National Museum honors Independence Day with PAMANA

The National Museum joins the entire nation in commemorating the 112th anniversary of Philippine Independence. With the theme “PAMANA: Heritage of a Nation”, three exhibits will be opened on June 14 (Monday) namely FERNANDO AMORSOLO:  The Amorsolo Family Bequest of Sketches and Memorabilia,JUAN LUNA Y NOVICIO: The Far East Bank and Trust Company Bequest of the Grace Luna de San Pedro Collection, and TREASURES OF ARCHAEOLOGY at the National Museum (Old Congress) Building. Expected to grace the occasion is Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Guest-of-Honor.

“PAMANA is a product of our curatorial vision to encourage the donation of important art pieces and artifacts to the National Museum. It conveys our message to institutions, collectors, and artists that their bequest is properly taken care of. This also presents an opportunity to share these valuable pieces to the public as well as foster academic research and knowledge sharing,” says National Museum Director Jeremy Barns.

FERNANDO AMORSOLO:  The Amorsolo Family Bequest of Sketches and Memorabilia features more than 150 sketches/drawings by the late National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. The exhibit embodies the maestro’s belief that drawing precedes the painting. Every drawing exudes with detail and sophistication blurring the line between a study and finished artwork. With paintings and drawings combined, it is estimated that Amorsolo’s total artistic output is in the tens of thousands.

Meanwhile, JUAN LUNA Y NOVICIO: The Far East Bank and Trust Company Bequest of the Grace Luna de San Pedro Collection represents the most valuable donation by a private institution to the National Museum. In 1987, the Far East Bank and Trust Company, represented by its president Octavio Espiritu, donated more than 150 paintings by 19th century Filipino master Juan Luna including works attributed to him and his son Andres Luna. As a side activity, Juan Luna’s “Una Bulaqueña” (Lady of Bulakan) shall be formally unveiled at the Hall of Masters after undergoing restoration.

On the other hand, TREASURES OF ARCHAEOLOGY features artifacts representing 50,000 years of Philippine pre-history and early history. These artifacts shall be formally declared as National Cultural Treasures.

P.D. 374 and the newly signed R.A. 10066 mandates the National Museum to recognize artworks, artifacts, and ecofacts with outstanding artistic, scientific, cultural, and historical value either as National Cultural Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

For details, please contact the Office of the Director at telephone no. 527-1215 or the Museum Education Division at telefax no. 527-0278.