"Pinto Art Museum, what?" That was my reaction when my three teenage nieces first mentioned this certain art gallery in Antipolo. I was utterly clueless.
I'm not an art enthusiast, in fact, I hardly know a thing about visual arts. Obviously, I know how to appreciate them. Well, at least I know how to appreciate 'realism', but come to think of it, who does not?
I guess I'm not that refined. That was probably why I got completely flustered when my girls pestered me, okay, "encouraged" me into going to this apparently uber-cool art museum that everyone they know had been raving about. I was Like, since when did art museums became uber-cool ? Curious! As far as I know, art museums stimulate creativity. They invoke overwhelming passion and they represent the depth of the artists' souls. But, uber-cool? Honestly? Or was it just me who found museums uninteresting as a teen?
I was so wrapped up in my own galactic world I did not notice my nieces turning into these refined and cultured young ladies who are now tremendously enthused about museums? They used to be my young Padawans. I used to be their master Jedi. Knowledge about the Force and lightsaber techniques used to be their top priorities ...
Anyway, due to their relentless coaxing, I caved in. They were so unbelievably excited it was contagious. I was then informed that it was a place where you could selfie-all-you-want right about anywhere in the perimeter of the museum because It had an amazing landscape. So, the case of this sudden-interest-in-a-museum solved. Selfie!
I'm not into selfie either, but I understood what the fuzz was about the moment I laid my eyes on the whitewashed facade of the museum. It was love at first sight. Pinto Art Museum had me and whitewashed . I could not contain this intense admiration that suddenly got a hold of me upon seeing the facade.
Exaggeration aside though, it is this paradise on earth vibe.
I swear, hand on heart, that you'd fall in love with Pinto Art Museum and the masterpieces it houses.
I swear, hand on heart, that you'd fall in love with Pinto Art Museum and the masterpieces it houses.
The map of the museum can be obtained upon payment of the entrance fee. I thought it's best to post the photos in accordance to the highlighted route.
Imagine yourself perched in one of those chairs ...
To your right there's Pinto Art Gallery ...
In front, Sculpture Garden ...
To your left, the Chapel ...
Behind you, another garden ...
Now, imagine yourself sipping some coffee, tea, juice or whatever refreshments you prefer. You're sitting there, the birds are chirping overhead, you're basking in the sun, beautiful structures that houses amazing art masterpieces surround you, unparalleled tranquility.
Invoke the feeling it ... just sitting right there. Money can not buy that.
Well, money CAN buy that ... 100 pesos if you're a student, 180 pesos if you're an adult. But that's a small price to pay in order to experience the resonating echo of peace, calm and serenity. A great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Let's proceed to the tour, shall we?
That whitewashed, two-storey building right on the photo below. The one with Santorini-vibe is ...
PINTO ART GALLERY
On the first floor you can see ...
(Note: Other artworks on this floor are posted in the gallery page of this site.)
On the second floor you'll find ...
(Note: Other artworks on this floor are posted in the gallery page of this site.)
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
A piece of land covered in green (grass, trees) ... it's a garden of course. But sitting in the middle of it are these sculptures ...
PRIVATE STRUCTURE
This structure is fascinating for me not because of the architecture, but because it is surrounded by angels. And I'm an angel loving person.
CHAPEL
Chapel in a museum? Now, that's what I love the most.
MEDITATION GARDEN
I used to be a Rizalian, that's why I am glad that this museum pays homage to our national hero.
CAFE RIZAL
Got a bit tired of appreciating the outer part of the museum? Need some rest from taking photos? Do not worry, Cafe Metro is just across the meditation garden. You can eat and relax, because there's still so much more to see.
Now, we are heading towards the inner sanctum of this 1.3 hectare land I call paradise . The view, breathtaking!
SCULPTURE MUSEUM
As you can see in the background, construction is still on-going. Which only goes to show that they have something new in store for their patrons.
On the side of the gallery entrance, you will see this plaque where a note from the creator of this magnificent museum (Dr. Joven Cuanan) is inscribed.
GALLERY
One thing I noticed, the whole place is not a fan of 'air-conditioned. Naturally, I got a bit worried about the welfare of the paintings. I mean, there's a reason why most art museums are air-conditioned, right? So I resorted to my salvation, I asked Google. And like the old saying ... seek and you shall find. Click the link below for additional information about the museum.
(Note: Other artworks are posted on the gallery page of this site)
GALLERY II
Adjacent to Gallery I, this time, I will let the artwork speak for themselves.
(Note: Other artworks are posted on the gallery page of this site)
GALLERY III
Adjacent to Gallery II. Word unnecessary embellishment, let the artworks flaunt their beauty. Let them speak to you without uttering a word.
(Note: Other artworks are posted on the gallery page of this site)
PINTO CAFE
So, you need a breather from the overwhelming masterpieces created by local artists? They are all so amazingly beautiful they make your stomach hurt? Door Cafe at your service! It's a shame though, that I was not able to take any photo of their menu . But, feast your eyes on the cozy ambiance of the cafe.
GALLERY IV
(Note: Other artworks are posted on the gallery page of this site)
GALLERY V
(Note: Other artworks are posted on the gallery page of this site)
GALLERY VI
This gallery is my ultimate favorite. Aside from the fact that the place itself is a work of art, and it sends out this 'homey' vibe, the paintings on the walls are relatable. For some reason, the paintings in this gallery just hit me right in the feels.
(Note: Other artworks are posted on the gallery page of this site)
FOREST
The installation of the forest ... cool! After all those eye-candy masterpieces, breath-taking structures and relaxing wonders of nature, it's nice to listen to the sound of dripping water in a dark room filled with bamboo. It's as if you were actually transported to the deep forest but without vicious animals lurking somewhere.
Basically, we covered up all the galleries, now, we are heading back from whence we came from but the journey is not yet over, there is still something more in stored for us.
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| Look Roof deck and Sunset View |
I apologize for not being able to provide photos of the famous sunsets, I, myself was not able to witness that big ball of fire setting in the horizon.
There are two more structures left to visit, though unfortunately, I was not looking at the map. I was so complacent with my own navigation skills I thought I was able to cover everything. I was already home checking the photos ... and the map, when I realized my terrible terrible mistake. Moral of the story, I was given a map for a reason. USE IT!
Come to think of it, I have a plausible excuse why I need to visit my beloved Pinto Art Museum for the second time.
The thing is, I provided the photos are actually no match on the real deal. So, I strongly suggest you visit the museum. Experience its wonder, appreciate its beauty. I guarantee, you will enjoy every moment of it.
PS
Meet this sweetheart, I do not know her name, but I'm pretty sure she gave birth recently judging by her dangling ... well, you know what I mean.
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