Art Adventures Easily Drivable from Metro Manila

Sometimes what we need is an escape. The big city has all the fast paced action and night time fun anybody can ask for, but sometimes what we need is to relax and be immersed in breathtaking art. Perhaps an art gallery in the woods or a museum tucked away in the countryside? Luckily for us, there are lots of wonderful places filled with beauty not too far away from Metro Manila.

And with just a tank of gas and a desire to drive, you can take a break from the regular workaday world and experience places filled with dashes of color and worlds of wonder. So, clear out your weekend and grab your favorite buddies. Read on and check out all these great places that will either have you stroking your chin as you have deep thoughts or just grinning from ear to ear as you take selfies by some fun art.

This museum is a must-go destination for every art lover in the country. Pinto Art Museum is the perfect first date location, wholesome barkada adventure, or personal reflection escape. There is so much variety displayed ranging from outdoor installations, gardens, and yes of course, galleries. Contemporary. Traditional. Digital. Sculptures. It’s all there, feel free to begin at any art gallery of your choosing! Go from taking aesthetic photos of the Mediterranean styled architecture to enjoying a refreshing drink at the cozy Cafe Rizal. It’ll take you a whole day to enjoy what this place has to offer. 

Address: 1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Rd, Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines

Missing the free and vibrant college vibes? Take a trip to Laguna and visit one of their biggest cultural and artistic hubs. Sining Makiling Gallery is an art gallery located at the heart of University of the Philippines- Los Baños. Here, you’ll find many great contemporary works created by artists mostly from the Southern Luzon area. From the usual paintings, sculptures, and photos to interactive installations and live performance art, there is something for anybody to enjoy. Once you are done checking out this museum of local art, you can take a long scenic walk around the massive Los Baños campus.

Address: DL Umali Hall Basement, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

If I were giving you a roadmap for a once in a lifetime Philippine art pilgrimage, this spot would definitely be there. The Bencab Museum features the work of (yes you guessed it) the legendary National Artist of the Philippines Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, popularly known as “BenCab.” Go fromart gallery to gallery in this museum as you appreciate the variety and depth of BenCab’s work over the years. Check out his distinctive style of bold lines and vivid colors through various portraits, landscapes, photographs, and sculptures that reflect his views on Filipino life and culture.

Address: Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet, Philippines

Why just take an art escape through space, why not also escape back in time? Galleria Taal is an art gallery that will take you back hundreds of years. Hey, you might even want to bring your barongs and baro’t sayas for aesthetic vintage photoshoots as this museum is housed in a beautifully restored Spanish-era ancestral house. This spot is particularly unique because in addition to the usual paintings and portraits, it showcases one of the largest collections of vintage photographs and antique cameras in the Philippines. If you want a cool souvenir, you can even have your photograph taken with an antique camera.

Address: Calle Agoncillo, Taal, Batangas, Philippines

Tam-awan village is an art gallery, a museum, and an anthropological site amazingly rolled into one. Founded by passionate artists and cultural workers, this amazing mountain village will fill your lungs with cool fresh air as you are exposed to the rich culture and art of the Cordillera people. At this spot, you can check out the unique indigenous paintings, carvings, and dance. Learn about traditional weaving and basket-making, if you want, you can even learn to do so!  From the breathtaking view of the mountains to the beautiful Ifugao huts, there is no shortage for possible aesthetic social media backdrops here.

Address: Pinsao Proper, Long Long Benguet Road, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Have you ever seen glass made in a way other than for drinking or seeing through? If not, you’ll definitely be in for an amazing visual treat when you visit  Museo Orlina in Tagaytay. Filled with creations made by renowned Filipino artist Ramon Orlina, it is a museum filled with different glasses molded into a variety of spectacular shapes and vibrant colors. Take your time observing the works, and notice the special etchings, engravings, and fusings unique to every glasswork. And if you see anything you like, head to the gift shop and get a beautiful glass sculpture of your very own. 

Address: Hollywood Subdivision Road, Brgy. Tolentino East, Tagaytay, Philippines

The Ili-Likha Artists’ Watering Hole in Baguio is another certified art lover's classic on this list. More than just a museum, it is a free and open space for artists of all styles to showcase their works to the public. The Watering Hole itself is an art gallery found within the larger Ili-Likha Artists’ Village complex. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibes and atmosphere of vibrant art and culture as you go from gallery to bar to restaurant in this colorful and fascinating complex built by and for artists. And once you are done taking aesthetic photos for the IG feed or reflecting on the beauty of the art, you visit the different studios and interact with the artists themselves!

Address: Ili-Likha Artists’ Village, Assumption, Baguio, PH

Let’s end this artistic list with something a bit more unique from the rest. Old Grove Farmstead isn’t your typical art gallery, but you’ll still be wowed by the beauty of the architecture and natural landscaping put on display. Escape the big city and experience what it feels like to be in one of those scenic farm landscape paintings hung up in your grandparents’ living room. Walk around the iconic red barn, stroll past the lovely windmills, and take aesthetic photos by the lake. If you love it, you can even stay overnight and paint the scenic backdrop yourself!

Address: U. Mojares Street, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines