The biggest trick art museum in Asia, Art in Island, opens on Christmas Day in Cubao, Quezon City! While there have been a few trick art exhibits that have opened in Manila, Cebu and Boracay in recent years, this is by far the largest not only in the Philippines, but also one of the biggest in the world. With a floor area at 4,100 sq m, the Trick Art Museum in Jeju Island, South Korea is currently the largest. However, in terms of the total painted area, Art in Island trumps the former, making this newest attraction in Cubao the largest 3D interactive art museum in Asia. For a museum its size, one will need at least two to three hours to enjoy all the themed galleries. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Metro Manila for your visit, find discounted rooms here.
Also known as “optical art” or “3D art”, “trick art” are mostly two-dimensional images that give the illusion of the third dimension: depth. Art in Island has over 50 trick art murals painted by a team of 18 Korean master painters who were specially flown in for the project. Funny caricature sculptures of the artists are displayed at the lobby before you enter the galleries. Since shoes are not allowed inside the galleries to preserve the painted areas on the floor, comfortable bedroom slippers are provided to all the visitors.
Earlier this month, Korean CEO Yun Jae Kyoung and marketing officer Margarette Mamauag offered me a private tour of the museum before it will officially open to the public on December 25th, Christmas Day. My mom and sister who were visiting Manila at the time joined the intriguing preview. Breaking the ice, Jae Kyoung enthusiastically demonstrated creative poses to go with every painting or set-up as he personally walked us through all the comical and surreal works of art, which were conceptualized and designed by a team of Korean and Filipino designers. Our chief tour guide was definitely quite the character! We really enjoyed the sneak peek, cheekily posing in front of several paintings for the camera. My sister and I especially liked the Egyptian, waterfall and jungle murals. There are also optical illusion set-ups that will trick your perceptions and help you create unbelievable photos. I’ll stop myself here and spare you the details to avoid spoiling the element of surprise.
The Korean-owned museum has definitely added a fun and colorful dimension to an otherwise drab street off Aurora Boulevard. Considering the Filipino penchant for taking “selfies” and snapping pictures in general, Art in Island will surely be a hit with family and barkadas this holiday season! Look out for the Christmas themed gallery on your visit, and have fun sharing your creative photos with everyone. Don’t forget to follow and tag Art in Island in your social media posts. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Contact Details
Art in Island
Address: 175 15th Avenue, Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Contact Numbers: +63 2 4211356 or +63 9156781826
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
How to Get There
From the northbound lane of EDSA, turn right at Aurora Boulevard then turn right at 15th Avenue. Art in Island will be on your right side, across Monterey St. and beside Union Square Condominium. Art in Island can also be reached by foot from an LRT-2 Station; it is an 800 meter walk (15 minutes) away from Araneta Center-Cubao LRT-2 Station.
Entrance Fees
PHP 500 for adults and PHP 400 for students
Location Map
