Rizal Shrine Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the noble life and works of the Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal. This museum elegantly illustrates the struggles and great efforts of Dr. Rizal through its collection of paintings, sculptures and his personal items. Located at the heart of Fort Santiago, Intramuros Manila, it’s accessible to a great number of visitors who are passing by the nation’s capital.
His selfless act and unconventional mean to fight for our country’s freedom has sparked a great deal of interest not just in the Philippines—but in many other countries as well. Dr. José Rizal has monuments in Madrid; Tokyo; Wilhelmsfeld, Germany; Jinjiang, Fujian, China; Chicago; Jersey City; Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey; Honolulu; San Diego; Los Angeles including the suburbs Carson and West Covina, Mexico City, Mexico; Lima, Peru; Litomerice, Czech Republic; Toronto; Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Exploring Rizal Shrine Museum
In the middle of our tour inside the Fort Santiago, we came across the Rizal Shrine Museum after climbing up on one of the fortified walls near the dungeon. They are charging an extra payment of P10.00 on top of Fort Santiago’s entrance fee of P100.00. Because of our fascination with history, we didn’t hesitate to get the chance to check out the museum.
We’ve been studying about Dr. José Rizal since we were kids so exploring this museum would be a great opportunity for us to see the actual books that he had written along with the items during his time. We were not disappointed with what we saw when we entered the museum. His two famous novels, paintings illustrating what he did and the old furniture pieces that he used first came to sight.
The Rizaliana Furniture
Noted in the museum “The furniture pieces and furnishings on exhibit are part of the Rizaliana collection of the National Historical Institute. Some of the pieces were turned over to the Philippine government in 1948 by Trinidad Rizal, unmarried sister of Dr. Jose Rizal. In 1954, the descendants of Saturnina Rizal-Hidalgo, eldest sister of Jose, gave various furniture pieces that were used by the Rizal Family in their house in Calamba, Laguna. These include the dining set, four-poster bed and several clothes cabinets (aparadores). The other furniture pieces were used by the Rizal family during their exile in Hong Kong in 1888. The sofa, washbasin and stand were used by Jose Rizal in his Hong Kong clinic.
Furniture used in a house is an indication of the occupants’ social status and lifestyle. These Rizaliana furniture pieces, though not at all ornate and opulent, reveal a well-to-do family. The hardwood and rattan furniture had tapered forms, simplified curves and dainty weaves. They were modest but utilitarian, simple but elegant. The furniture pieces, both large and small, had solidity and restful elegance. The furniture harmonized in a house of comfortable sufficiency, simplicity and integrity.”
Artworks and Illustrations
It was a pleasure to see the large paintings that illustrated his works. These were like blown up versions of his old black and white photos. The two other paintings are related to his past love from Japan who is O’sei San and an image of his execution through firing squad. Most of the images depict him simply sitting down writing his novels.
His paintings regarding his medical work may look simple but it actually has a deeper story about how dedicated he is as a son. Despite his passion to study law, he shifted to medicine after finding out that her mother’s vision is starting to fail. He specialized in ophthalmology later on so he can personally handle the medical needs of her mother.
Beyond his love for his biological mother is his love for his mother country. The most dramatic of them all is the painting collage of how he was imprisoned and later executed because of his writings that exposed the oppression of the Spanish colonizers. All of his works helped spark the Filipino people’s spirit to fight for freedom and independence. His death didn’t go in vain and his honorable endeavors will be recognized by many generations to come.
Entrance Fee: P10.00
I would love to go and learn more about the national hero as well as the history of the Philippines too. Maybe after the lockdown is over, I can go to the Rizal Shrine Museum.