In celebration of its first year of free admission, the National Museum (NM) of the Philippines opened on June 30 the doors of the National Museum of Anthropology (NMA), which face the Rizal Park.
The doors, which open into the NMA’s Marble Hall and lead out to the structure’s grand staircase, are usually kept closed and are only unlocked for special events. Now that they have been permanently opened, guests will have a scenic view of Rizal Park and more space to roam around. Direct access to the grand staircase is also expected to help reduce queues inside the Marble Hall, as well as encourage those outside to visit the museum.
Present at the opening ceremony were Dr. Ana Maria Theresa Labrador, assistant director of the National Museum and Penelope Belmonte, Executive Director of the National Parks Development Committee.
The event also served as the inauguration of the NM’s “Tour with a Curator” program, which seeks to give guests a more in-depth, hands-on museum experience. Through the program, visitors will have a chance to see museum exhibitions with NM researchers and specialists.
Prior to scrapping the admission fee in 2016, the National Museum would only waive entrance fees during special occasions such as National Arts Month (February), National Heritage Month (May), and National Museums and Galleries Month (October).
Writer: ALYOSHA J. ROBILLOS
