Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (aka the MET) is one of the main museums in the city. It is the country's premier museum for modern and contemporary visual arts by both local and international artists. Founded in 1976, it initially showcased international artists to expose Filipinos to contemporary visual works in other cultures. By 1986, it had shifted its focus to local businesses and expanded its reach to more ordinary people by offering bilingual show scripts and developing several outreach educational programs such as workshops and seminars, thus promoting pride in local identity. The museum includes three floors of galleries, and a collection of artwork and historical artifacts such as gold and artistic works, and religious artwork. In addition to the many touring exhibitions throughout the year, two of this museum's anchors are the Gallery of Priceless Gold and the Gallery of Ancient Pottery, with pieces dating back to 220 BC.