In a time when history is easily rewritten, museums stand as great venues to learn and understand true Philippine history and its many aspects.
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When it comes to a day out with family, friends, or just by yourself, going to a museum rarely fails to deliver a fun and fulfilling experience. There are many museums around the country that cater to a variety of tastes and interests. People from all backgrounds and ages can enjoy a museum trip with exhibits that both entertain and educate. And now more than ever, museums serve as important institutions that remind us of our history and guards against threats to forget it. So, the next time you’re planning your next outing, consider these following museums to visit for that historical and educational experience.
VARGAS MUSEUM
Located inside the UP Diliman campus, the Vargas Museum takes its name from the country’s first Executive Secretary, Jorge B. Vargas. Inside the museum you will find books, paintings, stamps, old coins, and other memorabilia from Jorge Vargas’ personal collection. Artworks from noted painters like Fernando Amorsolo are also hung within the museum. Non-UP Diliman students and staff are welcome to visit the museum for a small fee, which is discounted for students.
INTRAMUROS
Intramuros has, is, and will continue to be one of the most important historical locations in the Philippines. The walled city in itself is like an entire museum as a reminder of our past under Spanish rule. Housed inside the centuries old walls are important and historical cultural landmarks. Here, you can visit the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Baluarte De San Diego. History buffs and those just looking to go around and explore won’t go wrong with visiting Intramuros.
CASA MANILA
Spanish colonial era homes are a dime a dozen these days, especially with architecture of that time slowly being demolished. One notable example of Spanish era homes that people can still visit is Las Casas Filipina De Acuzar, a resort in Bataan, which was designed to completely look like it was ripped straight from the 1800s. But for something a little closer, you can visit Casa Manila. Located near Intramuros, this museum is a replica of a Spanish colonial house. Inside, you’ll find displays of how a home of this size and style would have looked like during that era. It gives you a peek into how people would have gone about their home lives.
MUSEO KORDILYERA
When you think of museums in Baguio, most will imagine the picturesque BenCab Museum. And while there’s nothing wrong with visiting that, there are also other options in the summer capital of the Philippines. One such option worth the visit is Museo Kordilyera. Located inside the UP Baguio Campus, this museum is dedicated to showcasing the art, history, and culture of the Cordillera Administrative Region. If you ever find yourself in Baguio and would like to get a deeper insight at the Cordilleras, this is the place to visit.
KOMIKERO KOMIKS MUSEUM
For anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of local komiks, a visit to the Komikero Komiks Musuem should be on the itinerary. Located in San Pablo, Laguna, the musuem was established by the late-great komiks icon Gerry Alanguilan and houses a treasure trove of items and memorabilia realted to komiks histroy. Visits to the museum are open only on Wednesdays to Sundays, 1-5 pm via appointment.
PRESIDENTIAL CAR MUSUEM
Car lovers, this one is for you. Cars used by the presidents of the Philippines aren’t your typical cars. They are needed to be outfitted in order to serve the needs of the commander in chief. And if you ever wondered what that looked like, this museum shows you just that. Located in the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, the Presidential Car Museum is an automotive museum displaying and showcasing 12 cars used by past presidents. Get an inside and closer look at these historical cars. And the best part is that admission is free.
NATIONAL MUSUEM COMPLEX
The National Museum Complex isn’t just a place to take pics for your IG feed. It’s a place where the public can learn about important aspects of Philippine history and culture. The National Museum of Fine Arts is home to some of the most iconic Philippine paintings and works of art. The National Museum of Anthropology showcases the cultural development of different societies in the country. And, the National Museum of Natural History is all about planets, animals, nature, and biodiversity. For those looking for a more space themed time, there’s the National Planetarium which is located also in the complex. All together, no matter what people may do inside these museums, these buildings will always stand to educate and enlighten those on proper history.
FOOD WANDERER X LAKBAY MUSEO
An entire museum dedicated to Filipino food? It’s like somebody read our dreams. Located at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Food Wanderer x Lakbay Museo is a 3,000 square meter museum filled with art installations and interactive fixtures that shines the light on the country’s diverse and delicious culinary history. Over 10,000 replicas of regional and exotic dishes, ingredients, and more dot the museum that will have your eyes watering. If your visit to this Instagram friendly museum gets you hungry though, they do offer local delicacies such as street food. And yes, your fur babies are allowed inside. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
BOOK MUSEUM
An entire museum dedicated to books? It’s real and it’s located in Marikina City. What started out as a private collection has become Book Museum. Inside, displays of books from the country and all over the world greet visitors, both big and small. Bookworms will get a kick out of visiting this place and you might discover your next favorite read here. It is a worthy experience also considering how public spaces dedicated to books and reading aren’t common in the city.
MANILA CLOCK TOWER MUSEUM
A museum that also gives you stunning 360 views of Manila? You can get that right here. Inside, you’ll find an immersive and multi-sensory experience curated to tell the story of Manila as well as artworks from local artists. And at the top of the tower offers scenic views of the Lawton area and Intramuros. Check out their Facebook page on how you can book a visit.
MUSEONG PAMBATA
After two years of closure due to the pandemic, Museong Pambata is finally opening its doors once more. The country’s first interactive children’s museum is the perfect place for kids (and kids at heart) to learn about Philippine history, culture, and heritage.
ATENEO ART GALLERY
To some Ateneans, the Ateneo Art Gallery is just a place to cool off during a hot day. But it is so much more than that. The gallery is the oldest museum dedicated to modern art and houses many collections to make any art lover excited with glee. Located inside the Arete building, the Ateneo Art Gallery is more than just aesthetics as many of its art pieces are based on modern times and culture, including moments that some people would rather bury and forget. Entrance is free for members of the Ateneo community while outsiders have to pay 50 pesos starting July 1. You do have to book an appointment to visit but also starting July 1, the gallery will allow same-day registration. You can also take a virtual tour if you can’t be there in person. Make sure to fill out this form before you go.
MUSEO DE ORO
Located at the Ateneo de Cagayan University, Museo de Oro is known as the first folkloric museum in the country, Inside, you’ll find historical and archaeological artifacts as well as antiques and artworks that showcase the region’s traditions, culture, and folklore.
AYALA MUSEUM
If you ever find yourself in the Greenbelt area, the Ayala Museum will rarely fail in offering a worthwhile experience. This multi-level museum, among many other features, houses many collections and exhibits, like the famous dioramas showcasing the history of the Philippines. Each floor is dedicated to a certain theme. There’s exhibits on fine arts, archeology, Philippine culture, as well as special collections that are in the museum for a limited time. The museum is also fresh from a renovation to make for an even greater stroll.
UST MUSEUM
UST is the oldest university in the country. And just like the campus it sits on; the UST Museum is the oldest museum in the country, being established in 1869. But aside from the museum itself being a historical treasure, it also houses many of those. Inside, you’ll find collections related to the fine arts and other historical artifacts.
MUSEO SUGBO
Museo Sugbo is the Cebu Provincial Museum and is dedicated to showcasing the history of Cebu. The building where the museum is now used to be the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), also once serving as a prison that used to house enemies of the Spanish. But these days, the museum is here to educate all visitors on the history, culture, and archeology of Cebu and its people. This museum should be on your list the next time you visit the province.
MONUMENT OF HEROES
In 2007, the Monument of Heroes in Quezon City, also known as the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, was established as a way for people to not forget the sacrifices many Filipinos made for democracy. But clearly, many people have forgotten and need to be remembered once more. The museum is a showcase to Philippine history as well as the events that led to, during, and after Martial Law. There’s also a large slab at the back of the museum with names of people who bravely fought for freedom for the country. The museum is a somber reminder of our past and attempts to erode it.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART & DESIGN
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) is a free museum located in De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. True to its name, the museum is all about featuring the potential of technology and new forms of media as they combine art and culture. The arts and modern day advancements make for an exciting future for the medium. Anyone is free to see what the future of art and technology may look like but you do need to book in advance to visit.
CINEMATHEQUE CENTRE MANILA
When it comes to learning about and preserving Philippine history, it isn’t just limited to paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Film is also an important part of Philippine history as local cinema had a part in shaping the country’s history and culture. And if you’re looking to brush up on your local film history, a good place to start is visiting the Cinematheque Centre in Manila. Located in T.M. Kalaw Street, the center is run by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and has the goal of preservation, promotion, and development of cinema. Aside from the fact that you can watch movies here, Filipino film history is running through the building as it’s also home to the National Film Archives of the Philippines a well as the Museo ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
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