NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS in MANILA: Guide for First Timers

Last updated: 2025 • 5 • 19

Here’s our guide to the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS in Manila. This includes information on the opening hours, closing days, and entrance fees, as well as some tips to make the most out of your stay! Enjoy!

The National Museum of Fine Arts will transport you to various eras. Each floor is rich in history; each gallery tells the story of an era; each masterpiece represents an integral piece that tells our story as a nation.

The building itself is remarkable. Constructed in the early 1920s, this neoclassical structure served as the Legislative Building, housing the bicameral congress (1926 – 1972) and the Philippine Senate (1987 – 1997). It was then entrusted to the National Museum of the Philippines as the National Museum of Fine Arts. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the building as a National Historical Landmark in September 2010.

Today, it houses numerous notable pieces by renowned Filipino artists including Juan Luna, Guillermo Tolentino, and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo. The most prominent masterpiece is Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, which was awarded a gold medal by the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid, Spain.

For those who are planning to visit the National Museum of Fine Arts to see the Spoliarium and other important artworks, here are some tips to make your time inside the museum smooth and hassle-free!

What are the operating hours?

The National Museum of the Philippines announced that starting January 2025, NMP Central Complex in Manila and their Regional Component Museums all over the Philippines will be operating DAILY.

Yep, that means the National Museum of Fine Arts is open from Monday to Sunday!

Monday – Sunday

• 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

NOTES:

1. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
2. The museum may close on certain holidays, like national election day, or some sections might be temporarily closed for renovations and maintenance. Be sure to always check the official Facebook page for updates and announcements.

How much is a ticket?

ADMISSION IS FREE!

This is awesome. By not charging an entrance fee, the museum makes it more accessible to the public, allowing more people to appreciate the artworks and learn more about our history through these masterpieces.

When is the best time to visit?

Weekday mornings! Although field trips and other group tours are scheduled during weekdays, the museum is less crowded from Monday to Friday compared to Saturday and Sunday.

If you can’t help visiting on a weekend, go in the morning to maximize your visit. You might also want to visit the other establishments within the National Museum Complex — the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Again, expect the museum to welcome more visitors during weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and holidays.

Can we visit without prior reservation?

YES! For individuals and small groups, you can just show up and enter. But while the last entry is 30 minutes before closing, it’s best to arrive at least an hour early to fully appreciate the displays and exhibits without feeling rushed.

Groups with 20 or more members, such as those on field trips and company excursions, are required to reserve and book their slots in advance. The schedule for group tours usually falls on a weekday.

Where to reserve slots for big groups?

For groups of 20 pax and more, you need to book in advance — at least five days before the planned visit date. You may contact the management for booking and reservation inquiries here:

• Contact Numbers: (+632) 8298-1100 local 3000 (Landline) | +639479973520 (Mobile)
• Email Address: reservation@nationalmuseum.gov.ph
• Booking Office Hour: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Official Website: nationalmuseum.gov.ph
• Facebook Page: National Museum of the Philippines

How do we get in?

1. Go to the registration area.
2. Register your name. If you’re a group, just register one name for the whole group.
3. Deposit your bag at the baggage counter.
4. Get your number. Keep it.
5. Enjoy!

What items need to be left at the baggage counter?

The following items are not allowed inside the museum and must be left at the baggage counter:

• Hats, Caps, and Bonnets
• Umbrellas
• Pens and Art Materials
• Tripods and Monopods
• Luggage (bigger than 33cm x 43cm)
• Bags (bigger than 28cm x 22cm)

What are the attractions inside the National Museum of Fine Arts?

The National Museum of Fine Arts currently has 29 galleries, each displaying carefully curated collections, including art loans from different organizations, other government institutions, and individuals.

• First Floor: The Judiciary Floor. Governor William H. Taft Entrance, Sandiganbayan Reception Hall, Auditorium (North Annex), Administrative Offices (South Annex), Repositories and Conservation Laboratory
• Second Floor: The House of Representatives Floor. Padre Jose Burgos Entrance, President Manuel Roxas Foyer, Spoliarium Hall, Exhibition Galleries I – XII, President Sergio Osmena Function Hall
• Third Floor: The Senate Floor. President Manuel L. Quezon Foyer, Exhibition Galleries XIII – XXIV, Senate Session Hall (Main Level), Senator Claro M. Recto Function Hall
• Fourth Floor: The Executive Floor. Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foyer, Exhibition of Galleries XXV – XXIX, Senate Session Hall (Mezzanine Level), President Jose P. Laurel Function Hall, Management Offices

What are the top attractions?

Truth be told, there are tons of interesting artworks and masterpieces. Below are just some of the highlights and major attractions.

• First Floor: The Sandigan Reception Hall
• Second Floor: Spoliarium, The Assassination of Governor Bustamante, Men at Work (Spoliarium Hall), Recuerdo de Patay (Gallery IV), Noli Me Tangere (Gallery V), Portrait of a Lady (Gallery VI), The Burning of Manila, Rape and Massacre in Ermita (Gallery VIII)
• Third Floor: Philippine Folklore (Gallery XVI), First Mass at Limasawa, The Origins, Mother and Child, Sarimanok (Gallery XVIII), Sabel, Watermelon, Ang Pulubi (Gallery XIX), The Art Protis of Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (Gallery XXI), Planting of the First Cross (Gallery XXIII), History of Manila (Old Senate Hall)
• Fourth Floor: Philippine Modern Sculpture Hall (Gallery XXIX)

What are the rules and regulations?

Here are the rules you need to keep in mind when visiting the museum:

1. No food and beverages inside the museum.
2. No touching of museum displays and exhibits.
3. Photography is allowed but turn off your camera’s flash.
4. Personal videography is allowed but is limited to certain galleries and areas. Commercial and professional videography should have necessary permit.
5. Wrapped packages are prohibited.
6. No smoking and vaping.
7. Refrain from running, playing, shouting, and roughhousing or fooling around.
8. No sitting and lying on the floors.
9. Avoid blocking the staircases.
10. Pets are not allowed.

How to get to the National Museum of Fine Arts?

The National Museum of Fine Arts is located within Rizal Park, particularly along Padre Burgos Avenue in Ermita, Manila.

The closest train stations are U.N. Avenue Station and Central Terminal Station on the LRT Line 1 (LRT-1).

1. From EDSA, ride the MRT to Taft Avenue Station.
2. Transfer to LRT 1. There’s a footbridge connecting MRT Taft Station to LRT 1 EDSA Station.
3. Board the train and alight at either U.N. Avenue or Central Terminal Station.
4. Walk your way to the National Museum of Fine Arts. It is located near the National Museum of Anthropology, the Manila City Hall, and the Philippine Normal University.

What are other nearby attractions?

• National Museum of Anthropology
• National Museum of Natural History
• Luneta Park/Rizal Park
• Intramuros

Other Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
• Be there early if you plan to do museum hopping.
• Restrooms are available on each floor.
• Aside from the stairs, you can also use the elevator to get to each floor, especially if you are with senior or elderly companions.

Important Reminders

• Please read the warning signs. Strictly follow the rules and guidelines at all times.
• Fall in line and wait for your turn. Be courteous and respect other people’s time and space.
• Do not leave children unattended. Parents and adults should supervise the children while inside the museum.
• Keep quiet. Be mindful of others.
• Respect the place. Do not litter or vandalize.

Where to Stay in Manila

If you’re not from Manila and would like to spend the night at a hotel, here are the top options according to online user reviews.

• The Luneta Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Casa Bocobo Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Bayview Park Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Rizal Park Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Manila Lotus Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• City Garden Suites Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Manila Hotels!

Updates Log

2025 5 19 – Updated and added relevant information
2020 1 28 – First uploaded

Photos by Pycan Leynes and Astrid Alvarez
Words by Astrid Alvarez