You know how it feels when the sun disappears for a few days, and you start missing its warmth, even though you were complaining about the heat before? That’s how I felt when we decided to go to Art in Island in Cubao—a spark of something unexpected, like rediscovering fun in an art museum.
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Art in Island: More Than Just a Museum
Art in Island isn’t just any regular museum—oh no. This place, which opened in 2017, is the largest 3D art museum in Asia (for now, anyway). If you’ve been to the Seoul Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae, you’ll feel some similarities, but this one is bigger and more interactive. Fun fact: the museum is actually the work of Korean artists, which explains that same vibe I got during my Seoul trip.
From the outside, the building didn’t really stand out. It was pretty plain, like any other building you’d pass by without a second glance. But step inside, and it’s like the world flips upside down—literally. Walls, floors, and ceilings were covered in 3D illusion art that makes you feel like you’re diving into a different dimension.
Getting Started: Tickets and First Impressions
We arrived around 12:30 PM, tickets in hand (Peach treated us, by the way—score!). At Php500 per adult and Php400 for kids, it wasn’t the cheapest entrance fee, but we were ready to see if it was worth it. I’ll just say it now: totally worth it. More on that later.
Oh, and a tip for you—you’ll need to take off your shoes when you enter, so don’t forget to wear socks, or you’ll be tiptoeing around barefoot. Trust me, it adds to the playful atmosphere, and you’ll want to feel as free as possible while exploring the art.
A World of Illusions: Get Ready to Strike a Pose
Inside, the place is massive—like two levels of interactive art massive. The whole concept revolves around illusion art, where 2D paintings look 3D thanks to clever shadow work. What’s even better? You get to be part of the art. No seriously, the whole point is for visitors to pose with the pieces, becoming the stars of the show.
Cue us going absolutely wild. Picture this: one minute I’m sitting comfortably in the jaws of a giant crocodile, and the next, I’m riding a wave like a pro surfer. Oh, and don’t forget the selfie with a friendly gorilla. I have never seen so many people ditch their bags and strike a pose, trying to look cool while standing on the edge of a “cliff” or “falling” into a painting of a giant hole. It’s all about the angles, and thankfully, there were pose suggestions along the walls to give us some ideas.
The variety of art was impressive—cutesy animals, weird monsters, fantasy landscapes—you name it. I mean, where else can you hang out with penguins at the North Pole, only to turn around and suddenly be in ancient Egypt, dodging crocodiles?
Painting in Motion: A Mesmerizing Light Show
At 1:00 PM, we caught one of Art in Island’s signature experiences—the “Painting in Motion” light show. Held in the museum’s Main Hall, this interactive performance features projection mapping technology, turning the room into a magical display of light and sound. Imagine a shadow play mixed with a light show, all while telling the story of creation. It was five minutes of pure awe, and I’m glad I stopped recording halfway through to actually enjoy the moment.
Once the lights came back on, we spent more time posing with the art in the Main Hall. One of the coolest pieces was a giant ship, which had been featured as Noah’s Ark in the light show. Let’s just say it made for some epic photos.
Going All Out with Photos
I can’t stress this enough: Art in Island is all about the photos. If you’re not taking snapshots, what are you even doing there? We spent over three hours inside, and even then, I felt like we barely scratched the surface of what the museum had to offer.
One of my favorite parts was an art piece that played with perspective. Peach sat on a chair with no legs, while I stood next to a chair that only had legs—sounds confusing, right? But in the photo, it looks like we’re sitting side by side on normal chairs. It’s all about those mind-bending tricks that make you do a double-take.
And then there was this cozy scene of a giant cat and warm room. Spoiler alert: it’s just a painting. But hey, a girl can dream, right?
Final Thoughts: Worth Every Peso
So, was it worth the entrance fee? Absolutely. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a photography junkie, or just someone who wants to act like a kid again, Art in Island delivers on all fronts. It’s the perfect place to bring friends, family, or even your significant other. The museum is packed with enough creativity and fun to keep everyone entertained for hours. You should try and travel at least once a month!
And if you’re wondering whether we took too many photos, well, let’s just say there’s no such thing as “too many” when it comes to Art in Island.
Operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). Admission is Php500 for adults, Php400 for students, PWDs, and senior citizens, and free for kids under 3 feet. Oh, and if you’re a group of 15 or more, you get 20% off!
Visit nearby attractions, like a toy museum!
