Private Half-Day Shore Excursion Museums in Manila

National Museum

1 hour

Visit the National Museum of the Philippines and view the ethnographic exhibits and archaeological displays that portray the journey of the country from pre-historic to colonial and present times. From the gallery that showcases the diversity of the country’s culture, transfer to the National Art Gallery where paintings of the country’s Philippine masters of arts are on display. At the Session Hall where the historic 1934 Constitutional Convention led by Claro M. Recto took place, paintings of Juan Luna and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo, the leading Filipino artists during the Spanish times are shown. Other galleries within the building features religious art, carvings and icons from the 16 to the 17th centuries, academic and romantic drawings, portraits, paintings and sculptures wrought by numerous talented Filipino painters and sculptors, both known and unknown can be admired.

Ayala Museum

1 hour

Afterwards, travel down the busy thoroughfares of Makati and stop at the Ayala Museum. Immerse one’s self in Philippine contemporary art and observe the artistic styles and craftsmanship of modern artists. The museum has an interesting diorama that narrates many of the country’s historical events through 60 handcrafted dioramas, and exhibits an assortment of gold treasures which were discovered during pre-colonial era, as well as ceramic and textile collections. The museum also conducts workshops and lectures by local artists and art curators on Philippine arts and culture; it also houses a collection of rare books, photographs and recordings. From here, you will be transferred back to the port.