November 18, 2009

Grand entrance

I've already shown you the colonnade and porch of the Museum of the Filipino People, which used to be the government Finance Building. Now let's step inside and see its beautifully restored grand entrance hall.

entrance hall of the Museum of the Filipino People

Each doorway in the hall is topped by an arch with a stained glass window featuring the seal of the Department of Finance and the coat of arms of the Republic of the Philippines.

arched doorway with stained glass at the Museum of the Filipino People

Here is a closer look at one of the stained glass windows featuring only the seal of the Department of Finance. I couldn't find any information about it so I don't know what they all mean, but the elements include the sun rising above a pair of marine lions holding a shield containing balance scales and a key. Under and around the marine lions (also a symbol of the City of Manila) is a scroll and three stars which represent the three major geographic areas of the country: Luzon (where Metro Manila is), Visayas and Mindanao.

arched stained glass window over a door at the Museum of the Filipino People

Some of the stained glass windows can also be seen from the hallway of the second floor, where they are protected by more of the beautiful black iron grills that we saw at the porch.

arched stained glass window with black iron grills at the Museum of the Filipino People
To appreciate both the architecture and exhibits of the National Museum of the Philippines, especially if you're a first-time visitor, I highly recommend the museum tour of John Silva. Aside from his vast knowledge about architecture, history, art and archeological artifacts, he also has an insider's stories about the restoration of the buildings, the hard work required to breathe life into its musty halls and exhibits, and the struggle to preserve the heritage of the Filipino people.

30 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear Hilda, they did a great work with this restoration, this place is really elegant and beautiful.I loved the entrance ...wow that door and the stair, and all marble!Sooo beautiful!
Magnificent place!
Thanks so much for showing!
Léia

Dina said...

Very beautiful, something (the building and the effort) to be proud of.
I don't often see non-religious stained glass windows.

melanie said...

Très très beau ! Merci !

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Those stained glass windows are beautiful as is the building architecture. Very nice, HIlda.

Glennis said...

Lovely stained glass work, makes for a very impressive entry.

Anonymous said...

One would be glad to be 'light' entering such a place through those beautiful windows.
A wonderful Wednesday for you.

Reena said...

wow! im thinking of doing a fieldtrip in the manila area soon! newly renovated na pala. my last trip there was in high school pa. jan ba ung spolarium?

James said...

Such a fancy and beautiful place. Thanks for the tour. The bottom window is amazing!

Laura Goff said...

That really is a grand entrance!

Leif Hagen said...

Grand indeed! Love the stained glass windows and marble - fit for a king! Oh wait, you don't have a King in the Phillipines, just Queen Hilda!

Lowell said...

Zounds! It looks like a castle or a cathedral! What magnificent stained glass. Super photos, too!

Don and Krise said...

Two things I really liked. The woodwork and especially that last window. Unbelievable detail.

Olivier said...

tout simplement magnifique, surtout la deuxième photo. Sur la première photo, on pourrait se croire dans le château de Versailles
simply beautiful, especially the second picture. On the first picture, you could imagine in the palace of Versailles

Anonymous said...

I have been watching the series on HD television about WWII and as yet the part about the Japanese in Manila has not been on or I have not seen it. But almost immediately, when I saw your post, I wondered what the armies did to the stained glass above the doorways. I suspect shot it out so this would have had to be completely redone. Is there a record of that reconstruction period?

penny said...

Hi Hilda, The restoration work on the museums entrance is beautiful and the stained glass over the doorways is gorgeous.

Kaori said...

That is beautiful! I especially like the last photo :)

Jim Klenke said...

Beautiful detail, you have done a great job capturing it.

Lois said...

It truly is magnificent! The stained glass alone would keep me coming back.

George said...

Thanks for additional views of this beautiful building. The hall and the stained glass windows are gorgeous.

Halcyon said...

That is gorgeous! I'm so glad they've restored this building and kept it in good shape. That's a gift to the people.

Buenos Aires Photoblog said...

Magnificent building! Love the coffered ceiling in the first shot.

Unknown said...

Beautiful entrance and doorways indeed!

VP said...

I like the style of the stained glass windows. The ceiling in the first shot is unique! Wonderful building, perfectly restored. These guys have money...

Frank said...

It's certainly a magnificent building. The windows are astounding. Great interior photos Hilda.

Eki said...

what a beautiful architecture! the stained glass, the roof, the ornaments ... all marvelous!

marley said...

That is a marvellous building. The detail is lovely and the stained glass is beautiful.

stromsjo said...

Delightful... So why did the finance folks move out? It wasn't like they couldn't pay the rent, huh? :)

Rob Siemann said...

An entrance fit for a king! But then, I suppose the Filipino people are the kings!

escape said...

great great shots! i think you're one of the first to feature this in blog. by the way, can i contact you? just send me an email at i.dongho@gmail.com i dont have your email. thanks!

Gunn said...

Just superb ART!!
Very nice