The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is celebrating its 50th anniversary with two major art exhibitions that highlight the richness of Philippine art and the creative legacy of Filipino artists. Located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, the museum marks this milestone through special showcases that bring together historical masterpieces and modern artistic expressions. The exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to explore the country's artistic heritage while discovering the works of an internationally recognized Filipino-born artist.
Exploring the Evolution of Philippine Art
One of the featured exhibitions, Miniaturismo to Modernism: Philippine Art from the 19th Century to the 1960s, takes visitors through important periods in the development of Philippine art. Curated by Dr. Patrick Flores, the exhibition features works from different generations of Filipino artists, highlighting the transition from colonial-era artistic traditions to modernism. It explores the contributions of influential figures, including Juan Luna and other pioneering artists, while presenting the historical developments that shaped the country's art scene.
Celebrating the Artistic Legacy of Alfonso Ossorio
The second exhibition, Alfonso Ossorio: In My End Is My Beginning, highlights the artistic journey of Philippine-born American artist Alfonso Ossorio. Featuring works spanning the 1930s to the 1990s, the showcase explores his distinctive approach to modern art through abstraction, expression, and the use of found objects. Visitors can discover pieces from his early drawings to his celebrated Congregations series, as well as learn about his connections with prominent figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement, including Jackson Pollock.
A Golden Milestone for Art and Culture in BGC
The two exhibitions form part of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila's 50th-anniversary celebration, known as M 50 Now, which recognizes five decades of promoting art, culture, and education. Both exhibitions opened on November 8, 2026, and will run until May 30, 2027, at the museum's location at MK Tan Centre along 30th Street in BGC. Through these special showcases, the museum continues to encourage public appreciation of art and provide opportunities for visitors to connect with the country's cultural and artistic heritage.
