View art after the bell rings at these 5 galleries, museums in universities

MANILA, Philippines – College students looking to unwind during their free time aren’t limited to the same cafés and tambay (hangout) spots. For the art-inclined majors or even anyone looking for some leisure activities around these university areas, some have on-campus museums and galleries that are open to the public.

And for those on a budget, the best part is that some offer free admission to university students and staff!

Ateneo Art Gallery 

The first museum of Philippine modern art, established in 1960, is just within one of the universities along Katipunan. When you enter the Ateneo de Manila University, you can find the Ateneo Art Gallery in the Areté building. 

Originally built on the donations of Spanish-Filipino painter Fernando Zobel, the museum’s collection features his works and paintings alongside other local artists like Fernando Amorsolo and Napoleon Abueva. 

These permanent collections are found on the first and second floors, with a wide range of art from impressionist paintings to works that highlight ordinary rural life. 

Venture to the third floor and you will find a contemporary showcase with an often limited run-time, like this exhibition for the shortlisted awardees of the Ateneo Art Awards 2025.

• Museum Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
• General admission: P100 for regular guests, P50 for non-Ateneo students with a valid school ID
• Free entry: Those with a valid Ateneo ID, PWD, senior citizens, Ateneo Alumni Association members, International Council of Museums Philippines (ICOM) card holders, and children 12 years old and below

Vargas Museum 

On the other side of Katipunan, the University of the Philippines Diliman has the Vargas Museum. Named after political figure and UP alumnus Jorge B. Vargas, it is home to his collections of art, books, archives, memorabilia, coins, and stamps. 

Almost nine years after Vargas donated his collection to the university, the building of the museum was formally inaugurated in 1987. After buying a ticket at the ground floor, you’re met upstairs with a temporary exhibition, book launch, or other special events. 

Go one floor higher, and you find the permanent art collection with works spanning from the late 19th century to the post-war era. In this gallery, the past meets contemporary, as the works of historical artists Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, and Fernando Amorsolo share a space with invited guest artists Poklong Anading, Roberto Feleo, and Alfredo Juan. 

Reach the third floor, and you see the archives, library, and the Vargas memorabilia. This also houses the North Wing Gallery, which features mostly photography and contemporary art. 

• Museum Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
• General admission: P50 for regular guests, P20 for non-UP students 
• UP staff, faculty members, and alumni: P40
• Free admission: UP students, alumni, staff & faculty every Wednesday

The University of Santo Tomas Museum 

Did you know the oldest museum in the country is tucked away in España? Originally standing on Intramuros in 1869, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Museum has since been transferred to the UST Main Building in Sampaloc. 

It started as compliance with a requirement for colleges to have a museum of natural history, which displayed specimens of shells, butterflies, and birds. 

After the old main building underwent renovation, old paintings were uncovered and eventually displayed in the new building, transforming the museum from purely scientific to mixing it with the arts.

Now, apart from the original natural history collection featuring Philippine fauna, you will find historical coins, medals, and memorabilia displayed. Student life from 300 years ago is preserved through the display of bells, dry seal stamps, and maces used for special occasions like graduations. 

Of course, art-lovers cannot miss the visual arts collection, featuring a mix of paintings from the 16th to 20th century, with works from Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Manuel Zaragosa, Simeon Flores, Fabian de la Rosa, and many others. 

• Museum Hours: Monday, 10 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Saturdays on special arrangement
• General admission: P50 for regular guests, P30 for non-UST students
• Free entry: Thomasian students, faculty, support staff, and alumni with ID, tour guides and non-Thomasian teachers with school tour groups, Members of the ICOM with valid ID, PWDs

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design 

After just a short walk from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, you’ll find the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD). Unlike other galleries, MCAD has no permanent collections, as it offers a space for artists to exhibit their works.

Its most recent exhibit was Elisa Tan: Container of Distance, showcasing the Filipino-Chinese artist’s minimalist, conceptual art, wherein she weaves together themes of language, migration, and belonging. 

Apart from art exhibitions, MCAD also offers learning programs and other cultural and artistic opportunities that emphasize the possibilities of contemporary media and encourage engagement with art and culture. 

Since the museum temporarily closes to make way for preparations in between exhibitions, it’s best to stay updated on the MCAD Facebook page for their latest events and exhibits. 

• Museum Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm 
• Admission is free for all

University of the Philippines Manila Museum of a History of Ideas

While most museums display paintings, exhibits, or artifacts, one located along Padre Faura Street in Manila shows something a bit more abstract: ideas. 

The University of the Philippines Manila Museum of a History of Ideas (UPM-HI) showcases the intellectual history of the university and how it contributed to nation-building over the years. According to its website, “Ideas are like artifacts. They are created by societies in particular times and places for particular reasons.”

It has seven interlinked galleries and five atria that display different images, sounds, and videos. But these just serve to supplement the ideas, which are the main thing the museum aims to present to viewers. 

While the museums accept walk-ins, guests are encouraged to book their visit through their Facebook page.

• Museum Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm
• General admission: P75 for regular guests, P50 for non-UP student
• Senior citizens and PWDs: P60
• UP employees/students: P25

– Rappler.com

Alyana Fabella is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the Ateneo de Manila University.