Aside from being the Love Month, February is actually the National Arts Month as well. And while the month is about to end, it doesn’t mean that we can’t celebrate local arts anymore.
There are many ways to appreciate the arts even when it’s not Arts Month. You don’t even have to look far! The Metro is actually teeming with museums and galleries that display the amazing works of art by local artists. And there is a number of galleries that are not quite like the traditional galleries that we’re used to!
Here are 10 cool art galleries around the Metro that you should definitely check out:
10. Light & Space Contemporary
Photo via Facebook: Light & Space Contemporary
This art gallery in Fairview has such a wide space that it’s no surprise that it serves many functions for all types of art. While it exhibits works of studio art, it also serves as a venue for musical performances, stage plays, and film screenings.
In a nutshell, it functions as a community arts center. It also houses a number of resident artists through their artist-in-residence program, so there will always be something new to look forward to in this art gallery.
53 Fairlane St., West Fairview, Quezon City
Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
www.lightandspacecontemporary.com
9. MO_Space
Photo via Facebook: MO_Space
This artist-run gallery takes pride in being “artist-centered rather than market-driven.” It’s actually a great venue for discovering budding contemporary artists as it provides free exhibition space, documentation, and promotion!
This space showcases innovative works of “Manila’s most dynamic contemporary artists,” so there’s always something here that pushes the boundaries of local art.
3/F, MOs Design Building, Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Taguig
Open Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; Friday-Sunday, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
www.mo-space.net
8. Galleria Duemila
Photo via Facebook: Galleria Duemila
Established in 1975, this is actually the Philippines’ longest running commercial gallery. Through the years, it has made a name for itself not just locally, but even in the neighboring countries as well. Here, you can expect works from artists worthy of international recognition.
210 Loring Street, Pasay City
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00pm
www.galleriaduemila.com
7. Kulayara Art Gallery
Photo via Facebook: Kulayara Art Gallery
At first look, this gallery radiates such a homey and cozy atmosphere that it’s not hard to bring yourself to step inside. As a gallery that started from the art collection of the owner, one can easily feel the appreciation of art that was the reason for the establishment.
It also has a cafe where you can enjoy coffee, pastries, and wine after a night of checking out great works of art. This could definitely be a spot for your next chill date with your significant other.
Open Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/KulayaraArtGallery
6. Vinyl on Vinyl
Photo via Instagram: @vinylonvinyl
If you’re a major fan of pop culture artists, this is the place to go. Vinyl on Vinyl merges toys, art, and music in one venue–definitely not like your usual art gallery.
This space reflects the passion of contemporary artists whose influences come from street and underground art, pop culture, and other genres. You can expect all things unique in this art gallery.
2241 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
www.vinylonvinylgallery.com
5. The Drawing Room
Photo via Facebook: The Drawing Room (Contemporary Art)
This gallery started in specializing in works on paper, hence, the name. But as time passed, they eventually widened their reach to interdisciplinary works.
Their huge space actually allows viewers to appreciate each work in all its glory. With natural light and white space, every single piece has its own home to showcase its brilliance.
GF, Building C, Karrivin Plaza 2316 Chino Roces Ave Ext., Makati
Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
www.drawingroomgallery.com
4. Silahis Arts and Artifacts
Photo via Facebook: Silahis Center
Located in Intramuros, this art gallery (which also doubles as a shop), aims to allow its visitors to have a deeper understanding of Philippine history and its people. With culture, arts, and crafts being its specialization, the Silahis Center gives us a picture of the lives of our ancestors through the works of art displayed. And I’m not just talking about paintings and sculptures.
What sets this apart from the usual history museums is that it combines indigenous crafts and designs with modern objects that can be used in our everyday lives. It’s like bringing a piece of history along with you when you buy pieces from the shop.
744 General Luna, Intramuros, Manila
Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/SilahisCenter
3. Kalye Art Gallery
Photo via Facebook: Kalye Art Gallery
If you’re looking for a gallery that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, Kalye Art Gallery is your spot. At first, it doesn’t look like an art gallery at all–but that’s exactly what makes it unique.
It may look like just a simple street corner in Manila, but it actually features a wide range of street art–from bicycles to stickers, to exhibitions with radical political messages. Sometimes, there are also musical performances and talks from street artists.
This is definitely one art gallery that art lovers should experience at least once.
1220 Estrada St. Singalong Manila
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/KalyeArtGallery
2. Pineapple Lab
Photo via www.pineapplelab.ph
If you’re having that day where you want to enjoy a night out after work but also want to appreciate local art, Pineapple Lab is the place to go.
While being an innovative space that showcases all types of art on various media–from studio arts to digital works, it also features an in-house bar. It offers a more immersive art appreciation experience with their collaborations for workshops and performances.
There are all types of events happening in the Lab all throughout the week, so there’s always something new to experience here.
6053, R. Palma Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
www.pineapplelab.ph
1. Pinto Art Museum
Photo via www.pintoart.com/museum
This is probably one of the most beautiful art galleries around the Metro. With open-air villas housing beautiful works of art, and lush green gardens surrounding it, it is definitely an other-worldly art experience. Not only will you be able to appreciate works made by human hands, but even the natural art that is around us!
1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Rd, Antipolo, Rizal
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
www.pintoart.com/museum
PHP 200 for adults
PHP 180 for senior citizens and PWD with valid IDs
PHP 100 for students with valid school IDs (Children below 3 years old are free)
Do you know other cool art galleries that we should check out? Share it with us!
