IT IS no secret that The Negros Museum along Gatuslao Street underwent a facelift, and the grand dame now sports a squeaky clean, gleaming white look.
Our “White Lady” sits prettily in that cluster of mostly government buildings near the Old Capitol Building.
I couldn’t blame her for undergoing the change, after all, she’s the go-to girl for Negros history, so she needs to look presentable to her adoring guests. Besides, make-overs and nip and tucks are commonplace these days and done openly.
There’s really no need to keep the procedure under wraps. Out in the open is the name of this make-over’s benefactor: the very generous US-based Angelica Urra-Berrie who contributed to the new look in honor of her mother Mrs. Isabel Urra, one of the board members of the Negros Cultural Foundation.
The two-storey museum a.k.a. the Old Agricultural Building has good bones and elegantly restrained embellishments. The enhancement is about done on the ground floor. It has been partitioned into smaller galleries that showcase more artifacts and information about our island. The overall effect is a smarter, crisper air about in the museum like an infusion of a young spirit in an elderly (no offense, Madame) body.
The Negros Museum and its sleeker enhancements promise more attractions that will make one linger in its corridors. Original vintage photos of Bacolod are a delight to nostalgic Bacolodnons while the National Archives has an exhibition running until October this year. The Jose Garcia Montelibano Gallery continues to titillate curious visitors with its collection of over 3,000 folk toys and folk art. New toilets assure guests of comfortable breaks during tours.
The second floor, which is still undergoing restoration, will, according to Museum Director Tanya Lopez, sport new permanent exhibits based on the themes of sugar (naturally) and the story of the Cinco de Noviembre.
March 16 marks the 22nd anniversary of The Negros Museum, so I wish her a Happy Anniversary and a brighter future as a haven of cultural and artistic activities.
If one wishes to make a beeline to greet her, entrance fees are P80 for regular guests, P70 for senior citizens, and P50 for students.