BenCab Museum | Baguio

Information

Landmark: BenCab Museum
City: Baguio
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

BenCab Museum, Baguio, Philippines, Asia

The BenCab Museum is a private art museum located in Tuba, Benguet, on the outskirts of Baguio City. It is dedicated to the works of National Artist Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera and other contemporary Filipino artists.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is a modern, four-story building set against a backdrop of lush green mountains. Its architecture is minimalist, featuring large glass windows that offer views of the surrounding Cordillera landscape. The interior consists of several galleries with white walls and open spaces. Outside, the property features a manicured garden with a koi pond, a small lake, and traditional Igorot huts.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Km. 6 Asin Rd, Tuba, 2603 Benguet.

Access: Located approximately 6 kilometers from the Baguio City center along Asin Road.

Transport: * Taxis: The most convenient way to reach the museum; drivers are familiar with the location.

Jeepneys: Take a jeepney labeled "Asin" from the terminal near the Baguio City Public Market.

Entry: Admission requires an entrance fee. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and PWDs.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Opened in 2009, the museum was established to house BenCab's personal collection of his own works, as well as indigenous Cordillera art and artifacts (Bulul). The site was chosen for its serene natural environment. The museum overlooks a forest and a river, emphasizing the connection between art and the highland ecology.

Key Highlights & Activities

BenCab Gallery: Houses the permanent collection of Benedicto Cabrera’s major works, including his famous "Sabel" series.

Cordillera Gallery: Features an extensive collection of tribal artifacts, indigenous woodcarvings, and traditional weaving.

Erotica Gallery: A specialized gallery featuring adult-themed artworks by various Filipino artists.

Sepia Gallery: Showcases rotating exhibitions of photography and prints.

Café Sabel: An on-site restaurant located on the lowest level, serving dishes made with fresh ingredients from the museum's organic farm. It offers views of the garden and pond.

Eco-Trail: A guided tour through the museum's farm and garden is available for an additional fee.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The museum includes a souvenir shop selling prints, books, and local crafts. Public restrooms are located on multiple levels. The building is designed to be accessible, though some garden paths may be uneven. 5G cellular coverage is available but can vary in the lower levels.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (09:00 to 18:00) and is closed on Mondays. To avoid crowds and enjoy a quiet viewing experience, arrive right at opening time. The late afternoon light is ideal for viewing the mountain scenery from the balconies.

Facts & Legends

The "Sabel" figure, a recurring theme in BenCab's work, was inspired by a real-life scavenger woman he saw in the streets of Bambang, Manila, in 1965. She became a symbol of displacement and resilience in his art.