Last Tuesday, 4 February, the National Museum of the Philippines welcomed the great-great-granddaughter of historian and ethnologist Ferdinand Blumentritt, Ms. Elke Pickert, and her husband Mr. Michael Ocvirk.

The Austrian couple  were given a tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts, where they saw for the first time in person artworks by Dr. José Rizal and Juan Luna, both dear friends of Blumentritt. Of particular interest was Luna’s watercolor painting “Bandera Filipina”, a loan from the National Library of the Philippines, and was the artist’s gift to Blumentritt during his visit to Litoměřice (then Leitmeritz).

During the sidelines of the tour, Ms. Pickert also gifted reproductions of Juan Luna’s watercolor portraits of Blumentritt’s daughter Dolores to the NMP.

Prior to their visit, NMP Deputy Director-General for Museums Jorell Legaspi and National Parks Development Committee Deputy Executive Director Jezreel Apelar accompanied Ms. Pickert and Mr. Ocvirk to see the Rizal Monument and bust of  Blumentritt at Rizal Park. The group continued their tour of Manila in Intramuros, where they visited the Museo ni Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago and the new Centro de Turismo. 

Considered one of the most enthusiastic foreign scholars on Philippine culture during his time, Ferdinand Blumentritt engaged in a series of conversations, largely through letters, with Dr. Rizal, particularly on ethnology and natural history. Despite not setting foot on Philippine soil, Blumentritt helped shape the field of Philippine Studies through his work and friendship with Filipino reformists in Europe in the late 19th century,  earning himself a respected stature among the finest intellectuals in the country.

We thank Ms. Pickert for her visit and for rekindling the historical ties between two of the leading historical figures of the Philippines.

#NationalMuseumPH #FerdinandBlumentritt

Last Friday, 31 January, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) formally received a service donation from the SM Development Corporation (SMDC)—the first of its kind in our museum’s history.

In a brief message at the signing of the deed of donation, NMP Deputy Director-General for Administration Atty. Ma. Rosenne M. Flores-Avila highlighted that the donation will significantly augment the exponential growth of the museum. 

NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns thanked SMDC for the donation. “We at the National Museum look forward to making the most out of this donation, and we hope to achieve the same level of quality of operations that SM produces”, Barns added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Grace Evangeline M. Sta. Ana of SMDC expressed gratitude for this opportunity in nation-building and making the arts more accessible to Filipinos. Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin of SM Supermalls also highlighted that this donation is only the start of upcoming partnership opportunities between SMDC and the NMP.

The deed of donation was signed by DG Barns, DDGA Flores-Avila, Ms. Sta. Ana, Mr. San Agustin, as well as Atty. Helene D. Go of SM Prime Holdings and Ms. Liza B. Silerio of SM Supermalls.

The donated services include the repair and maintenance of the air conditioning system of the National Museum of Natural History, as well as marketing entitlements for the promotion of the NMP’s mandate for universal access for a period of three years.

#NationalMuseumPH #SMDC #GiftToTheNation

Last 24 January 2025, a priceless collection of Philippine small mammal specimens, previously studied at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, USA, returned to the Philippines. These specimens now have a permanent home here at the NMP. Dr. Lawrence R. Heaney, the eminent Curator of Mammals, oversaw this important event.

The collection includes 481 native small mammals, many of which are unique to the Philippines – a testament to the country’s remarkable biodiversity. These specimens are important scientific resources and represent our natural heritage.

The National Museum of the Philippines is proud to house these invaluable specimens, which will aid in ongoing research and education while inspiring future generations to cherish and safeguard the country’s rich natural heritage. This event, furthermore, highlights the significance of collaboration in science and conservation.

#NationalMuseumPH #FieldMuseum #NaturalHeritage #PhilippineMammals #NaturalHistoryCollection

The National Museum of the Philippines opened its component museum in Davao last Sunday, 01 December 2024. Made possible through a partnership with the City Government of Davao, this is the NMP’s 17th regional component museum and its fourth in Mindanao.

NMP Davao is housed in a six-story durian-inspired structure, an architectural tribute to one of Davao region’s most beloved agricultural products. It is now home to exhibitions featuring natural history, cultural and historical artifacts, Mindanao’s priceless treasures, the artistry of indigenous textiles, and masterpieces by some of Davao’s best artists.

On the ground floor, visitors will be greeted by Kublai Millan’s monumental installation “Ahungan ng Pagkakaisa”. Inspired by the traditional musical instrument of the Tagakaolo people, also known as tangungu in Bagobo, this centerpiece was masterfully crafted by over 50 skilled Manobo weavers, signifying the power of the community. Soon to be displayed in the museum lobby is a loan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection. “Davao Industries” is a stellar artwork by National Artist Victorio Edades, who spent his retirement years in Davao City. Artworks by Dabawenyo artists also adorn this floor.

The exhibitions on the second floor feature specimens and images that celebrate Davao region’s natural landscape, from its geologic history and transformation to its flora and fauna. Crowning Davao’s staple Philippine Eagle display are in-depth installation showing its forests, mountains, land and water forms, and rich biodiversity.

Traditional life rituals as well as the region’s archaeological heritage are exhibited on the third floor. Being a melting pot of ethnic expressions among the Lumads, Moros, and migrant settlers, the mountainous terrains and the rivers and seas continue to shape communities across historical periods, especially through trade, warfare, and even in the conduct of their daily lives. Material evidence of the origins of death-related practices, prevalent among various indigenous people groups, can also be viewed on this floor, offering viewers a deeper understanding of our long-held beliefs in the afterlife.

Expressions of local artistry comprise the exhibitions on the fourth floor. The textile exhibition focuses on the clothing of the different indigenous and cultural communities in Mindanao. Researched and curated in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, this exhibition is part of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Program, making NMP Davao its seventh regional gallery. It also honors the lives and works of master textile weavers from Mindanao who were recognized as Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures. Also on the same floor is a special exhibition on the legacy of Davao-born National Artist Ang Kiukok, an influential figure in Philippine modern art.  

NMP Davao is located at People’s Park Compound, J. Palma Gil St., Brgy. 4A Poblacion District, Davao City. For visits and further information, please contact +63998-557-9370 or send an email to davao@nationalmuseum.gov.ph.