National Museum of the Philippines reminds museum goers to adhere to visitor guidelines
The National Museum of the Philippines has reminded its visitors of its guidelines following the viral video of museum-goers who reportedly disrespected an artwork for video content.
On Feb. 22, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) posted their visitor’s guidelines on their official Facebook page while reiterating its sole purpose.
NMP prides itself as one of the leading educational institutions that aims “to acquire, document, preserve, exhibit, and foster public appreciation of a diverse collection of works of art,” including natural specimens and cultural and historical artifacts that embody the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
“With that said, the NMP would like to urge all visitors and museum-goers to adhere to our Visitor Guidelines, and treat works of art and specimens on display with utmost care and respect, especially during National Arts Month,” they wrote, encouraging museum goers to take part in protecting and preserving the collections displayed on the museum.
In the posted guidelines, the museum stressed that recording videos and touching of displayed paintings and sculptures are strictly prohibited.
It also said that taking of flash photographs inside the museum is not allowed.
This comes after a dismayed artist shared a now-viral video of two young museum-goers who used the displayed sculpture by artist Imelda “Impy” Pilapil as their cellphone stand while filming content for TikTok.
He wrote, “FYI that is a marble artwork, nakalagay na do not touch, PINATUNGAN NAMAN!”
The viral video has over a million views, and over 24,000 reactions, with a majority of angry and sad reactions as of writing.
Other than the disappointed reactions, some suggested more meaningful ways to further enjoy the museum visit.
I think another way to make the visit at the National Museum really worthwhile is asking visitors for a quiz after the tour.
To make it more interesting, incentivize those who can perfect the quiz!
Here’s a 15 question quiz with answers can be found from the National Museum!
— Lean Porquia #ResistTheFascist (@IanMakabayan) February 20, 2023
In a separate post, de Guzman shared a story about a gallery visitor in USA who broke a $42,000 (over P2 million) sculpture by artist Jeff Koons, saying, “This is what I meant, to avoid these types of incidents.”
The National Museum of the Philippines is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.