The city is home to a plethora of museums that expose both children and adults to a wide range of knowledge.
With their families in tow, when tourists come to Manila, one of the first things they ask about is where to go—it might be tough to discover anything that appeals to little children, senior citizens, and everyone in between. Manilans are fortunate since there are several museum alternatives available that provide educational, visually stimulating, and healthy learning outside of the classroom. Through these intriguing locations all over the metropolis, you may get a sense for history, art, science, and literature firsthand.
1. Museo Pambata
Museo Pambata is the country’s first interactive children’s museum, and it offers visitors a unique immersive experience that encourages self-paced learning. Everything in the museum is hands-on, so kids can get their hands dirty by walking into life-size models of the human body, a mini Bahay na Bato (traditional Philippine house), a little market, or even an earthquake simulation. Kids can touch, feel, and play with everything on display to take them outside the digital space they’re so used to these days.
The Museo Pambata Museum’s newest addition, a mobile library that incorporates the Filipino cultural identity and makes it accessible to kids, is another example of adaptive reuse. It’s also an example of adaptable repurposing on Roxas Boulevard in Manila, where the historic Elks Club (established in 1911) stands.
2. The Mind Museum
The aim of the Mind Museum is to bring science to life for its visitors. This easy-to-reach venue in Bonifacio Global City, which is located at the center of Manila, serves as a great alternative to visiting other cities’ malls when most tourists and locals are lured there. The Mind Museum, which is supported by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, contains over 250 interactive exhibits that explore science at the molecular level, biology, the Earth (it has the country’s first permanent T-Rex exhibit), space, and technology.
The Mind Museum, located in downtown Los Angeles, is a must-see for anybody interested in the history of California and its inhabitants. The Mind Museum, founded by Dr. George H. Scholey in 1949, is a progressive and up to date institution housed in an LEED-certified facility designed by Ed Calma.
3.National Museum of Natural History
Rizal Park in Ermita has recently seen an influx of people due to the reopening of the Natural History Museum. The famous neoclassic Department of Tourism building, designed by Antonio Toledo, underwent a three-year renovation and is now open to the public once again.
Within its walls, visitors can view Philippine fauna and flora, marine life illustrations and paintings as well as explore the biosphere from a Philippines context.Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity ever, has a replica on display that is one of the most interesting exhibits. Aside from Lolong, another exhibit worth mentioning is the Tree of Life. The tree itself is an elevator that goes up to an architectural canopy where it casts shadows onto a clean white space below—it’s very impressive!
4. Ateneo Art Gallery
The Ateneo Art Gallery is recognized for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Their exhibits showcase the many ways in which Filipino artists are redefining and moulding art in all forms, as they have done consistently throughout their history. Last year saw the opening of Areté — a Greek word that encapsulates excellence and virtue—a new creative hub and art complex built by the university.
The WV Coscolluela and Associates-designed building houses classrooms, studios, “Sandboxes,” a fully furnished kitchen for Le Cordon Bleu classes, and theaters.
5. Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center
The Vargas Museum at UP Diliman was established in the early 1980s, when a building was erected to house a donation of art, stamps, coins, books, and other memorabilia from Jorge B. Vargas, the country’s first Executive Secretary. The museum is frequently visited by students and academics and hosts events such as book launches, poetry readings, concerts and recitals.This museum not only has solo exhibitions, but there are also group exhibitions for contemporary art.. The museum’s more permanent collections include Vargas’ memorabilia, photography, and contemporary art.
A fun-filled day for the family awaits at UP Diliman grounds, made school trip-worthy by its rich history and cultural exposure. Vargas Museum should definitely be added to your list of places to see while you’re there!
6. National Musem of Fine Arts
If you want to see some of the country’s greatest works of art, a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts (formerly the National Gallery) is a must. The museum exhibits paintings from the colonial Spanish period by Félix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Fernando Amorsolo as well as Juan Luna’s famous Spoliarium. Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Vicente Manansala are among other contemporary artists represented in the collection.
The Fine Arts Museum should be a top priority for anyone looking to explore the country and its history through visual artists. The museum is housed in an old Congress building, which transport visitors back pre-World War II Manila.
7. Ayala Museum
The Ayala Museum, designed by architectural firm Leandro V. Locsin Partners, is a beautiful example of modern Philippine architecture located in the middle of busy Ayala Center. A common destination for school field trips, the museum contains The Diorama Experience which tells the story of Philippine history from prehistoric time until present day.
At the Ayala Museum, you can see maritime vessels, an exhibition of pre-colonial gold objects, and Philippine art from the 19th to 20th century.In addition to this, the museum frequently has exhibitions , talks, concerts, and symposia open to the public.
8. Pinto Art Museum
This impressive mission-style structure, housing a beautiful Filipino art collection, is definitely worth the trek to Antipolo. The open space is well lit and breezy, making it enjoyable to walk through the sculptures and indigenous art at your own pace.
You’ll also want to spend some time admiring the mixed media paintings and other artwork on display. Pinto’s manicured gardens are definitely a highlight of this museum – they’re truly stunning!
9. Casa Manila Museum
If you’re interested in how the wealthy upper class lived during Spanish colonial times in the Philippines, Casa Manila is a must-see. This 19th century traditional bahay na bato has been brought to life with accurate furniture placement and gives great insight on daily living back then.
A visit to Casa Manila will bring Rizal’s world to life if you’ve ever had to study Noli Me Tangere or El Filibusterismo for school. The fact that the museum is located in the middle of Intramuros’ historic center only adds to its appeal and attractiveness.
10. San Agustin Museum
Religion has played an important role in Philippine history, and it’s fascinating to discover how significant the church was by visiting San Agustin’s corridors. The church, erected in 1571 and rebuilt in 1587, is one of the nation’s oldest. Its museum houses a variety of religious artworks— including statues of saints, large paintings, a view into the friars’ quarters, and more.
Putting San Agustin’s amazing collection in historical perspective provides a better idea of what it’s like to walk into a chapel with trompe-lœil embellishments.
