There is a popular saying that goes “Art is Subjective” and its beauty lies in the unique meanings people take from what they experience in artworks and it is true. The question is, what are the contemporary art museums? Artists pour their passion onto their paint brushes, chisels, and various other mediums, and those who witness their creations gain their own interpretation of the pieces. The same can also be said for the museums they are placed in. From a classic-looking museum to a sleek, modern aesthetic design, these breathtaking contemporary art museums in Manila will surely give you inspiration for days and will leave you speechless.

1335 Mabini

One of the newer galleries that were established in 2013, 1335Mabini has always committed to artistic expression. Ever since it moved to Karrivin Plaza, Makati in September 2017, its Artist-in-Residency Program, or AiRPManila for short continues to serve the community.

Even though they moved to Mabini, their artist-in-residency program can still be found in their original home in Ermita. They proudly represent Filipino artists and are proud to be a platform for outstanding and innovative art that they promote at both the local and international art fairs.

  • Address: C1B Karrivin Plaza 2316 Chino Roces Extension 1231
  • Website: www.1335mabiniph.com
  • Contact No: 288180013
  • Inquiry: inquire@the1335mabini.ph
  • Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Hailed as one of the major contemporary art museums in the country, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila embraces the philosophy that “Art is for all.” It was founded in 1976 as a means to promote visual arts to Filipinos and broaden the appreciation of art and culture in the Philippines locally and abroad. It is located in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex and has three floors of galleries, each with its collection of art pieces and collections loaned by the BSP.

Most of the artworks are dated to be from pre-Hispanic to modern times. The museum has an extensive range of art exhibits that reflect the artistic side of the world we live in, and thanks to its partner organizations, it creates off-site programs to reach different audiences.

  • Address: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard 1302 Manila, Philippines
  • Website: www.metmuseum.ph
  • Contact No: 287087828
  • Inquiry: info@metmuseum.ph
  • Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Silverlens

One of the most recognized galleries in Manila, Silverlens has earned the respect and recognition from the country’s art scene. It was founded by Isa Lorenzo, a talented artist whose pieces can be seen locally in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Singapore, and Cologne,  and Rachel Rillo, a freelance photographer who worked in Los Angeles, now residing in Manila.

Silverlens provides not only the usual exhibitions but also art fairs, gallery partnerships, collaborations, and more. It represents Filipino contemporary artists from Asia and across the world. They recently moved to a two-level building in 2017, and the modern aesthetic will please those that have an eye for architecture.

  • Address: 2263 Chino Roces Ext. 1231 Makati, Philippines
  • Website: www.silverlensgalleries.com
  • Contact No: 0917 587 4011
  • Inquiry: info@silverlensgalleries.com
  • Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Drawing Room

Originally known as a venue for revitalizing works on paper, The Drawing Room has since expanded to various other forms of artistic expression. It was founded by Cesar Villalon Jr. in 1998 and has been the home of the original collection of sketches by BenCap, the legendary Filipino artist.

Their decision to incorporate other forms of art into their gallery represents the dynamic of the life of living in the Philippines, as well as the ensemble of realities that consist of our complex society. It is a regular participant in art fairs held locally and abroad, and with its new home in Karrivin Plaza, it has more space to feature local artists and their pieces.

  • Address: GF, Building C, Karrivin Plaza 2316 Chino Roces Ave Ext. 1231 Makati, Philippines
  • Website: www.drawingroomgallery.com
  • Contact No: 288014398
  • Inquiry: info@drawingroomgallery.com

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

One of the finest contemporary art museums and gallery spaces, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design provides experience and exposure for all sorts of contemporary artworks. Located within the College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Art, this brings in a lot of fresh, young talent from the art community.

The museum is home to programs that tie in with the school’s courses such as film, fashion design, architecture, and many others. It aims to showcase the possibilities of technology and new media with their art exhibitions and their educational platforms.

  • Address: Dominga St. Malate, Manila 1004 Manila, Philippines
  • Website: www.mcadmanila.org.ph
  • Contact No: 282305100
  • Inquiry: mcad@benilde.edu.ph

Underground

If you want to go and see works of art that go beyond the canvas and onto unconventional forms in order to provide a different method of expression, then this surprising gallery is right up your alley. Despite its name, Underground is located at the 2nd level of Makati Cinema Square and was founded by Manny de Castro.

It was founded in 2015 as a haven for artists and enthusiasts looking to express themselves other than through painting and into something exquisitely and delightfully different. Underground is no stranger in providing artists with leeway to explore thought-provoking, riskier, concepts since that is the nature of art.

  • Website: www.underground.gallery
  • Contact No: 2288337817
  • Inquiry: underground12615@dgregorio

Pinto Gallery

Despite the very long drive to Antipolo, Rizal, Pinto Gallery is one of the most scenic art galleries in Metro Manila with its fantastic views of the city, the sub-galleries in the gardens, and the artworks themselves. The museum itself is located within a two-hectare botanical garden named Silangan Gardens and was designed by Antonio Leaño.

Just as their name says, Pinto Gallery is the door to contemporary and emerging local artists in the Philippines. It was originally founded to exhibit the art collection of Dr. Joven Cuanang, a Filipino neurologist and patron of the arts, in 2010. The museum presents rotating exhibitions and promotes contemporary Filipino artists.

  • Address: 1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Rd, Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines
  • Website: www.pintoart.org/museum
  • Contact No: 26971015
  • Inquiry: mpintoartmuseum@yahoo.com
  • Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Artinformal

Established as an initiative to bring art and its practice closer to the Filipino community, Artinformal brings with it art education and exhibition programs. It was established in 2004 by Tina Fernandez, a Communications graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, with a group of other contemporary Filipino Artists.

It recently opened a second gallery next to another museum, the Drawing Room, and both spaces offer different experiences. One promotes traditional curator-led exhibitions and the other provides solo exhibitions. The solo exhibitions mostly promote the current work of artists.

  • Address: 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Ext. Makati City
  • Website: www.artinformal.com
  • Contact No: 287258518
  • Inquiry: info@artinformal.com
  • Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Vargas Museum

When you study or travel to the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus, you have to stop by the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, or simply the Vargas Museum for short. It is the home for Philippine art and culture, and its main attraction is the collection of art, books, memorabilia, of Jorge B. Vargas. He was the first Executive Secretary of the Philippines during the Commonwealth period of 1890-1980.

The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as spaces for educational events. The library welcomes all sorts of people from artists, scholars, and of course the students on campus.

  • Address: Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
  • Website: www.vargasmuseum.org
  • Contact No: 289281927
  • Inquiry: vargasmuseum@up.edu.ph
  • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Vinyl on Vinyl

One of the more unique museums that feature artists that represent the artistic practice of surrealism, street art, kinetic art, and the like, Vinyl on Vinyl showcases these beautiful styles amidst the ocean of conventional art forms. Founded in 2009, it was established to bring awareness and appreciation of art to the common folk since during those times, it was considered underground and niche. They exhibit peripheral art that is often rejected by the mainstream, specifically vinyl from its humble beginnings.

As the years passed, artists’ careers were cultivated and given their unique identities. Vinyl on Vinyl also features the VOV Studio, a collaboration between client and artist that goes beyond the gallery which features projects that range from large-scale murals, art installations, to even workshops and pop-ups.

  • Address: 2241 La Fuerza Chino Roces Avenue 1231 Makati, Philippines
  • Website: www.vinylonvinylgallery.com
  • Contact No: 09178022984
  • Inquiry: info@vinylonvinylgallery.com
  • Operating Hours: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Are you looking for Contemporary Art Museums in Manila?

When choosing to go and explore the art world, do make it a point to check some of these amazing museums. It can only be more beneficial to grow your appreciation and understanding of art, the creative process, and the meanings behind each work. Who knows, you may one day get featured after becoming inspired to take the same path as many artists did before you. Thank you for your time.