Realms to the Ilonggos’ lives in Technicolor

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

Have you ever wondered how would it feel to be transmigrated into a whole new world? If yes, look no further for Iloilo City’s myriad of museums will undoubtedly allow you to escape to the past and immerse in the beauty of art through its dazzling architecture, history-rich artifacts, and poignant art exhibits.

Over the past few years, new museums have been constantly popping up here in Iloilo and it’s fascinating to witness Ilonggos regain their interest in the culture and arts. Like intricately decorated time capsules, Iloilo City’s museums never fail to capture the region’s diversity, art, history, and cultural breadth in the truest sense. Museums are a gateway into the history of humankind. It always has this unspeakable and mystical charm that never fails to spark the imaginations of its visitors. Entering a museum feels like stepping into a whole new world by itself as you are met with centuries-old artifacts, antique objects, ancient textiles, jewelry, sculptures, and furniture, which serve as another medium to further cultural education.

Now as pandemic restrictions have loosened, it is the perfect time to pack your bags, hop into the nearest jeepney, and start exploring the different museums of Iloilo City. Here are a few of our top museum picks that you must absolutely check out:

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM FOR WESTERN VISAYAS

There is probably no other museum in Iloilo City with as rich of a history as The National Museum for Western Visayas. Formerly the Old Iloilo Provincial Jail that was donated to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in 2016, this museum is located at the Iloilo Capitol Complex, Bonifacio Drive, Brgy. Danao, Iloilo City. Museum-goers can enjoy two permanent exhibitions at the IRC – the Habol Panay: The Woven Artistry of Western Visayas and the Geology and Paleontology Exhibition. There are also stone sculptures, paintings, gemstones, and so much more! There is no entrance fee required, just make sure to bring your vaccination card with you.

MUSEO ILOILO

If you are heading downtown, you surely wouldn’t miss Museo Iloilo’s unique architecture. This museum is located in Bonifacio Drive, just beside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and the Department of Tourism Regional Office. It houses an impressive collection of native pottery, fossils, jewelry, burial sites, and Annam and Siam era photos. Aside from that, a British sunken ship, Spanish-era Filipino sculptures, mementos, war relics, and modern art done by Ilonggo artists and craftsmen are being displayed. For only 20 pesos, you will get to experience the beauty Museo Iloilo curates.

ILOILO MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

If you happen to pass by Megaworld Iloilo you won’t miss the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). ILOMOCA is the first art institution in the region that is devoted exclusively to Filipino and foreign modern and contemporary artists. There are eccentric and provocative paintings, mixed media pieces, and sculptures. You can find unique artworks by Joan Miro at the top floor along with a collection of signed Dali lithographs, and Picasso pencil etchings on the upper floor. ILOMOCA is open from open Friday to Sunday and admission fees range from 100 pesos to 150 pesos for the upper galleries.

October is celebrated every year as Museum and Galleries Month to promote the country's cultural and natural heritage.

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THE PHILIPPINE MUSEUM OF ECONOMIC HISTORY

Economics may not be everybody’s cup tea however, The Philippine Museum of Economic History is a museum that you can’t miss. Opened in 2019, this institution is located a short distance from City Hall with a majestic old “bahay na bato-style” aesthetic. The two-story museum located along J.M. Basa Street beside the Iloilo City Hall is composed of 13 galleries with hundreds of artifacts, including abaca, pottery, boat-making, body ornaments, ironworks, textile, and other industries. The museum features historical data on how trade and commerce developed in the country and artifacts of companies that thrived within the “Queen City of the South” in its prime. Admission is also free!