National Museum of Fine Arts, Philippines

The National Museum of Fine Arts, in Padre Burgos, Manila is comprised of 29 galleries and exhibitions which feature the works of the great Filipino artists throughout Philippine history. The structure itself started its life as the old legislative building which was home to both the Philippines congress and the senate at different time periods. During the war, the building was taken over by Japanese forces and used as a base which was eventually bombarded by the Americans. Though heavily damaged, the four-storey Neo-classical building was painstakingly rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Over the years it was utilized as the backdrop of many notable national historical events, conventions, and presidential inaugurations, just adding to its status as one of the remarkable settings in the Philippines' colorful past.

Presently the building is home to the National Museum of Fine Arts, fittingly showcasing masterpieces from a history it has lived through - the colonial period, the Japanese occupation, independence, to life as we know it.

One of the more notable pieces in the museum, Juan Luna's Spoliarium is imposingly displayed in the main gallery and greets all visitors who are about to start their tour through the halls of the museum. The harrowing gladiator scene sets the stage for a journey through time telling the story of the Philippines through magnificent artworks as seen through the lenses of the country's best and most talented artists throughout history.

Visitors of the museum are treated to a unique experience, one that can only be relished within its walls which breathe art and creativity to its core. From the magnificent architecture of the building itself, to the creative gems proudly displayed within, the National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see for all Filipinos and all lovers of history and the arts.

Spoliarium Hall

Currently the home of Juan Luna's famous Spoliarium painting. This painting was completed after 8 months and was sent to Barcelona, Spain for an exhibit. This painting has been restored several times due to damage from shipping it from one place to another (Barcelona-Madrid-Philippines). Due to its large size, it was once cut into three parts to make it fit in a shipping crate. Definitely a must see historical piece.