10 Must-Visit Contemporary Art Galleries In Manila

1335 Mabini is a multi-disciplinary space that fosters connections between local and international as well as emerging and established artists. With its cross-cultural focus, it’s no surprise that this gallery has exhibited work by leading international artists alongside well-known Filipino artists such as Poklong Anading, Jeona Zoleta, and Catalina Africa. The gallery is set in a beautiful colonial building in Ermita – a historic area of Manila founded in the 16th century. Alongside a program of exhibitions, the gallery also hosts regular workshops, lectures, and an artist-in-residence program.

1335 Mabini, 1335 Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines, +63 2 254 8498

Blanc has three branches in Metro Manila, including this most recent gallery located at Peninsula Manila Hotel Arcade, which opened in 2010. The gallery is dedicated to working with both established and up-and-coming Filipino artists, as well as helping to bring world-wide attention to Filipino art by participating in international events. Large windows allow for a bright and airy space in which to showcase the works on display. Blanc Peninsula Manila hosts regular exhibitions by established artists such as Lao Lianben, Andres Barrioquinto, and Yasmin Sison.

Blanc Peninsula Manila, Peninsula Manila Hotel Arcade, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, +632-4425262

Tin-Aw Art Gallery showcases the work of talented Filipino and Asian contemporary artists, including well-known names like Alfredo Esquillo, Joy Mallari, and Mark Justiniani. Founded in 2008, the gallery takes its name from a Filipino word used to describe ‘clear water’. Tin-Aw Art Gallery’s modest exhibition space on the ground floor of a serviced apartment building is the setting for regular solo and group shows by emerging and established artists. Although their exhibitions often focus on paintings, visitors can also find work in other mediums, including video, sculpture, and installation – particularly during their group shows.

Tin-Aw Art Gallery, Makati Ave, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 892 7522

Light and Space Contemporary is a unique community art center that hosts exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, and stage plays. Established in 2010 by Jason and Joseph Tecson, the gallery brings a new perspective to the Manila art scene in its aim to promote a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary exchange, exploring the relationship between art, film, and theater. Consisting of three large galleries and numerous studios, Light and Space Contemporary opened a second location in 2013. The gallery also hosts an artist-in-residence program.

Light and Space – The Fort, Ground Floor, Fort Victoria Building, 4th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, ‎Philippines, +63 (02) 239 8202

Light and Space – Fairview, 53 Fairlane Street, West Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines, +63 (02) 239 8202

Now Gallery features a number of contemporary artists each month in different exhibition spaces. This gallery is designed to exhibit work in multimedia, including sculpture, photography, digital art, paintings, and performance art. Its solo and group exhibitions present a balance between cutting-edge work and time-tested techniques, generally favoring abstraction. Previous exhibitions have included fine art photography from the Camera Club of the Philippines, painter Norberto Carating’s grids and textured surfaces inspired by Spanish farmlands, and traditional prints by the Philippine Association of Printmakers.

Now Gallery, Unit G05 Ground Floor Ecoplaza Building, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, +632 555 0683

Pablo Gallery opened in 2005 and quickly gained a reputation for giving young, up-and-coming artists a chance to exhibit their work publicly. Although the gallery showcases all styles of contemporary work, their shows tend to focus on the avant-garde. The gallery’s second location, Pablo Fort, rounds out the program by dedicating itself to more established artists. Lastly, the gallery’s retail store, POST, features prints, books, and other merchandise created by local and international artists, along with an open plan that acts as additional exhibition space for emerging artists.

Pablo, C-11 South of Market Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 400 7905

Altro Mondo promotes the work of local and international artists of all ages and career stages. The gallery regularly partners with artist collectives, museums, and institutions, in addition to participating in a variety of art events around the world. Altro Mondo has presented more than 60 solo and group exhibitions since opening in 2010, many of which have been focused on experimental and abstract art.

Altro Mondo, 3rd Level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, +632 501 3270