This Kid-Friendly Art Exhibit is Right Inside the National Museum
June 3, 2025 by Judy Santiago Aladin for Smart Parenting
Looking for something meaningful, interactive, and fun to do with your children this month? Here's your sign to take them on a museum date!
Starting June 14, the Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) celebrates its 20th anniversary with a milestone exhibition at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. This one-of-a-kind experience is visually rich and deeply rooted in values every Filipino parent cares about: creativity, climate change awareness, digital safety, and children's rights.
CANVAS 20 Years of Art and Stories curator Jaime Pacena II
What to Expect at CANVAS: 20 Years of Art and Stories
The exhibit is divided into themed rooms that explore the advocacies close to CANVAS: “I Am the Change in Climate Change” introduces environmental awareness in a kid-friendly way;
“Safe Space” teaches kids about internet safety and being responsible online; and
“Karapat Dapat” explores children’s rights through art and storytelling.
At the heart of the exhibition hall is “Read. Imagine. Create.,” an interactive zone where kids and their families can read, rest, and play.
CANVAS will host creative activities throughout the exhibit's run, including storytelling sessions, illustration and art appreciation workshops, poetry and story writing, and upcycling activities.
There will be talks and forums on relevant issues for parents and educators, such as explaining Martial Law to children and ensuring internet safety at home.
The exhibit offers a fun way to teach kids about digital safety.
Smart Parenting tip: Follow CANVAS' social media accounts for the full schedule and registration details.
During the press preview, I went with my five-year-old daughter, and as a frequent museum-goer, she enjoyed the exhibit. She thought our museum date would be all about looking at artworks, but she was surprised that there was a giant slide and a place to rest and do art activities.
Author and her daughter completing stamps to create the CANVAS postcard souvenir
Bring the kids to the Museum
Gigo Alampay, founder and executive director of CANVAS, said, "In this show, we're showcasing pieces from our art collection by some of the very best contemporary artists. We've also worked with writers, so there are also children's books here that we are showcasing. So we're inviting all of you to come here with your children and enjoy Philippine art and stories at their very best."
CANVAS' founder and executive director Gigo Alampay during the press preview
Artist and exhibit designer Liza Flores adds, "Minsan lang tayo merong exhibit na para sa mga bata. So, kakaibang experience ito na pwede niyo hawakan yung ibang artworks. Tapos, mag-interact kayo dun sa mga exhibits. Marami kami activities na hinanda para sa mga bata. Everything here is child-friendly."
Author's daughter with Liza Flores, illustrator and exhibit designer
Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy works by celebrated artists including BenCab, Daniel dela Cruz, Renato Barja, Jonathan Madeja, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Leeroy New, Elmer Borlongan, Lito Mondejar, Renz Baluyot, Liza Flores, and Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK).
Author's daughter with 'Tree Huggers,' a sculpture by Elmer Borlongan and Lito Mondejar
Since launching its first book, Elias and His Trees, in 2005, CANVAS has published over 50 titles tackling themes from friendship and grief to democracy and environmentalism. Many of these books will be featured in the exhibit, including the award-winning Hanapin Ang Sagot: Ano Ang Batas Militar? and I Like Wearing Rainbows.
This celebration is also a preview of the upcoming Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art in Ibaan, Batangas—a permanent home for CANVAS’ growing collection of child-focused art and literature.
Visit “CANVAS: 20 Years of Art and Stories” at the fourth floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Galleries 25 & 26, from June 14, 2025 until June 2026. Admission is free. The experience is perfect for kids ages four and up. For updates, follow CANVAS on Facebook and Instagram.
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