October being Museum Month, we rounded up 10 exciting and enriching spots for the culture vulture, the science geek and everyone in between.
We’re halfway through the second “Ber” month of the year, and the holiday vibe is now inescapable. While October is another prelude to the Christmas holidays and known best for Halloween, it is also Museums and Galleries month in the Philippines.
If you love discovering new things to experience around Metro Manila—home for many of us for better or worse—know that we have a wealth of museums that are worth a visit. And who says museums are only for those who are into the beaux arts? These spaces are not exclusive to esteemed masters and their renowned works, nor are they only for historical artifacts from time immemorial.
In fact, Merriam Webster defines a “museum” as an “institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value.” It also gives a second, broader definition: a place where objects are exhibited. Following the venerable dictionary’s meanings, well, we have some good news for you, dear readers: We have a lot of museums that don’t necessarily boast works by National Artists or manunggul jars from Palawan.
The POST rounded up 10 museums in Metro Manila you can visit this museum month. Some also have art works in them but several carry a certain theme beyond the realm of the arts that make them just as worthwhile.
Art in Island
If you love taking photos and sharing them with your friends on social media then this museum’s for you. Located in Cubao, Quezon City, Art in Island: The Media Square claims to be the largest mixed media art museum in the Philippines. It has exhibits that experiment with art and light using the latest technology for an immersive experience that reminds me a bit of teamLab’s exhibitions. The moment you take a step inside, you’ll be greeted by light displays, animated projections, and art installations that make for IG-worthy shots.
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If you need a break from all the picture taking, the museum has an in-house restaurant called Jeongwon, where you can enjoy delicious Korean food and drinks. Don’t forget to buy a keepsake at the souvenir shop before going home which carries local, artsy, and handmade products from Art Market exhibitors
Where: 175 15th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City; Museum hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11 am to 7:30 pm, Saturday to Sunday: 11 am to 8:30 pm; Fees: P850 (adult), P700 (junior high school to college student), P600 (kindergarten to grade school students, senior citizens, PWDs), Free (children three feet below)
The Mind Museum
This world-class, multi-awarded museum which opened in 2012 is a MUST for all you science geeks out there. The Mind Museum, already a BGC institution by now, offers visitors an educational experience through science with its more than 250 interactive exhibits, theater and planetarium shows, and experiment demonstrations.
Just last month, the museum launched a new offering for science enthusiasts: the Unlimited Science and Art Pass. This exclusive one-year pass provides members an unlimited science and art adventure experience for P3,000/person. Additional perks include free admission to more than 300 international science museums via the Association of Science Technology Centers Passport Program. You may want to gift this to your science-loving friend for Christmas.
Where: JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm; Fees: P625 (three-hour pass; adult); P475 (three-hour pass; child or private school student up to college); P190 (three-hour pass; public school student up to college); P190 (three-hour pass; teacher); P750 (all-day pass)
Palacio de Memoria
One of the more popular entries on this list, the museum is a restored seven-story pre-war mansion in colonial revival style dating back to the 1930s. Not much is known about the building’s original architect, but its signature Art Deco terrazzo flooring with a tinikling motif in the house’s main ballroom is credited to National Artist Juan F. Nakpil.
The majestic mansion surprisingly survived the Battle of Manila which decimated much of the city. After the war, it was acquired by Dr. Francisco Villaroman and was purchased by the Lhuillier family in the early 2000s from his heirs. The mansion and its grounds have undergone a massive rehabilitation over the last few years to serve as home to the family managed auction house – Casa de Memoria. It has also become a popular arts and events venue.
Where: 95 Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque; Museum hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm; Tours: Self-guided tours: P300 (adult), P240 (students), P214 (senior citizens/PWD), P150 (4-12 year olds), guided tours: P600 (adults), P480 (students), P429 (senior citizens/PWD), P300 (4-12 year olds)
Museo ni Manuel Quezon
Planning a lazy picnic or a stroll around QC Memorial Circle? We highly recommend including this underrated yet highly insightful museum in your itinerary. Museo ni Manuel Quezon is a mausoleum at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine that contains the remains and memorabilia of the first President of the Commonwealth after which the museum was named. It is home to items spanning the father of Quezon City’s lifetime from his childhood in Baler, Aurora to his final days. The last gallery honors his legacy, part of which explains how the Quezon Memorial Shrine came into existence.
For a museum of a relatively small scale, it packs in an impressive array of artifacts. There is Quezon’s sword collection (which is in an astonishingly good condition!) as well as his golf bag. There is also an issue of TIME magazine with the president on the cover. A gold in-laid chest where a copy of the 1935 Constitution was stored is on display, too, as is the hospital bed that Quezon used when he was at the Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor.
Doña Aurora, Quezon’s wife and an iconic historical figure herself, has a section devoted to her. A replica of her room contains a bed, her dresses, and a sewing machine.
Where: Quezon Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm; Admission is FREE
Presidential Car Museum
From Museo ni Manuel Quezon, make a beeline to the neighboring Presidential Car Museum, which showcases the largest collection of historic state cars in the Philippines.
The cars on exhibit used to be displayed in various parts of the country, before being meticulously restored and conserved for museum visitors to appreciate. Special historic cars, which include a turn-of-the-century carriage and a World War II-era jeepney, are among those on display.
Where: Quezon Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm; Admission is FREE
Manila Clock Tower Museum
In a previous story on The POST, I wrote about how at 41 years old I learned that there’s a museum inside the Manila Clock Tower. The institution of the same name is a modern history and art museum, which is said to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It shines the spotlight on the rich and at times tumultuous history of the archipelago’s capital.
Inaugurated in December 2021, one of the highlights of the six-level museum is the Wall of Heroes which features a variety of multi-sensory exhibits on the the Battle of Manila in 1945, when American and Japanese forces fought for control of the capital. There’s also a regular rotation of exhibitions which change every two to three months. The Clock Tower itself was built in the 1930s.
Once you’re done taking in all the exhibits, there’s an on-site café where you can have your fill of mouthwatering snacks.
Where: 4th Floor, Manila City Hall, Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm; Fees: P100 (regular), P50 for 12 years old and below; FREE ENTRANCE for PWDs, senior citizens, and students from Manila schools on educational field trips
Eugene Torre Chess Museum
The eponymous museum is named after the first Filipino and Asian grandmaster and is the first of its kind to be dedicated to chess in the Philippines. Located in Marikina and officially opened last April 2023, the museum showcases Torre’s innumerable medals, trophies, and curated photographs from his stellar five-decade career. It also has giant chess pieces which are popular among young visitors.
The prolific and legendary Eugene Torre is a regular member of the Philippine Olympiad Team and has also played and won against other chess greats such as World Champion Anatoly Karpov in 1976. Torre was inducted in the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2021.
Where: Inside Pan de Amerikana restaurant at General Ordoñez, corner Maroon St., Marikina ; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6 am to 9 pm; Admission is FREE!
Destileria Limtuaco Museum
Almost as if not wanting to be found is this rather quirky (and spooky-looking) spirits museum tucked in one of the quieter streets of Intramuros. It seems like the Destileria Limtuaco Museum houses actual spirits with its stonewall and hardwood stairs, but we’re talking about spirits of a different, more fun kind here—gin, brandy, rum, tequila, vodka and the works. The is the repository of the history and artifacts of the longest running distillery in the Philippines.
Purchased in 1979 by the Limtuaco family, it was only developed as a museum later on by fifth-generation master distiller Olivia “Olive” Limpe-Aw. The museum, which was launched in 2018, showcases not only the various products across Destileria Limtuaco’s over 40 labels, but also a collection of bottles, the machines they used to produce various spirits, and family memorabilia, including the paintings of Julius Limpe, Olive’s father.
The museum can now be visited as one of the five museums that are part of the Intramuros Day Pass, along with Fort Santiago, Baluarte de Santiago Gardens, Casa Manila Museum (which happens to be our next entry), and Museo de Intramuros. You can purchase the day pass here.
Where: 482 San Juan de Letran St., Intramuros, Manila; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm; Fees: P100 (regular), P50 (student / senior with valid ID), P200 (Premium with tasting upgrade, for adults only
Casa Manila
Let’s get one important thing out of the way first: the house is no longer authentic. What’s inside though are very much original—antique furniture, art works, and all.
This charming reproduction of a late-Spanish colonial house offers a window into the lavish lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family in the 19th century. Casa Manila is opulence all throughout, with some interesting items such as an ornate altar and a double-seated toilet. The ornamental windows and crystal chandeliers are too pretty for words.
As said previously, Casa Manila is one of the five museums that are part of the Intramuros Day Pass. You can watch a virtual tour of the museum here.
Where: Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Real Sts., Intramuros, Manila; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 6 pm; Fees: P75 (regular), P50 (discounted)
Museo El Deposito
Underneath a sprawling greenery in the middle of bustling San Juan City lies something quite unexpected. Just below the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine is this cavernous museum which used to be an underground reservoir that pumped water to various fountains and hydrants across Metro Manila. What is now Museo El Deposito is part of the larger Carriedo waterworks designed by Spanish engineer Genaro Palacios and built from 1878 to 1882.
The museum, which is under the management of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, narrates the rich history of Metro Manila’s underground reservoir and waterworks. It aims to inspire everyone to value water as a natural resource and appreciate the people who make access to it easier for everyday Filipinos. The museum’s permanent collection is divided into three galleries featuring various artifacts, including original fire hydrants from the 1880s, old Spanish coins, ammunition, war paraphernalia, among many other interesting finds. It also boasts touch screen terminals and a virtual reality guide which narrates the first battle between the Spaniards and the Filipinos
Where: 29 Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan City; Museum hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm; Admission is FREE
