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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Very beautiful, something (the building and the effort) to be proud of.
I don't often see non-religious stained glass windows.
Très très beau ! Merci !
Those stained glass windows are beautiful as is the building architecture. Very nice, HIlda.
Lovely stained glass work, makes for a very impressive entry.
One would be glad to be 'light' entering such a place through those beautiful windows.
A wonderful Wednesday for you.
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?
Such a fancy and beautiful place. Thanks for the tour. The bottom window is amazing!
That really is a grand entrance!
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!
Zounds! It looks like a castle or a cathedral! What magnificent stained glass. Super photos, too!
Two things I really liked. The woodwork and especially that last window. Unbelievable detail.
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
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?
Hi Hilda, The restoration work on the museums entrance is beautiful and the stained glass over the doorways is gorgeous.
That is beautiful! I especially like the last photo :)
Beautiful detail, you have done a great job capturing it.
It truly is magnificent! The stained glass alone would keep me coming back.
Thanks for additional views of this beautiful building. The hall and the stained glass windows are gorgeous.
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.
Magnificent building! Love the coffered ceiling in the first shot.
Beautiful entrance and doorways indeed!
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...
It's certainly a magnificent building. The windows are astounding. Great interior photos Hilda.
what a beautiful architecture! the stained glass, the roof, the ornaments ... all marvelous!
That is a marvellous building. The detail is lovely and the stained glass is beautiful.
Delightful... So why did the finance folks move out? It wasn't like they couldn't pay the rent, huh? :)
An entrance fit for a king! But then, I suppose the Filipino people are the kings!
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!
Just superb ART!!
Very nice
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