The National Museum of the Philippines’ Fine Arts gallery will be temporarily closed starting June 6 to give way to preparations for the inauguration of the country’s new President.

“The National Museum of the Philippines is deeply honored by the official announcement of the choice of its National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila as the venue for the inauguration of the 17th President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on June 30, 2022,” it said in an advisory over the weekend.

It also served as the venue for the inaugurations of Presidents Manuel L. Quezon (1935), Jose P. Laurel (1943), and Manuel Roxas (1946).

The museum Inauguration committee will be having special preparations and arrangements for the presidential activity, hence, the need to temporarily close the National Museum of Fine Arts until 9 a.m. of July 5, while the National Museum of Anthropology and National Museum of Natural History will continue regular operations “until further notice”.

“We apologize for any inconvenience, and express our thanks for your understanding,” the advisory said. “Everyone can be assured that we at the #NationalMuseumPH will do our utmost to support this forthcoming momentous event of the presidential inauguration.”

In a press statement Thursday, Marcos’ camp said it has picked the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila as the venue for the inauguration as it matched their requirements.

The National Museum of Fine Arts, located at the old Legislative building along Padre Burgos Drive, is a National Historical Landmark.

It was constructed in 1926 and rebuilt after World War II in 1949.

The National Museum has “conscientiously maintained and preserved the building as a historical structure of the highest importance” since the 1970s.

Installed within its halls is the largest public assemblage of Philippine fine arts that can be accessed by Filipinos and tourists. (PNA)