Whenever foreigners visit the Philippines, most people suggest skipping Manila and heading straight to the beach. But, why? To know one’s country is to know its roots and history. And Manila houses the many museums that depict the country’s rich past and innovative future.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, if you have time to spare for a trip to the beach or out of town this weekend, visit these museums first. After all, the Philippines is not all white sand and blue waters—it’s also home to many tribes, artists, and some lush history.
1. National Museum of the Philippines
Entrance Fee: FREE
One of the highlights at the National Museum is the Old Senate Session Hall.
The majestic facade of the National Museum (Photos courtesy of National Museum Facebook page)
The National Museum is mandated by the Philippine government to protect and rehabilitate important artifacts and pieces of art in the country. And because of that, they house an extensive collection of historical articles, sculptures, paintings, and other works of art that represent Philippine history.
Some of the National Museum’s most prized possessions are the Manunggul Jar excavated in Palawan and the famous Spoliarium painting by Juan Luna. Both are national treasures and must-see items when visiting the museum.
2. Museo Pambata
Entrance fee: PhP250. Manila residents with a valid ID can come in for free on Tuesdays and can get a 50% discount on other days of the week.
Learn, play and have fun at Museo Pambata.
Relieve your childhood memories at Museo Pambata (Photos courtesy of Museo Pambata Facebook page)
Museo Pambata has eight rooms that you can visit and explore. Your family can take photos with the various attractions you can find inside each of them. The themed rooms educate visitors on topics like hygiene and environmental conservation.
Even though Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum) is made for kids, it has become a must-visit place for adults, too, because of the interactive installations and eye-catching displays that are showcased there. The museum doesn’t only educate but also entertain everyone who visits, no matter what age. So, if you want to reignite your childhood dreams, why not pay this museum a visit?
3. Bahay Tsinoy
Entrance fee: PhP100 for adults / PhP60 for students
Some of the installations at Bahay Tsinoy, depicting the early lives of the Chinese community
Bahay Tsinoy housed within the walls of Intramuros
It’s no secret that the Chinese community has long been part of our history. In fact, China Town in Manila is hailed as one of the oldest such communities in the world. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise that we have a museum dedicated to the Chinese roots of some of our countrymen.
Bahay Tsinoy shows, through life-size exhibits, the early days of the Chinese community in the Philippines—from their day-to-day activities to the contributions they’ve brought to the country. Visit Bahay Tsinoy and see how Chinese culture helped shape ours.
4. Ayala Museum
Entrance fee: Starts at PhP150 for basic admission
Ayala Museum hosts various workshops to inspire and educate its visitors.
The Ayalas are not only known for their malls but for their museum as well. (Photos courtesy of The Ayala Museum Facebook page)
From being a showroom of Philippine history, Ayala Museum has become a platform for different arts and styles by artists from all over the world. Even more than that, it also hosts workshops that help shape the minds of young Filipinos today.
One of the well-known displays in the museum is “The Diorama Experience,” depicting the history of the Philippines from prehistoric times to the first People Power Revolution in EDSA. There is also the “Gold of Ancestors,” which is composed of thousands of gold artifacts, with some dating back to the 10th century.
5. Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Entrance fee: PhP100 (regular rate)
Dandelion made of recycled bottles at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
The mix of classic and contemporary art inside the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (Photos courtesy of Metropolitan Museum of Manila Facebook page)
Metropolitan Museum of Manila, also known as The Met, is among those established museums in the Philippines that have a constant display of prehistoric gems. But fret not, because they also have modern and contemporary visual arts that artists today will appreciate.
From the works of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo to the “Classical Gold and Pottery Collection” donated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, there will be plenty to see and learn there. Aside from its permanent exhibitions, The Met also hosts exhibits by various local and international artists. The museum also organizes workshops for the public to enjoy.
Make your weekends more educational yet still entertaining by visiting these museums. You might learn a thing or two about our country and get some Instagram-worthy photos, too!
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Photos are from the official Facebook pages of the featured establishments.
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