THERE are museums that are housed in one huge and ultra-modern; medium-sized and contemporary; or small and historic structure; and there is one spread over 1.3-hectare of rolling landscape! Each museum is distinct. It has its own character. It projects its own stamp of personality.
I have been to plenty of museums since 2015 and I could say in all confidence that Pintô Art Museum is exceptionally unique. The theme is distinctively Mediterranean. The structures are located on a rolling terrain planted with beautiful ornamental plants, bamboo grass of different variety – the black bamboo caught my attention! It was my first time to see such rareness!, different species of flowers, ferns, mature trees, the ubiquitous lemon grass everywhere, and vegetation.
We start off with the highlights of the museum as captured by my naked eyes. The museum art director obviously has a fetish for beds – yes beds for there are bed frames everywhere! Yes, beds of all sizes and colors including four-poster beds. I even saw one that resembled a hospital bed back in my elementary days – you know, springs and all. Quite interesting! I wonder what inspired those beds.
Another interesting piece are the bells. Bells of assorted sizes deck the different structures. Sadly, the biggest one is off limits to visitors, thus, I was unable to view nor touch it, up close.
The gardens are dotted with fountains and running waters which absolutely lend character to the place. They provided a tinge of serenity and even mystery – amidst the greenery, vicariously making you feel like you are in the heart of the forest. It’s a brilliant work of art!
Since the landscape is rolling, steps are provided everywhere as safe passages. You don’t want to trip and hurt yourself while going from one gallery to another, do you? Clean and well-kept comfort rooms are found everywhere, too. This, for me, is very tourist-friendly.
Then there is a nook dedicated to the romance of Jose P. Rizal and Leonor Rivera. In fact, two restaurants are named after Rizal. Not bad though, if you ask me. If we want to honor our heroes, Rizal should fit the qualifications to a T.
The Pintô Academy for the Arts and Sciences which started operating on Feb. 14, 2016, is also located in the area. The academy advocates wellness by addressing all the elements of soul, body, and mind.
It took us nearly four hours to visit all the galleries interfused with photo shoot, rest, taking shelter from the heavy rains and drizzle thereafter, toilet use, and naturally, snacking. What is a museum tour without food, huh! Like I always say, food forms part of every excursion!
Among the interesting features of the museum are the amphitheatre where the statues of The Nine Muses and the Chorus are displayed. Impressive and melancholic at the same time, underscored by the heavy rains. They looked forlorn and abandoned amidst the luscious vegetation. I don’t envy them.
In the galleries, various works of creative art are hung. Paintings, multi-media artworks, sculptures from different places, and artifacts from various eras, are also featured. Naturally, the artists, sculptors, creators, and painters are given prominence.
I must tell you that I also have a penchant for windows and doors so I also captured some doors and windows, for good measure. The windows are charmingly done, inspired by the windows of years gone by. Truly magnificent!
The galleries are airy and no air conditioning units are installed. And yet, the artworks are preserved! Hmm I thought artworks are only preserved in air-conditioned environments. It appears that I am mistaken there.
By the time we left by late afternoon, many museum tourists were still coming in. I thought that was already late. The latecomers will only have two hours to enjoy the place since it closes at six in the evening.
You can reach Pintô Art Museum through Telephone No. (02) 697 1015. Look for Jenny Villanueva. The museum is located at 1 Sierra Madre Street, Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo City. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The Philippines can never run out of beautiful places to go; captivating greenery to see; and exceptional people to meet. Life is a never-ending adventure.
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com./PN
