It’d be crazy for most. But I’ve been making crazy decisions all my life to not make another one: like paying a visit to Pintô Art Museum as a side trip to Ed Sheeran’s concert.
Who in their right mind would make a side trip that is totally out of the way—actually, the opposite—to the main destination? Christine and I. Yeah, we’re unconventional like that. But I guess some people are just wired to make decisions out of spontaneity, answering curious questions, and following paths that are literally off the beaten track.
Skip the Drama, Head Directly To:
- How did we end up at Pintô Art Museum
- What You Need to Know About Pintô Art Museum
- How to get to Pintô Art Museum
- How much is the entrance free in Pintô Art Museum
- Other FAQs
How Did We End Up at Pintô Art Museum?
After years of putting on hold our dreams of seeing Ed Sheeran perform live on stage, we finally managed to secure our tickets for the Mathematics Tour happening at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque. Although we’ve attended concerts outside Cebu, this marks our first time traveling together out of the province—despite years of friendship. We’ve literally known each other for half our lives. HAHA.
With the tickets secured, our next move was to book flights. Drawing inspiration from my solo trip to Metro Manila for ONE OK ROCK’s concert, I aimed for a similar plan: arrive early, go on a side trip, enjoy the concert, and head straight back to the airport—and wait there for the flight back home. As my fellow OOR fan friend puts it: “Parang ginawa mo lang isang sakayang jeep ang Manila.”
But I initially had qualms about this type of travel—it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s tiring and denies one the opportunity to rest and relax. Nonetheless, I pitched the idea to Christine—and I guess there’s a reason why we remained good friends through the years: we’re of the same wavelength.
We decided to book early morning flights for both the day of the concert and the return journey. Anticipating a concert that might conclude around midnight, we planned to either find a relaxing spot after the event or head straight to the airport.
It was actually Christine who opened up about the idea of visiting Pintô Art Museum. I’ve heard about it, but it didn’t initially pique any interest for some reason. However, since neither of us had explored the place yet, we decided it would be the perfect destination for our side trip. Or so we thought.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Pintô Art Museum
A few clicks into Google, and you’ll see tons of photos of white-washed walls, cubic structures, flat roofs, naturally lit rooms, and paved paths—an architecture seemingly inspired by the Mediterranean, reminiscent of Santorini. However, Pintô Art Museum offers more than just these Instagram-worthy backdrops.
An exhibition space and contemporary museum, Pintô Art Museum is a must-visit sight for those seeking a rich and immersive artistic experience. Located in the historic pilgrimage city of Antipolo in Rizal, the museum was established in 2010 to showcase the art collection of Filipino neurologist and arts patron, Dr. Joven Cuanang.
True to its name, the first thing that catches your eye upon entering this art haven is a series of doors guiding you from one exhibition to the next. “Pintô” translates to “door” in Filipino—a fitting metaphor for how art serves as a gateway, connecting diverse nationalities, worldviews, and communities.
Covering a lot area of 1.5 hectares, Pintô Art Museum is definitely a vast and captivating artistic retreat. Upon entry, a map guides visitors through two main collections: contemporary art and primitive art. With seven galleries to explore, plus the bulul and maitum collections near The Pinto Academy and Amphitheater, it promises an enriching experience for art enthusiasts.
In addition to the captivating indoor exhibits, the natural beauty of the surroundings and the outdoor installations at Pintô Art Museum are truly breathtaking. Notably, the venue also offers delectable meals, recognizing the fatigue that can accompany exploring the exhibition area. It’s a feast for the eyes and a delightful treat for the senses.
It was indeed a good decision to visit Pintô Art Museum despite having to travel almost two hours from NAIA.
How to Get to Pintô Art Museum
Apart from hiking, I have a special fondness for experiencing a place through public transportation, though I’m not a fan of my daily work commute. Initially, we intended to commute from NAIA to Antipolo. However, considering the anticipated heavy traffic reported by the navigation app and our limited time to travel to Rizal and back to Metro Manila for the concert, we decided to book a Grab. Since there are two of us, we can split the fare, making it more affordable—much less if there are more in a group.
However, based on information from local drivers in the area, an alternative option is to head from the airport to Recto Station, take LRT Line 2, and go to Santolan Station. Once there, you can find vans bound for Antipolo, Rizal. Upon arrival at the terminal near Antipolo Church, you can easily catch a tricycle directly to Pintô Art Museum.
Another alternative is to board a bus bound for EDSA Shaw and then take a jeepney to Antipolo. Alternatively, you can go to Baclaran, walk to Taft Station, and ride the MRT to Cubao. From Cubao, you’ll find jeepneys and FX vehicles headed to Antipolo. (Please feel free to correct this in case there are route changes. Thanks!)
But while all these options are cost-effective, time constraints have become a decisive factor for us. So, for now, Grab it is.
How Much is the Entrance Free at Pintô Art Museum
As of this writing, the entrance fee for Pintô Art Museum is P250. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) enjoy a discounted rate of P200, while students can enter for P150. Children aged 3 years and below can explore the museum for free.
This amount already grants visitors access to the museum’s diverse and captivating exhibits, showcasing both contemporary and primitive art collections. It’s worth noting that admission fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date details on entrance fees and any additional considerations.
Other FAQs About Pintô Art Museum
How far is Pintô Art Museum from NAIA?
When I told you at the beginning of this blog that this is a crazy trip, it indeed is. While the concert venue for Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour is less than 5km from NAIA, Pintô Art Museum is around 23–28 km, depending on the route you decide to take. And they’re from opposing directions!
Is walk-in allowed in Pintô Art Museum?
Yes. Pintô Art Museum is open every day except on Mondays, from 10am to 6pm. No reservations are needed. Walk-ins are definitely allowed.
Is camera allowed in Pintô Art Museum?
As per Pintô Art Museum guidelines: capturing images with camera phones, DSLRs, and other cameras is permitted for non-commercial purposes. However, if the purpose is commercial, photoshoot rates will apply. Flash photography and video shoots are strictly prohibited inside the galleries.
Is it worth trying Pintô Art Museum’s Cafe?
Arriving after 10, it was inevitable that our exploration of Pintô Art Museum would work up an appetite. Since it’s our first time, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to try their menu. There are two cafés inside Pintô Art Museum: Café Rizal and Café Dionysus.
Perched on the museum’s rooftop, Café Dionysus offers a delectable feast for those seeking a culinary adventure. Among their highlights is the best-selling Boursin & Bruschetta Platter, showcasing a delightful blend of cream cheese with herbs, accompanied by fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and ample crostinis. The menu extends to include lumpiang bangus, spaghetti bolognese, truffle carbonara, salads, Pinoy classics, and various snack options.
Meanwhile, Café Rizal, situated near the chapel, greets you with the tempting aroma of food being prepared as you enter. Opting for lunch at Café Rizal, we chose their popular Wagyu pizza and chicken.
Do you recommend your trip to Pintô Art Museum?
Going to Pintô Art Museum was probably one of the best decisions we’ve made! After exploring the place, we then headed back to commute to Parañaque, and we arrived in time before Calum Scott opened the concert.
You don’t necessarily need to be a fan of museums to enjoy Pintô Art Museum—but it has the potential to spark an interest in culture and history and a profound appreciation for creativity. True to its name, Pintô Art Museum opens doors to artistic expression, and I hope your journey leads you to this captivating contemporary museum.
Dakilanglaagan 