The Museo De Intramuros exhibit presents the story of the evangelization of the Philippines from the perspective of the Filipinos.
It explores Filipino psyche as they are introduced to a new religion and culture.
The exhibit also aims to highlight the resulting Filipino artistry and craftsmanship, inspired by the evangelization of the country.
This art can be found mainly in the form of religious images.
Majority of them are displayed in the Intramuros Administrative Collection.
What to see in Museo De Intramuros
Immaculate Conception
The Immaculate Conception, also known as the Manila Cathedral is located in the museum.
This church and basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary – the main patroness of the Philippines.
When the first missionaries arrived in the country in 1565, they deemed the native women populating the island to be unchaste.
They walked around bare-breasted and bathed in the rivers with men.
The missionaries found this behavior to be scandalous!
In order to correct this, they set up a role model for the women to emulate – the Virgin Mary – who is pure, ethereal and immaculate.
The Religious Orders
During the conversion of the country to Christianity, five friar orders played important roles during this evangelization.
These five religious orders had significant contribution to the heritage of the Philippines, and are as follows:
- The Augustinians
- The Dominicans
- The Franciscans
- The Jesuits; and
- The Recollects
In Intramuros, the contributions of these religious orders come in the form of the various churches:
- San Augustin Church built by the Augustinians
- Santo Domingo Church of the Dominicans
- San Francisco Church by the Franciscans
- San Ignacio Church built by the Jesuits; and
- San Nicolas de Tolentino Church built by the Recollects.
These five churches, along with two other churches are found in miniature versions inside the Museo De Intramuros.
The Patronato Real and The Establishment of Parishes
The Patronato Real basically states that the church has absolute control over everything that concerns it, and the government.
This includes all establishments that will be built from the church revenues and the affairs of church members.
When the Certificate of Patronage to the Indies consolidated the colonial governance of the Philippines, the Patronato Real was also issued.
Since then, the construction of churches, cathedrals, convents, hospitals and other government buildings all fell under royal authorization.
In short, royal consent was needed for the establishment of these structures.
Learn more about Patronato Real inside the Museo De Intramuros.
Religious Colonial Paintings
The Filipinos were so shocked by this new-found knowledge of the world that they had to express themselves through art.
This expression in terms of art came in many forms: paintings, statues, plays and songs, and rituals.
As an after-effect of this evangelization during the colonization of the Spaniards, major historical art museums came into fruition.
The conversion from an archipelago of many religious beliefs to a unified Christian island made the creation of these art collections possible.
Such religious paintings, statues and other works of art are displayed inside Museo De Intramuros.
The Establishment of a Parish and Sacred Vessels
The museum has three floors and a courtyard in the middle.
One of the things that you will learn in the museum is the establishment of a parish and the sacred vessels, of which are important parts of Philippine history associated with the evangelization of the country.
Indio Response
If you wish to see the whole Intramuros in the perspective of a giant, it’s now totally possible.
Found in the third floor of the museum is a mini scale of the whole Intramuros.
It is even complete with mini replicas of the seven churches that are inside the old walled city.
The miniature version of the seven churches perfectly capture its real-life, larger counterparts.
Down to every detail that makes up the identity of each church.
It was my privilege to be there and celebrate a triumphant moment of the country’s art, culture and heritage.
The Museo De Intramuros is the perfect definition of a project that came from passion and a deep-seething love for the country.
The Intramuros Administration was led by its administrated Atty. Guiller Asido, who is very dedicated in ensuring that the tangible treasure of our country remains important and accessible to the public.
Passion and love for the country, indeed!
As the Philippines kicks off the National Heritage Month Celebration this May 2019, the Department of Tourism invites the public to explore and learn about Philippine culture and cistory by visiting the Museo de Intramuros in Manila.
Location of Museo de Intramuros
The Museo De Intramuros is located inside the walled city of Intramuros. Two important reconstructions have been done: the San Ignacio Church and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus.
The museum reflects the visions of passionate Filipinos who envisioned a house for the art collections during the period which included ecclesiastical art, furniture, vestment, textiles and other important artifacts.
The Museo De Intramuros will be opened to the public starting tomorrow, May 2, 2019. Admission is free.
How to get there:
There are two ways that you can get to the Museo De Intramuros in Manila:
First, is to take an LRT to Intramuros, or to take a jeepney going into the walled city.
- If taking an LRT (light rail transit), you would have to stop at the Central Terminal Station.
Once you reach the station, walk for five minutes until you get to the Manila City Hall.
Take the pedestrian underpass to Padre Burgos Street.
As soon as you exit the underpass, you’ll see Victoria Street, which leads right into the walls of Intramuros.
Once inside Intramuros, navigating to the museum shouldn’t be difficult as signs will be available to guide you around.
- If taking a jeepney, find the ones that go to Baclaran/Mabini.
The jeepney will pass over Intramuros, before it does, get off it.
Come and see something new in this old city that contains our rich history, and culture as a country, add this to your intramuros itinerary!
