A Guide to Iloilo’s Art Galleries and Museums

Iloilo City, one of the highly-urbanized cities in the Philippines is slowly becoming one of the country’s places to boast impressive museums and art galleries in Iloilo City and the country from various seasoned Ilonggo artists.

Each spot showcases the rich history and culture of the region. Paying a visit to a museum or a gallery can be a great way to learn about history, art, and way of life. It can also be a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.

Additionally, museums can be a great way to experience and appreciate different cultures and perspectives. Overall, visiting a museum can be a great way to expand your knowledge and understanding of what is around us.

List of Galleries and Museums in Iloilo City

Museo Iloilo

Museo De Iloilo is the first government-sponsored museum outside Metro Manila. It was built in 1971 to pay tribute to Ilonggo heroes and ancestors and has been one of the most visited spots in the city. It is the home of not only Iloilo’s but Panay’s cultural and historical artifacts.

Museo de Iloilo is located along Bonifacio Drive in Iloilo City Proper, just between the new Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building and the Region VI Office of the Department of Tourism.

Museum of Philippine Economic History

The NHCP Museum of Philippine Economic History is located near the Iloilo City Hall. It is housed inside the historic Ynchausti y Compañía building, constructed in 1905 by the pioneering multinational company Ynchausti Y Compañía (YCO). This museum showcases the evolution of trade and commerce in the Philippines, encapsulating pivotal historical events that influenced its development.

With the emphasis on the Filipino journey towards economic self-sustainability, recovery, and inclusive progress, the museum comprises 13 galleries. These galleries feature informative exhibits, artifacts, and interactive elements that intricately narrate the nation’s path to self-sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Museum of Philippine Maritime History

The NHCP Museum of Philippine Maritime History in Iloilo City opened on January 14, 2023, on the ground floor of the refurbished old Customs House located at Muelle Loney Street, corner Aduana Street in the city proper.

[Read also] A Tour on the Museum of Philippine Maritime History in Iloilo City

National Museum of the Philippines (Iloilo)

National Museum of the Philippines (Iloilo) is the former Iloilo Provincial Jail that is open to the last 2019. The National Museum and the Iloilo Provincial Government’s effort in restoring and adaptive reuse a museum of the old Iloilo Provincial Jail is well-lauded by heritage and cultural stakeholders and advocates.

[Read also] A Tour on the National Museum of the Philippines – Iloilo

It now houses various fine artworks and artifacts that exhibit Western Visayas’s rich and colorful history.

ILOMOCA is the city’s 1st art gallery showcasing contemporary works of both local and foreign artists. This 3-story museum houses separate galleries – Hulot, Gallery, Adoracion Valencia Gallery, and The Box.

Brandy Museum

Brandy Museum is located in the Festive Walk Parade beside the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). Admission is free, and this is open for everyone who would like to visit and experience the “real bodega in Spain”.

[Read also] The Philippines’ First Brandy Museum Opens in Iloilo City

UP Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH)

The Main Building in the Iloilo City campus is now a remarkable museum dubbed as the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH).

UPV MACH features seven breathtaking galleries: the Panapton Textile Gallery, Taliambong UPV Art Gallery, Ed Defensor Gallery, Nelfa A. Querubin Gallery, Duna Intangible Cultural Heritage Gallery, Lantip: Changing Exhibition Gallery 1, and Hanas: Changing Exhibition Gallery 2.

[Read also] UP Visayas Formally Launches the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH)

JBLFMU Maritime Museum

USA – Archives and Museum

Metro Iloilo Modern Arts Park

Adoro Gallery-Museum

Adoro Gallery-Museum, situated in Iloilo Prime Estates and owned by the Valencia family, presents this as its first annual year-end group exhibition. Ed Valencia, a respected art collector, whose works are showcased at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), is supported in this endeavour by his sister Gina. “Adoro” meaning to adore in Spanish, combines the names of the Valencia matriarch Adoracion and patriarch Doroteo.

[Read also] Adoro Gallery-Museum and Tin-Aw Art Projects Present: Dagyaw – The 2023 Year-End Exhibition

Camiña Balay Nga Bato

Camiña Balay nga Bato century-old ancestral house in Arevalo district of Iloilo City. Its construction dates back to the 1860s and is now part of an important cultural property. It is one of the most prominent ancestral houses in Iloilo offering its guests a warm atmosphere, and ancient and historical exhibits, serving one of the best tablea chocolates and delectable pancit molo.

Camiña Balay nga Bato is a heritage home, a museum, a gastronomic experience, and a souvenir shop. After you enjoy your cup Homemade Tsokolate tablea (chocolate tableas) and devour your bowl of Pancit Molo, you can head to their heritage store where you can buy pasalubongs like hablon, sinamak, langgaw (vinegar) tsokolate tablea, and the famous batirol or kettle for chocolate making.

[Read also] Iloilo City Cultural Heritage: Camiña Balay nga Bato – Avanceña Ancestral House

Casa Mariquit

Rosendo Mejica Museum

[Read also] Iloilo City Cultural Heritage: Rosendo Mejica House

Molo Mansion

Agatona 1927 Museum Cafe

The Agatona Escarilla Arguelles y Ruperto Lopez Jalandoni Mansion (1927) is located at the corner of Arguelles-Plaza Rizal Streets, Jaro, Iloilo City. On April 13, 2024, Agatona Arguelles de Jalandoni Building opened to the public as Agatona 1927 Museum Cafe. Group tours can be accommodated outside of these hours with prior arrangements.

Read also: Agatona Arguelles de Jalandoni Building [Iloilo City Cultural Heritage]

Puluy-an Art Gallery

Cinematheque Centre Iloilo

Cinema Exmundo – UPV Cinematheque

Cinema Exmundo – UPV Cinematheque is a joint Centennial project of the UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE VISAYAS and CINEMA EXMUNDO.

It is located in the UPV – Iloilo City campus’ cinematheque building, the cinema is founded primarily as a university facility for use by the UPV’s film/media students.

Outside of the UPV’s curriculum, CINEMA EXMUNDO operates as a film club with members’ screenings consisting of a large repertoire from Early Cinema to the Modern Classics & Art House films.

In addition to its intimate 74-seat auditorium, the facility also houses a collection of vintage memorabilia, equipment, props and film artifacts which are on permanent display in the cinema foyer and a film book library on the mezzanine level.

Information from: CINEMA EXMUNDO

Iloilo City Hall

Thrive Art Gallery

Thrive Art Gallery is located inside Atria Park in Iloilo City. It is an experimental art space dedicated to organizing exhibitions, workshops, and community-engaged activities.

The art scenes in Iloilo are very active nowadays. From time to time, exhibits from seasoned Ilonggo artists happen in different art galleries in Iloilo City. These art galleries serve as a medium for bridging the gap between the artists and the people.