Rizal Province is a landlocked province in the Philippines, located in the Calabarzon region of Luzon Island. Antipolo City serves as the province’s capital. Rizal is a mountainous province to the east of Manila, Philippines. Thus only about 19 kilometers from Manila. Because of its proximity to the country’s capital, it has become a popular day-trip destination for nearby locals looking for a weekend getaway. Its cooler weather also makes it appealing to those seeking a refreshing respite from the Philippines’ generally hot climate. One of the most visited spots here is the Pinto Art Museum at Antipolo City. The city is well-known as a pilgrimage destination. It claims to be the “Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines”. Antipolo’s higher elevation than Metro Manila provides a scenic view of the city, especially at night. Indeed serving a variety of popular overlooking locations.
Antipolo City
The city was named after the tipolo (breadfruit) tree, which grew abundantly in the area. It is the province’s second-largest city. Antipolo City’s northern and southern sections are located in dense forest areas of the Sierra Madre. Moreover, its proximity to Metro Manila has consistently fueled the real estate industry’s growth. In fact, Antipolo is classified as a First Class City in 2008. There are indeed numerous tourist attractions in the area. Such as various overlooking cafes, The Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo Church, Pinto Art Museum, and Pacem Ecopark. A lot of people has been visiting Antipolo City specially those coming from nearby towns. There are also a lot of resorts in the area so it has become the go-to nearby destination every summer. If you’re looking for something classic and unique, try going to their Pinto Art Museum. Where you can enjoy the healing powers of art, science, and nature.
Pinto Art Museum
The Pintô Art Museum is a contemporary museum and exhibition space in Antipolo. A historic pilgrimage city located outside of Manila in the Philippines. Furthermore, The word “Pinto” derived from the Tagalog word “Door”. Thus saying that it’s the entrance to contemporary and emerging local art. Dr. Joven Cuanang, a Filipino neurologist and arts patron, established the museum in 2010 to display his personal art collection. The museum was founded on the premise that art acts as a diplomatic bridge between various nationalities, worldviews, and communities. Moreover, This 1.5-hectare art complex is surrounded by a two-hectare botanical garden, creating a serene environment. Every nook and cranny is lovely indeed, and every placement is thoughtful. It’s not surprising that this is the world’s 25th most Instagrammed museum, and not only in the Philippines’. As of writing. Pinto Art Museum now have 7 Galleries. You should try and bring your loved ones.
Gallery 1
This Gallery features a piece called Karnabal by the artistic collective Salingpusa. It conveys images related to the Marcos regime. Moreover, The majority of the paintings on display here are about politics and religious beliefs in Philippine culture.
Gallery 2
This Gallery features a variety of contemporary paintings and sculptures created in a mixed-medium. Furthermore, it features a Volkswagen Beetle. The display’s dark and eerie themes are easily depicted.
Gallery 3
This Gallery features a variety of paintings. It also highlights wired scuptures such as Alab Pagarigan’s “The Hallow Man” and Stephanie Lopez’ “Oblivious”
Gallery 4
This Gallery features some contemporary-modern spanish inspired artworks. Most of the displays here are large. It is also where you can find the crowd favorite “We are the kids your parents warned you about” masterpiece.
Gallery 5
This Gallery features traditional spanish inspired paintings. The area also has a lighter tone. Moreover, it highlights Pamela Yan Santos’ life-sived art “Please handle with care”. The piece is made of newspaper.
Gallery 6
This Gallery is a two-storey structure that featured different kinds of masterpieces. Moreover, you can find Steph Lopez’ audio room here called “Usapang babae”
Gallery 7
This Gallery is the most-recent newly opened structure. Moreover, it is where you can find Reen Barrera’s striking 11-foot tower sculpture called “Ohlala Twin”
Tips and Guidelines on Visiting Pinto Art Museum
- The ticket is ranging from Php 125.00 – Php 250.00
- There is also a cafe inside where you can dine in or eat al fresco
- No Flash photography and videography
- Choose your best OOTD before visiting, they don’t allow changing of clothes
- You have to leave your belongings in the baggage counter upon entrance. Just bring your valuables such as wallet, phone, and camera
- Sign the online health declaration form on the entrance and check temperature
- It is advisable to bring water bottle and fan. The vicinity is huge and open
- Best to go on weekdays to avoid huge crowd
- Be considerable when taking picture. People are waiting for their turn
- They open from 10 AM – 6 PM
Cafe Rizal
The Cafe Rizal is an indoor restaurant in Pinto Art Museum. They serve delectable foods ranging from Filipino and Italian Cuisine. Cafe Rizal also offers different be beverages such as coffee and fruit shakes. The Mediterranean design adds up to its unique cozy vibe. It is the convenient place to go to after your tiring stroll around the place. You can take a break and fill up your empty stomachs here. However, the price may seem expensive but they’re all paying well for the taste, serving, and great ambiance. You can either dine-in or eat al fresco. The experience is exceptional either way.
How to get there
Via Private Car
- From Manila, drive along Marcos Highway toward Antipolo until you reach Masinag Intersection. Then turn right to Sumulong highway which will take you to Upper Antipolo. vIAAsk for Grand Heights and the Pinto Art Museum.
Via LRT
- Take the LRT Line 2 to the Masinag Station. Then ride a jeepney or FX bound for Robinsons Antipolo. Finally, a tricycle and request that the driver drop you off at Grand Heights Subdivision or Pinto Art Museum.
Via Bus
- Take a bus from Cubao bound to Robinsons Antipolo. Then from Robinsons Antipolo ride a tricycle and request that the driver drop you off at Grand Heights Subdivision or Pinto Art Museum.
- Take a bus from Cubao bound to SM Masinag. Then ride another bus or jeepney going to Antipolo. Drop off at Robinsons Antipolo. Finally, a tricycle and request that the driver drop you off at Grand Heights Subdivision or Pinto Art Museum.
Via Public Transportation
- Take a Jeep from Cubao bound to Cogeo and drop off at Cogeo gate 2. Get a tricycle going to Grand Heights Subdivision or Pinto Art Museum.
- Take a Van (UV) bound to Masinag Granpolo Antipolo. Then ride another bus or jeepney going to Antipolo. Drop off at Robinsons Antipolo. Finally, a tricycle and request that the driver drop you off at Grand Heights Subdivision or Pinto Art Museum.