National Museum Iloilo Opens Two New Galleries

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The National Museum of the Philippines Iloilo has unveiled two new galleries, Fine Arts and Archaeology, as well as Maritime and Underwater Archaeology, adding significant cultural offerings to the city’s heritage scene.

The exhibitions, titled Halangdon: The Art of J. Elizalde Navarro and Dumaan nga Pagpangabuhi sa Panay: Subsistence, Trade, and Funerary Practices, opened to the public on Dec. 14, 2024, showcasing unique insights into art and history.

“This is a celebration of our shared cultural heritage,” NMP-Iloilo Information Officer Maricyn De Los Santos said. “These exhibitions highlight Panay’s rich archaeological past and pay tribute to one of Antique’s most celebrated artists, J. Elizalde Navarro.”

The Fine Arts gallery is dedicated to Navarro, a National Artist for Visual Arts from Antique. It features a curated collection of his iconic works, reflecting his mastery of various art forms, including painting and sculpture.

The Archaeology and Maritime gallery, meanwhile, provides a glimpse into Panay’s pre-colonial subsistence, trade, and funerary practices through artifacts, including pottery and other archaeological finds. The exhibition underscores the region’s role as a hub of maritime trade in the Visayas.

The museum expressed gratitude to its community and institutional partners, including academic institutions like West Visayas State University, the University of the Philippines Visayas, and Iloilo Science and Technology University, as well as art collectives such as Hiugyon, Thrive Art Gallery, and Kikik Kollektive.

“We are grateful for the support of our partners,” De Los Santos said. “Their contributions made these exhibitions possible and ensured a meaningful engagement with our shared history and culture.”

The galleries are open daily, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with free admission, until December 22, 2024.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibitions and discover the fascinating art and history of Iloilo and Panay.

For further inquiries, the public can contact the National Museum Iloilo or follow their official social media pages for updates.