Sanso Museum is a gem in San Juan, Metro Manila. It is a serene pocket of inspiration in the middle of a very busy city. I was happy to have been able to talk my parents into going there one afternoon a couple of weeks back despite the horrid traffic. They were celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary and were looking for a new place to visit and explore. Sanso, I thought, Sanso Museum! I had been there late last year, when Craft Party PH had a Christmas-themed rubber-stamp carving workshop. But my parents hadn’t been and I was sure they would enjoy it. So we headed there with the kids and made it an hour and a half before closing, which was enough time to go around leisurely see everything.
They change the collection of paintings on display every few months. Currently, the exhibit is called Elogio Del Agua and is a selection of Sanso’s artwork all carrying the theme of water. It is the first of seven exhibits they are rolling out this year in celebration of his 70 years as an artist.
Aside from paintings, the exhibit also showcases some of his etchings, lithographs, serigraphs and photographs, most of which have never been shown to the public before.
Throughout the exhibit, they have posted on the walls stories about how water and bodies of water play a significant part in Sanso’s life. It was interesting to read and really explains why and how he is able to beautifully portray the colors and movements of water in his work. I also love how he has captured seas and rivers at different times of day, thus showing them in different lights.
Sanso Museum is small enough that you can explore it in an hour or less but because it’s such a pleasantly laid out art space and the atmosphere so peaceful and relaxing, you will want to stay longer. I would have definitely liked to stay a little longer if the kids hadn’t been with us. It was a nice visit nonetheless, and it seemed like my parents did have a good time. We’ll definitely be back in the future to see their upcoming exhibits!
Fundacion Sanso Museum is located in #32 V Cruz, Sta Lucia, San Juan and they are open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM. While there, you can also grab a bite or some sweet treats at Cafe Sanso, also open daily at 11 AM – 10 PM. For more inquiries contact them at these numbers:
Museum: 0998 572 3360 / 952 1568
Cafe: 0922 894 6144 / 341 2866
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