Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, is steadily building its reputation as a cultural hub, and the reopening of the J&L Marañon Art House adds another jewel to its growing crown of attractions.
Once a popular destination, the house had been closed for several years, but its owners, Jess and Ligaya Marañon, who live in London, have entrusted its management to the Bacolod Arts, Cultural and Heritage Group under the leadership of Sandy Solinap.
As curator, Solinap will guide the house’s revival, beginning with Her Triumph, an exhibition of paintings celebrating Women’s Month. The Art House itself is a spectacle that defies convention.
Its facade is a curious fusion of styles: medieval gargoyles perched on the roof, Chinese soldier figures standing guard at the entrance, and mosaics decorating the doorstep.
Stepping inside, visitors are immediately engulfed by an explosion of art.
Every wall, floor and ceiling is filled with sculptures, paintings and mosaics, crafted from materials as varied as cement, terra cotta, wood, iron, marble, ivory and glass.
The subjects leap across cultures and centuries — religious icons, Grecian figures, Chinese warriors, Egyptian gods — creating a kaleidoscope of influences.
On the second floor, porcelain plates and cups from England line the shelves, while a wall of antique and modern glass dazzles with its variety. The third floor is dominated by a towering book collection and Egyptian-themed sculptures.
Its revival ensures that Bacolod City and Negros Occidental continue to surprise and delight those who seek out their treasures, reaffirming the province’s place as a compelling center of art and culture.
For visitor information, please call 09609263420. Walk ins are also welcome.
