11 Museums and Galleries That Have Reopened In Manila

Louise Moro

Last updated 24 Mar 2024

Photo Credit: @silverlensgalleries and @1335mabini on Instagram

Grab your art-loving friends and head to these galleries and museums in Manila!

After the long lockdown and the difficulties of adjusting to the new normal, searching for an oasis of calm and quiet reflection in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Manila can be daunting. Fortunately, several galleries and museums in Manila have recently reopened to the public.

As our treasure troves of history, culture, and art, museums can help us reconnect with ourselves by unfolding our origins and inspiring us to discover our place in the changing landscape of our country. These vibrant art and culture scenes also make a wonderful shared experience with friends and family.

We’ve gathered a list of galleries and museums in Manila that have opened their doors to the public, following health and safety guidelines.

Reopened Museums in Manila

National Museum of Fine Arts
National Museum of Anthropology
National Museum of Natural History
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
Drawing Room
Vinyl on Vinyl
Artinformal
Silverlens
Underground Gallery
1335 Mabini

1. National Museum of Fine Arts

After a year of closure, the National Museum in Manila has reopened to the public. Among the institutions that have opened their doors is the National Museum of Fine Arts which is considered one of the country’s most visited museums. Revisit the works of art icons including Juan Luna, Felix Resurrección Hidalgo, and Guillermo Tolentino.

National Museum of Fine Arts

Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Contact Number: (02) 8527 1215
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Only those within the age of 15 to 65 years old will be permitted to enter
- A valid ID with your birth date indicated must be presented
- Pre-book your visit; Only up to 100 guests are allowed per day
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the museum
- Upon entry, you’ll be given a health declaration form to fill out

2. National Museum of Anthropology

Appreciate Filipino heritage at the National Museum of Anthropology. With a vast and varied collection of items and artifacts, you’ll be able to catch glimpses of ancient and modern Filipino culture and lifestyles within the 5 floors of this neoclassical institution.

National Museum of Anthropology

Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Contact Number: (02) 8528 4912
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Only those within the age of 15 to 65 years old will be permitted to enter
- A valid ID with your birth date indicated must be presented
- Pre-book your visit; Only up to 100 guests are allowed per day
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the museum
- Upon entry, you’ll be given a health declaration form to fill out

3. National Museum of Natural History

As the newest addition to the National Museum umbrella, the National Museum of Natural History features exhibits that present the country’s flora and fauna, some of which date back to the time of our earliest ancestors. Its notable features include its Tree of Life Foyer, Rainforest Diorama, Mangrove Diorama, and Marine Realm Gallery.

National Museum of Natural History

Address: Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Contact Number: 0966-3305931
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
- Only those within the age of 15 to 65 years old will be permitted to enter
- A valid ID with your birth date indicated must be presented
- Pre-book your visit; Only up to 100 guests are allowed per day
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the museum
- Upon entry, you’ll be given a health declaration form to fill out

4. Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Considered one of the oldest and most iconic museums within Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila re-opened its doors last November 2020. The museum is known for housing modern and contemporary visual arts from Filipino artists. Currently, they have an ongoing exhibit showcasing the life of Betsy Westendrop—a Filipino-Spanish artist renowned for her bright depictions of landscapes and flowers.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Address: BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila
Contact Number: (063) 250 5271
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Upon entry, you’ll be given a health declaration form to fill out
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the museum
- Physical distancing shall be observed

5. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

Located in the College of St. Benilde’s School of Design and Arts Campus, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is known for its avant-garde and innovative exhibits. Here, you’ll find combinations of new and old media that serve as an avenue for cultural and artistic engagement. The current exhibition is by South Korean artist Haegue Yang The Cone of Concern—her take on humanity’s attempt to control natural phenomena.

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

Address: Ground Floor, Benilde School of Design and Arts Campus, Dominga Street, Malate, Maynila, 1004 Kalakhang Maynila
Contact Number: (02) 8230 5100
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- The museum requires visitors to book at least one day in advance
- Upon entry, you’ll be given a health declaration form to fill out
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the museum
- Physical distancing shall be observed

6. Drawing Room

Drawing Room started as a gallery that featured artworks solely made on paper including sketches by Filipino artist BenCab and expressionist Elmer Borlongan. Since its opening two decades ago, the gallery has expanded to other artistic mediums, featuring contemporary art from established local artists who represent the country in all its realities and complexities.

Drawing Room

Address: Ground Floor, Building C, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Barangay Magallanes, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila
Contact Number: (02) 8801 4398
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Visitors must book an appointment ahead via thedrawingroomgallery@yahoo.com
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the gallery
- Physical distancing shall be observed

7. Vinyl on Vinyl

Nestled among the independent galleries in Manila is Vinyl on Vinyl. Lined up in La Fuerza, Makati, it’s an eclectic art gallery that brings together art, toys, and music in one space. Featuring works inspired by contemporary art, pop surrealism, underground, and street art, the gallery aims to explore emerging genres in the local art scene.

Vinyl on Vinyl

Address: 2241 Pasillo 18 La Fuerza Compound Chino Roces Ave, Makati, Metro Manila
Contact Number: (02) 8260 0020
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Visitors are recommended to inform the gallery ahead via 0917 802 2984
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the gallery
- Physical distancing shall be observed

8. Artinformal

Established in 2004, Artinformal Gallery is an artist-run center founded by a group of contemporary Filipino artists that wanted to bring art closer to the public through curated exhibitions, workshops, and art education. Today, this gallery in Manila holds two spaces that offer two distinct experiences. The house-based space explores curator-led exhibitions while its newer space in Makati promotes solo exhibitions of selected artists’ current works.

Artinformal

Address: The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Ext. Makati City 277 Connecticut St. Greenhills East Mandaluyong City
Contact Number: (02) 839 1772, (02) 725 8518
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Visitors must book an appointment ahead at info@artinformal.com
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the gallery
- Physical distancing shall be observed

9. Silverlens

Silverlens started as a small-scale studio that focused solely on photography. In 2006, they moved into a warehouse in Makati and expanded into exhibitions, collaborations, and gallery partnerships and art fairs. Today, the gallery sits on a two-level building boasting custom-made lighting, spacious exhibition spaces, and offices.

Silverlens

Address: 2263 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila
Contact Number: 0917 587 4011
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
- Visitors must book an appointment ahead and only groups with a minimum of four people will be allowed
- All visitors are required to comply with the following procedures: have your temperature checked, accomplish and sign a health declaration form, and if using a vehicle, allow your tires to be sprayed with disinfectant.
- Visitors may access the exhibition catalogs via QR codes situated in the gallery
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the gallery
- Physical distancing shall be observed
- High-touch surfaces will be disinfected following each appointment.

10. Underground Gallery

Underground Gallery is one of the smaller galleries in Manila that have recently reopened. It’s a 20 square-meter studio space located on the top floor of Makati Cinema Square—a 40-year old retail mall leased by money changers, gun clubs, and crystal shops. Rather than showcasing paintings, the gallery focuses on unconventional forms of expression. Despite the gallery’s size, it’s worth visiting for its unique and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Underground Gallery

Address: First Basement 5A, 2250-2296 Chino Roces Ave, Legazpi Village, Makati, Kalakhang Maynila
Contact Number: 0920 564 6075
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
New Normal Guidelines

Visitors must book an appointment ahead at underground12615@gmail.com
Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the gallery
Physical distancing shall be observed

11. 1335 Mabini

Set inside a colonial townhouse on A. Mabini Street, more popularly known as Casa Tesoro, is 1335 Mabini: a contemporary art space and gallery named after its very address. The building it stands in is one of the oldest in the district and a sight in itself—an elegant edifice in the midst of commercialized buildings. Although the gallery has since moved to Karrivin Plaza alongside other independent galleries, it has retained its Ermita address for Artist-in-Residency programs.

1335 Mabini

Address: C1B Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Don Chino Roces Ave., Extension, Makati City
Contact Number: +63288180013
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
New Normal Guidelines:
- Make sure to always wear your face shield and face mask inside the gallery
- Physical distancing shall be observed