In commemoration of the martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal, foremost Filipino hero and nationalist, the National Museum of the Philippines exhibits for the first time his opus “Josephine Sleeping”.

Made during his exile in Dapitan, “Josephine Sleeping” offers an intimate glimpse into the humanity and personal lives of Dr. Rizal and his last love Josephine Bracken. The clay sculpture, dubbed as “Rizal’s Mona Lisa”, is believed to be a memento intended to be kept close to its creator. It traces its provenance to the heirs of Dr. Rizal’s sister Narcisa and has now found its way as part of our National Fine Arts Collection.

As one of the leading members of the Filipino propaganda movement in the late 19th century, he promoted nationalist sentiments through his novels, writings on Philippine history and culture, scientific pursuits, civic education and engagement, and artistic works. Sentenced to death by colonial authorities for allegedly inspiring the 1896 Philippine Revolution, Rizal made a last act of love to Josephine when he married her in his death row cell a few hours before his execution at Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896.

Explore this masterpiece at the Spoliarium Hall as well as Dr. Rizal’s other artworks in Gallery V “Inspiring the Nation, Dr. Jose Rizal: The National Hero in Art”.

This newest addition to our Rizaliana highlights our desire to dedicate the Central Complex in Manila to the legacy of Dr. José Rizal whose life and works cover the fields of arts, anthropology, and natural sciences – areas that the NMP has been tirelessly working on since its inception.

#NationalMuseumPH #JosephineSleeping #PhilippineArt #JoseRizal #RizalSaNMP

Last 31 October 2024, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) received a collection of nine artworks and two taxidermy specimens loaned from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) in celebration of the organization’s 88th Charter Anniversary. Additionally, the NMP and BSP signed a tripartite agreement with the BSP-Rizal Council for the loan of an artwork painted by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco.

The collection consists of paintings by Jose Tinsay, Pedro Coniconde, Benjamin Alano, Antonio Dumlao, and Ely J. Victoria, highlighting the BSP’s more than half-century scouting tradition.

During a brief turnover ceremony, NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns remarked that the artworks “without a doubt, represent not only our country’s rich heritage, but also the colorful spirit, history, and legacy of the BSP as an institution.” BSP Secretary General Kim Robert de Leon underscored that the loan of the artworks is part of the organization’s goal to reach out to the youth. “[The BSP] wants to share what it has, not only to our scouts but for the entire Filipino generation. May we be reminded that scouting will continue to exist, and we count on your continued support so we can serve more young people,” de Leon said.

Furthermore, BSP Rizal Council Chairman Amado Victor U. Saguinsin thanked the NMP for extending assistance in protecting their artworks. He said, “We are honored to have been the custodians of this masterpiece, ensuring that it carries on the BSP legacy, and now, as we thank the National Museum of the Philippines for taking these artworks under their care.”

During the last part of the program, representatives from the BSP and the Philippine Postal Corporation unveiled a commemorative cover for the former’s 88th Charter Anniversary.

The BSP collection of artworks will be under the care of the National Museum of the Philippines until 2029.

#NationalMuseumPH #ScoutsPH #BSP #BoyScoutsOfThePhilippines #RizalCouncil #BSPRizalCouncil

Last 16 July, Oceana launched its special photo exhibition “Our Coastal Greenbelts, Our National Treasure” at the National Museum of Natural History.

This captivating photo exhibition highlights the country’s coastal greenbelts and mangrove areas, showcasing their pivotal role as our frontline defense against the profound impacts of climate change. 

Mangroves are a group of trees or shrubs commonly found in areas where land meets the sea between high and low tides. The Philippines is one of the world’s most diverse mangrove areas, hosting at least 50% of the world’s approximately 65 mangrove species.

These coastal forests act as nurseries for important animal species and provide livelihoods for coastal communities. Moreover, these greenbelts absorb the impacts of climate change such as strong winds and waves. Unfortunately, the Philippines ranks the second fastest in mangrove loss in Southeast Asia, primarily due to land reclamation, illegal fishpond conversion, illegal cutting, and marine pollution.

The program began with welcoming remarks from Oceana Vice President Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, and a keynote message from Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Senator Cynthia Villar, highlighting the need to protect our coastal greenbelts and engage in conservation efforts.

In addition, representatives from various government agencies, as well as NMP Trustee and Chief Mangrove Scientific Advisor of the Zoological Society of London Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, gave messages of support towards creating and preserving coastal greenbelts. Likewise, officials from partner institutions also shared their messages of support for the cause.

Through this initiative, let us work together in rebuilding our precious mangrove forests!

This exhibition is available for viewing until 2 August 2024 at the Hyundai Hall of the National Museum of Natural History. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Admission is FREE, and no reservations are required. See you there!

#NationalMuseumPH #RestoreMangroveForests #coastalgreenbelt

With beaming pride, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) raises the Progress Flag in the NMP Complex in Manila for Pride Month!

Designed in 2018 by non-binary American artist and designer Daniel Quasar, the Progress Flag includes a base of the six-colored Rainbow Flag, the hallmark symbol of (LGBTQIA+) pride.

In addition, it also features five arrow-shaped lines to put a greater emphasis on the inclusion of marginalized people of color, trans people, people living with HIV, and those who have been lost, recognizing the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and calling for a more inclusive society.

The display of these flags is a gesture of the NMP’s strong commitment to promoting gender equality and allyship with our LGBTQI+ brothers and sisters—not just in the Philippines—but also around the world!

#NationalMuseumPH #PrideMonth #Pride #LGBTQIA #ProgressFlag

Last June 28, after a successful observation of Pride Month, the National Museum of the Philippines’ Central and Regional Office employees expressed a simple yet symbolic act of allyship through fashion via the “Colorful Fridays” initiative!

Museum employees and visitors alike have been wearing vibrant colors during all Fridays of June to show solidarity with the LGBTQI+ communities.

In addition to Colorful Fridays, many other Pride-related activities and programs were carried out by the NMP to promote its mission of inclusivity and accessibility.

Beyond Pride Month, the NMP will continue to become a safe and open space for anyone and everyone!

#NationalMuseumPH #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA+