Visiting museums or galleries not only feeds our eyes, but also our brains, as museums are rich in information about our country’s vital history, art, and culture.
The Museums and Galleries Month is observed every October in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 798, s. 1991 to promote the country’s culture and natural heritage.
Here’s a list of museums and galleries that you can visit for free in Metro Manila:
Museo ng Pampangulong Sasakyan (Presidential Car Museum)
Location: Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Rd., Quezon City
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Displayed in this museum are the cars used by our former presidents of the Philippines during their term.
There are currently 12 presidential cars at the museum, as well as a World War II-era jeepney.
Bahay Tsinoy (Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life)
Location: 32 Anda St., Intramuros, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This popular spot in Manila showcases the lifestyle of Chinese immigrants in the Philippines and their influence on Filipino culture.
There is also a gallery of prints and images documenting Chinese occupation in the country. Tourists who may want to dig deeper may request access to its library.
Bahay Ugnayan
Location: Jose P. Laurel Sr., San Miguel, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Guided tour – 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Walk-in – 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
The Bahay Ugnayan features President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s journey to being the leader of the country, with a focus on his childhood days in the Palace during the term of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Also available here are some of the materials the president used during the campaign period.
Teus Mansion
Location: Jose P. Laurel Sr., San Miguel, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Guided tour schedule – 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Walk-in – 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.; Tue-Sun, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Teus Mansion showcases the life and legacies of all the Philippine presidents through pieces showing some of their experiences and accomplishments during their terms.
It also houses the portraits of first ladies of the republic. It was opened to the public with the Bahay Ugnayan on June 1, 2023.
Museo El Deposito (El Deposito Museum)
Location: Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This museum in San Juan features the history of the country’s oldest water underground reservoir which used to supply water in Metro Manila back in the day.
It also has the three galleries that contain collections from the reservoir: Gallery 1: Life before the Waterworks, Gallery 2: The Carriedo Works, and Gallery 3: The National Shrine.
According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, “El Deposito was also used as an armory during American and Japanese rule, a hospital for tuberculosis patients, and a firing range.”
Museo ng Katipunan
Location: 29 Pinaglabanan, San Juan City
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The museum opened on August 30, 1996 with exhibits, collections, and interactive pieces showing the story of Filipino revolutionaries and the The Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan.
After completing renovations, it was reopened as the Katipunan Museum in 2006.
Aside from bladed weapons of Katipuneros, there are also paintings, documents, and audio recording at the museum.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Rizal Park, Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun (except religious holidays) from 9: 00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This is probably the most well-known museum in Metro Manila that is open for all ages.
The museum is home to the works of 19th century Filipino masters as well as notable artists, painters, sculptors, and printmakers.
It houses 29 galleries and art loans from other government institutions, organizations and individuals. Juan Luna’s notable Spoliarium is displayed here.
National Museum of Anthropology
Location: Rizal Park, Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun (except religious holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The National Museum of Anthropology is formerly known as the Museum of the Filipino People.
This place is a place of exploration and discovery on the country’s anthropological, terrestrial, and archeological collections.
With 12 galleries, solo or group visitors will definitely have a meaningful time learning about the country’s prehistory through artifacts.
National Museum of Natural History
Location: Teodora F. Valencia Cir, Ermita, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Tue-Sun from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The National Museum of Natural History is a six-story museum with the “Tree of Life” as the centerpiece of its atrium.
There are twelve permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. The remains of the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, Lolong, is displayed here.
It is becoming one of Metro Manila’s most popular educational destinations as well. It is also open for reservation for event celebrations.
Manila Clock Tower Museum
Location: Manila City Hall, Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila
Opening hours/schedule: Mon-Fri from 10: 00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum was completed during the 1930s. It was designed by a Filipino Neoclassical artist, Antonio Toledo.
There are five levels here, including information about Manila’s history, modern art galleries, and other displays. The first level provides a peek at the Battle of Manila during World War II.
Art is poetry without words – simply looking at it evokes emotion such as joy, grief, or happiness.
Let us show our support and affection for our country’s art and culture throughout this month of museums and galleries. – By Jude Tenorio-ag
