Whether you’re going out with your family, friends, or someone special, you could never go wrong in bonding and making memories in the metro. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can spend a day visiting a museum to appreciate the background and culture of a country or a city while appreciating the curated exhibitions they have in store for tourists.
If you’re planning to spend the day exploring and learning, check out these must-visit museums in the metro.
National Museum of the Philippines Central Complex
Source: National Museum of Fine Arts
The three museums of the National Museum of the Philippines Complex are among the most accessible museums in the metro. Located in P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park in Manila, its three museums namely National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History are now open seven days a week, in response to their commitment in making the museums more accessible.
The National Museum of Fine Arts showcases the crafts of Filipino artists from the 19th century through galleries and hallway exhibitions, as well as the “Josephine Sleeping” sculpture of Dr. Jose Rizal. While the National Museum of Anthropology presents ethnological and archeological collections through artifacts that highlight the prehistoric Philippines. Lastly, the National Museum of History exhibits the Philippines’ biological and geological diversity from mountain to the sea including botanical, zoological, and geological specimens.
Plan your day ahead and walk through the three museums for free for a learning-filled day. Visit the National Museum of the Philippines’ Facebook page to know more about these museums.
Museo Pambata
Source: Museo Pambata
After its temporary closure for preparation, Museo Pambata opens its doors in 2024 for the young and young at heart. Its recent construction features interactive exhibits on the human body, environment, culture, history, and many more. Aside from the exhibits, children may explore the museum through creative workshops and buzz around its playground.
Visit the Philippines’ first children museum in Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Ermita in Manila from Friday to Sunday. To learn more about their activities, visit Museo Pambata’s website at https://www.museopambata.com.ph/.
Marikina Shoe Museum
Source: Marikina Shoe Museum
As the shoe capital of the Philippines, the Marikina Shoe Museum aims to promote the history of the shoe industry in the city. The museum houses hundreds of pairs of shoes from different personalities including politicians and celebrities. Presenting the craftsmanship and history of the shoe-making industry in the city, the museum also displays different footwear through the ages, the artistry of shoe-making process, and the history behind the everyday item.
Visit Marikina Shoe Museum at J.P. Rizal Street in Marikina City and be fascinated in the background and artistry of the shoe industry!
NHCP Museo ng Katipunan
The revolutionary movement of Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan is the highlight of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Museo ng Katipunan. Located in San Juan City, the museum features the relics, documents, weapons, and artworks pertaining to the movement through conventional exhibits. Through this museum, visitors are given information to understand the movement and honor its revolutionaries including Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto.
Visit the NHCP Museo ng Katipunan in Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, beside the another historical landmark El Deposito or NHCP Museo El Deposito, in San Juan City. For further details, visit NHCP Museo ng Katipunan’s Facebook page.
Manila Clock Tower Museum
Source: Manila Clock Tower
A museum with a 360° degree view? The Manila Clock Tower Museum got you! Nestled in the heart of Manila, particularly at the city hall, the museum houses several exhibits filled with arts showcasing both the talents of Filipino artists and the history of the city including the Battle of Manila in 1945. At the very top floor of the tower awaits the 360° view of Manila, in which visitors could enjoy the sights of historic places and buildings in the city such as Intramuros, Andres Bonifacio Shrine, Manila Post Office, and Metropolitan Theater.
Bask into the views—both in the exhibitions and the landscape of the city—by visiting the first and largest clock tower in the Philippines at Manila City Hall. For more information, visit Manila Clock Tower Museum’s Facebook page.
Call your friends and invite your family to indulge yourselves at these museums in the metro and be mesmerized by the artistry and rich background of featured exhibitions. Get ready to be immersed as well on the programs and activities they offer for a whole unique experience!