Today is Your Last Chance to See the Tampinco Masterpieces at the National Museum of the Philippines Fine Arts

Classical Statues Exhibition National Museum of the Philippines Fine Arts - Last Day, July 19, 2026

How sad that today, July 19, is the last day for the Filipino public to see the artistry of both master sculptors and woodcarvers, father and son Isabelo (1850–1933) and Vidal Tampinco (1893–1963), at the National Museum of the Philippines Fine Arts. The Ernesto and Araceli Salas Collection of Classical Tampinco Sculptures will now be returned to the owners. They have graciously lent the collection to the National Museum for the past 15 years. Tampinco and his son were widely known for their exquisite sculptures and statuary.

Isabelo Tampinco y Lacandola propagated the beauty of Philippine flora and fauna by incorporating them into his designs. His Taller de Escultura de Isabelo Tampinco (e hijo) was renowned for the Estilo Tampinco, which contributed heavily to the success and popularity of the workshop. His wide variety of work (and that of his heirs) encompasses furniture, altars, civic buildings, churches, monuments, mausoleums, markers, and more.

Santa Teresita del Niño Jesus, undated, wood by Isabelo Tampinco from the Ernesto and Araceli Salas Collection. 

Ironically, and in my opinion, not highlighted enough, the National Museum of Fine Arts is housed in what was once the Legislative Building. When it was originally conceptualized and designed in 1916, Isabelo and his sons, Angel and Vidal, were major contributors. When construction started in 1918, their craftsmanship became deeply rooted and ingrained in the very fabric of the building.

Saint James the Greater, undated, wood by Isabelo Tampinco from the Ernesto and Araceli Salas Collection. 

This is highly evident in the Session Hall—now Gallery XIX—which exhibits Carlos "Botong" Francisco's monumental painting, Filipino Struggles Through History. From the ornate ceiling to the statues surrounding the hall, the details were originally sculpted and crafted by the Tampincos. The allegorical figures on the pediments represented Art, Commerce, Education, Politics, War, and Law.

When the old Legislative Building was heavily damaged during World War II, Vidal Tampinco painstakingly re-created the Hall during the restoration starting in 1946.

By the way, the National Museum of the Philippines Fine Arts building is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of its inauguration.

Gallery XIX, National Museum of the Philippines Fine Arts

I'll write more about Isabelo Tampinco in the future. For those interested, Santiago Albano Pilar wrote The Life and Art of Isabelo Tampinco, giving well-deserved honor to this master artist. Vibal Foundation, Inc. published the book, and you might want to check them out for copies.

The National Museum of the Philippines Fine Arts is open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bust of Ramon Blanco y Erenas, 1893-1894, wood by Isabelo Tampinco from the Ernesto and Araceli Salas Collection. 

Announcement from National Museum