinations for Museum and Galleries Month this October:
De La Salle University Manila – “The Museum”
The De La Salle University Museum is an art museum that promotes the cultural and artistic awareness of its community by showcasing important works of Philippine modern art from the Willi and Doreen Fernandez collection and the University's art collection. It also features works of prominent Filipino artists, the De La Salle University Art Collection, and works of Lasallians from The Greenlight Project.
Location: Yuchengco Hall, De La Salle University, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
Museum hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m
Entrance fee: Free admission for Lasallian community. P25 for non-Lasallian and Filipino citizen. P50 for foreign individual.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila – “Museum of Contemporary Art and Design”
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), which opened in 2018, is part of the College of Saint Benilde's School of Design and Arts. MCAD focuses on contemporary art in the context of Manila, Philippines, and stands out as a non-collecting institution. It offers contemporary art exhibitions, public programs, and cultural activities that explore technology and new media while encouraging engagement with art and culture, including film screenings, performances, and installation art displays for visitors to enjoy.
Location: MCAD Manila, Ground Floor, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Design and Arts Campus (D+A Campus), Dominga Street, Malate, Manila
Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m, and Sunday 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m
Entrance fee: Free admission
Ateneo de Manila University – “Ateneo Art Gallery”
The Ateneo Art Gallery, established in 1960 through Fernando Zóbel's collection, is known as the first museum of Philippine modern art. It showcases its permanent collection on the upper ground and second floor galleries in various thematic contexts. The third-floor galleries are used for contemporary and experimental art projects, including the annual Ateneo Art Awards and historical exhibitions. The Ben Chan ArtSuite serves as a multi-purpose venue for educational activities, workshops, lectures, seminars, and film screenings.
Location: Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines
Museum hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Entrance fee: P50 for non-Ateneo guests. For Ateneo alumni, an old Ateno student ID or an Ateneo Alumni Association (AAA) membership card may be presented to avail of free admission.
University of Santo Tomas – “UST Museum”
The University of Santo Tomas Museum, considered as the Philippines' oldest museum, was founded in 1869 to meet the 1865 Reglamento de Segunda Enseñanza, which mandated first-class colleges to have a Museo de Historia Natural. UST Museum boasts a diverse collection and is affiliated with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and University Museums and Collections (UMAC).
Location: 3f Museum Director's Office, España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1015 Metro Manila
Museum hours: Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Entrance fee: P30 for non-Thomasian students with ID, and P50 for non-students. Free entrance for Thomasian students, faculty, support staff, alumni with ID, Senior citizens and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
University of the Philippines, Diliman – “Jose B. Vargas and Filipiniana Research Center Museum”
The Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center serves as a hub for Philippine art and culture, focusing on research, curation, and education. It houses artworks by notable artists from the late 19th century, including Lorenzo Guerrero, Simon Flores, Juan Luna, and Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo, as well as works from the 1930s and 1940s, particularly by Fabian de la Rosa and Fernando Amorsolo. Through its collection of various art forms, such as oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings, and sculptures, the Vargas Museum aims to promote appreciation for the country's artistic heritage and raise awareness about the history of Philippine art.
Location: Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Entrance fee: P20 for students, P50 for non-UP, P40 for UP staff, faculty and almuni. Free entrance for UP students, staff, faculty, and alumni every Wednesday, senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) may also avail a discount.
Without a doubt, these university museums leave their visitors not only well-informed but also deeply motivated, acting as entrances to our cultural and historical legacy. They display important items from a wide range of domains, encompassing science, art, and various civilizations, with each object adding to the intricate narrative of human history.