Art Scene in Baguio

Part of the Baguio travel guide — see every topic in All Baguio Guides.

Baguio has a strong community of artists, painters, sculptors and craft makers. In 2017, UNESCO named Baguio a Creative City for crafts and folk art. The city mixes modern art with the craft traditions of the Cordillera peoples. Galleries, artist villages and small shops are found across the city and the hills around it. This guide covers the main places to see and buy art.

BenCab Museum

The BenCab Museum is on Asin Road, just outside the city, in the town of Tuba. It was built by Benedicto Cabrera, known as BenCab, who is a National Artist of the Philippines. The museum shows his own paintings, works by other Filipino artists and a collection of Cordillera objects. The building sits on a slope, with a garden, a pond and a café below. Many visitors spend two hours or more there. It is a short taxi ride from the centre. Check opening days before you go.

Tam-awan Village

Tam-awan Village is an artist village on a hillside in the north of the city. It has traditional Ifugao and Kalinga houses that were moved here and rebuilt. Local artists show and sell paintings, and the village sometimes runs art workshops. Paths climb through the trees to small viewpoints, and on a clear day you can see far across the mountains. The paths are steep and can be slippery after rain. There is a small entry fee. Wear shoes with good grip and bring water for the climb.

Galleries and art spaces

Smaller galleries and art spaces are found across Baguio, from old houses to cafés that also show art. Some are run by artist groups and show work by young local painters and photographers. Exhibitions change often. Ask at your hotel or look at recent posts from galleries online to see what is on. Baguio also hosts art events and arts festivals at different times of year. During these events, many galleries stay open late. Small galleries are often free to enter, and artists are often happy to talk about their work.

Crafts and woodcarving

Wood carving and weaving are long-standing crafts in the Cordillera. In Baguio you can find hand-woven fabrics, carved wooden bowls and figures, silver jewellery and baskets. The public market and shops around the city sell many of these items. Quality and prices vary a lot. Look carefully at how well an item is made, and ask the seller where it comes from. Buying directly from makers or from fair-trade shops helps the artists most. Woven bags and scarves are light and easy to pack.

Visiting tips

Most art spaces are spread out, so a taxi is the easiest way to move between them. Plan two or three places in a day rather than trying to see everything. Some galleries close on one weekday, often Monday, but this varies, so check before you go. Ask before taking photos of artworks. If you buy a large piece, ask the gallery about packing and shipping. Many museums and galleries have small cafés, which are good places to rest. Bring a jacket, as the hills can be cool and windy.

Art Scene at a glance

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