It’s been over a year since Art in Island: Interactive Art Museum opened its doors in Cubao, Quezon City. It’s a two-floor, non-traditional museum where you may touch the 3D paintings and installations all you want. You are encouraged to be part of the art by propping yourself in the interactive scenes.
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I spent my birthday there last weekend with family and produced Instagrammable, FB profile-worthy shots. I’ve been receiving a lot of queries about our experience, so here are my tips on visiting Art in Island.
1. Bring props.
I didn’t want to be snapped wearing same outfit throughout the entire album, so I brought a backpack of items to change my looks—a multi-purpose scarf, hoodie, travel umbrella, sunglasses, hat, and other little Halloween props to help tweak my look for each scene. In the words of my sister Karen, “kinareer mo!”
2. Avoid peak days/hours.
I learned from the experience of my cousins who went there for a field trip. It was frustrating for them to wait for their turn at long lines. They could hardly take decent photos with hundreds of schoolchildren running through the frames. Before my trip, I called to make sure there were no field trips or company trips on my date of choice. I went on a Sunday morning and noticed that there were hardly any people, which made it easy for my family to take photos. The crowd started picking up after lunch. According to the management, peak hours are usually 12nn to 6 p.m.
3. Eat well before your visit.
You’re going to need a lot of energy to move around and create crazy scenes with your friends. There are two cafés in the area, just in case you need food and coffee breaks.
4. Looks at sample photos for ideas, but think outside the frame.
In every section of the museum, there’s a collage of tourist photos. You may copy their ideas, but there are dozens of other concepts you can come up with. Don’t go for the usual. There are also photo stickers located on each spot. They’re tried-and-tested spots where you can stand and take photos in the best angles, but don’t hesitate to test other angles. Be creative.
5. Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner thespian.
Don’t just pose. Create scenes. Get out of the safe zone by channeling your favorite plays, movies, books, or fantasies straight from your imagination. You’ll be sorry when you go home and realize, “I should’ve done this and that!”
6. Wear the right socks.
You are required to check in your shoes before entering the museum. You may go barefoot, wear socks that you brought, or purchase the Art in Island bedroom slippers. Caution: the floors are very slippery! The staff constantly wipes the floors to keep debris away, so I nearly slipped several times. I realized that instead of socks, I should’ve brought my special bedroom slipper-socks with a non-slip sole.
7. Bring good company.
While there are staffers willing to take your photos for you, it’s more fun to have a group of gung-ho friends or relatives who are game to do wacky scenes with you.
Art in Island is located at 175 15th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. Tel. no. (+632) 421-1356. Open Tuesdays to Sundays at 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices: ₱500 per adult, ₱400 per student or PWD, 20% off for a group of 20 or more. Tickets are free for birthday celebrants and children below 3 feet.
Date of visit: February 2016