If you are an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the BenCab Museum in Baguio City is a must-visit destination.
The BenCab Museum is a must-visit for art lovers in the Philippines. The museum houses the works of Benedicto Cabrera, a National Artist for Visual Arts, and its collection includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum is also known for its beautiful architecture and its grounds, which are home to a number of sculptures and a working farm.
In this article, we’ll explore what the museum has to offer and provide some tips for getting the most out of your visit. So, come along as we take a closer look at one of Baguio City’s most captivating attractions — the BenCab Museum.
About the BenCab Museum
The BenCab Museum is an art museum in Tuba, Benguet, Philippines. It was founded by National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera in 2009.
The museum houses a collection of over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs. The collection spans a wide range of genres and styles, and includes works by both Filipino and international artists.
The BenCab Museum is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush gardens and mountains. The museum building itself is a work of art, designed by Leandro Locsin. The building is made of concrete and wood, and it features a number of traditional Cordilleran architectural elements.
The BenCab Museum is a must-visit for art lovers of all ages. The museum’s collection is vast and varied, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, making it a great place to learn about art and culture.
Address: Km. 6 Asin Rd, Tuba, 2603 Benguet
Opening Hours: 9 AM–6 PM
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What to See at the BenCab Museum
The BenCab Museum is a must-visit for any art lover visiting Baguio City. The museum houses the works of Benedicto Cabrera, a Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts, as well as those of other distinguished artists and emerging contemporary artists. The museum aims to promote the arts, environmental conservation, and cultural and ethnological preservation of the northern mountain region, especially the Cordilleras heritage.
Here are some of the things you can see at the BenCab Museum:
The BenCab Collection
The BenCab Collection is the main attraction of the museum and showcases a wide variety of works from Benedicto Cabrera, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs. The collection reflects an appreciation for both Filipino culture and international trends in art. It offers a glimpse into the creative genius of one of Philippines’ National Artists for Visual Arts.
The Special Exhibitions
The BenCab Museum also features special exhibitions periodically that showcase the works of other prominent Filipino and international artists. These exhibitions are a great opportunity to explore more of the museum’s collection, and they often feature interactive elements like workshops and activities. From contemporary art to traditional folk arts, these exhibitions offer something for everyone.
The Museum Shop
The Museum Shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or artwork from your visit. It offers a wide selection of books, prints, art supplies, and other merchandise related to art and culture.
Plus, the shop also offers locally-made items and products crafted by local artists, giving you an authentic experience as well as supporting the local community. You can also find items from the BenCab Collection in The Museum Shop, so you can take home a piece of art to remember your visit.
The Cafe Sabel
The Cafe Sabel is the perfect place to have a bite to eat after exploring the BenCab Museum. Located in the museum grounds, The Cafe Sabel offers an array of delicious Filipino dishes at reasonable prices, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or an afternoon snack.
It also serves specialty coffee and tea drinks with locally-sourced ingredients, giving visitors a chance to experience the tastes of the region. The cafe also offers outdoor seating areas with views of the museum grounds, allowing you to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
The Art Farm
The BenCab Museum also features an Art Farm, which is located on the museum grounds. The Art Farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate and learn about local farming practices as well as traditional Cordilleran culture. It includes a pond for fishing, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, medicinal gardens, and even a working farm where visitors can learn about animal husbandry.
Visitors can also take part in workshops and activities that teach traditional farming techniques and explore the region’s rich cultural history. The Art Farm is an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature while learning more about the culture of this area.
The BenCab Museum’s Art Collection
The BenCab Museum’s art collection is a diverse and eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The collection includes works by BenCab himself, as well as by other Filipino artists, both past and present. The collection covers a wide range of topics, from the human condition to the natural world.
Some of the highlights of the BenCab Museum’s art collection include:
The Cordillera Gallery
The Cordillera Gallery is a special exhibition dedicated to the art and culture of the northern mountain region. It includes works by both local artists and those from other parts of the Philippines, giving visitors a unique insight into this area’s rich cultural history.
Visitors can also learn about traditional crafts such as woodcarving, weaving, and pottery. The Cordillera Gallery is a great place to learn about the culture of this region and to appreciate the beauty of its art forms.
The Erotica Gallery
The Erotica Gallery at the BenCab Museum is an exhibition dedicated to exploring themes of sexuality in art. The gallery contains a selection of works by both Filipino and international artists, spanning various mediums from photography to painting and sculpture.
It is an important part of the museum’s collection, as it offers insight into different aspects of human sexuality and creativity. The Erotica Gallery is an ideal place for visitors to explore the complexities of human sexuality through art and experience a unique cultural perspective.
The Maestro Gallery
The Maestro Gallery is a special exhibition that celebrates the life and works of Benedicto Cabrera, one of Philippines’ National Artists for Visual Arts. The gallery contains selected pieces from BenCab’s personal collection, as well as some of his most famous works.
The Maestro Gallery is an opportunity to appreciate the unique vision and style of this master artist as well as to explore his creative process. It is a must-see for any art lover visiting the BenCab Museum.
The Philippine Contemporary Art Galleries
The Philippine Contemporary Art Galleries at the BenCab Museum is an exhibition dedicated to showcasing the works of contemporary Filipino artists. It features a selection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artworks by both emerging and established artists from all over the Philippines.
The galleries offer insight into some of today’s most creative minds and their unique perspectives on art and culture. Visitors can also explore the creative processes of these artists through their works, making this gallery a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary Filipino art.
The BenCab Museum’s Architecture
The BenCab Museum was designed by architect Raymund Sarmiento and opened in 2009. The museum houses the personal art collection of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, as well as rotating exhibits of contemporary Filipino art.
The BenCab Museum is built on a sloping site, with the main entrance located at the top of the hill. The building is made of concrete and glass, with a curving roof that resembles a traditional Ifugao hut. The interior of the museum is spacious and airy, with large windows that provide natural light. The galleries are arranged around a central courtyard, which is filled with trees and plants.
The architecture of the BenCab Museum is both modern and traditional. The use of concrete and glass reflects the museum’s commitment to showcasing contemporary art, while the curving roof and courtyard pay homage to the region’s indigenous culture. The museum is a beautiful and inspiring space that provides a unique experience for visitors.
Here are some of the notable features of the BenCab Museum’s architecture:
1. The building is made of concrete and glass, with a curving roof that resembles a traditional Ifugao hut.
2. The interior of the museum is spacious and airy, with large windows that provide natural light.
3. The galleries are arranged around a central courtyard, which is filled with trees and plants.
4. The museum is located on a sloping site, with the main entrance located at the top of the hill.
5. The museum is surrounded by lush vegetation, which provides a peaceful and tranquil setting.
How to Get to the BenCab Museum
The BenCab Museum is located in Tuba, Benguet, Philippines. It is about 15 kilometers from Baguio City. Here are a few ways to get to the museum:
By public transportation: From Baguio City, take a jeepney bound for Asin. The jeepney terminal is located near Baguio Public Market and Baguio City Hall. The jeepney will stop at Asin Jeepney Terminal, a few meters walk to BenCab Museum.
By taxi: The fare from Baguio City to BenCab Museum is around P80-100.
By private vehicle: If you are driving, follow the signs to Asin Road. The museum is located on the left side of the road.
The BenCab Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. The entrance fee is P100 for adults, P80 for students and senior citizens, and P50 for children below 12 years old.
Tips for Visiting the BenCab Museum
The museum is a beautiful and inspiring space that provides a unique experience for visitors. The galleries are filled with a variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations. The museum also has a number of educational programs and events.
Here are some tips for visiting the BenCab Museum:
Plan your visit: The BenCab Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. The entrance fee is P100 for adults, P80 for students and senior citizens, and P50 for children below 12 years old. Allow at least 2 hours to explore the museum.
Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is located on a hill, so you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring sunscreen and a hat: The museum is located in a sunny area.
Take your time and enjoy the art: There are over 600 works of art on display, so take your time and enjoy them.
Have lunch or dinner at Cafe Sabel: Cafe Sabel is located inside the museum and offers a variety of Filipino food.
Check the museum’s website for special events: The museum often hosts special events, such as art workshops, concerts, and film screenings.
In conclusion
The BenCab Museum is a must-visit for art lovers of all ages. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the works of Benedicto Cabrera, as well as those of other prominent Filipino and international artists.
They can also enjoy interactive exhibits, educational programs and events, and local cuisine at Cafe Sabel. With its diverse collection of art, unique architecture, and interactive activities, the BenCab Museum is a great place to explore Filipino culture and appreciate the beauty of art.
