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.
Here are some of the most vibrant art galleries in Iloilo City:
List of 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.
Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts (ILOMOCA)
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. There is also a museum shop on the 1st floor where you can buy great souvenirs that are truly Ilonggo.
NHCP Museum of Philippine Economic History
National Museum – Iloilo and Western Visayas Regional Museum
National Museum – Iloilo and Western Visayas Regional Museum 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.
It now houses various fine artworks and artifacts that exhibit Western Visayas’s rich and colorful history.
NHCP Museum of Philippine Maritime History
Read also: A Tour on the Museum of Philippine Maritime History in Iloilo City
UP Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage
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).
Read also: UP Visayas Formally Launches the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH)
University of San Agustin Archives and Museum
Iloilo Maritime Museum
List of Art Galleries in Iloilo City
Molo Mansion
Yusay-Consing or Molo Mansion is a significant and historic mansion in Molo. It has been a silent witness to the district’s development from the past to the present. The place is also showcasing the local Ilonggo products, delicacies, and artworks.
Metro Iloilo Modern Arts Park-Museè d’Arsie
MAMUSA Gallery
Cinematheque Center Gallery
Book Lattè Alternative Art Space
Lola Uma Cafè and Kantina Arts Space
Iloilo City Hall Gallery
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. I will try my very best to update this list from time to time.
You can also help me if there are venues I missed to include through my Facebook page.
