The best museums Manila

Located at the eastern end of Rizal Park, the National Museum includes museums of fine arts, natural history, Filipino people, etc. It is one of the most interesting museums in Manila. There are many collections and temporary exhibits that trace the rich and varied history of the Philippines. It is easy to spend the day there and it is a very good gateway to the culture of the country. Especially since the cultural offer is quite reduced outside the city, so we take advantage of it!

An interesting museum about the national hero Jose Rizal whose death inspired the struggles for Philippine independence. Restored in 2014, it shows objects that belonged to him when he was imprisoned for two months before being executed on December 30, 1896. Among the objects on display are books and manuscripts, letters, sculptures, paintings, but also souvenirs brought back from his many boat expeditions and objects from his home in Calamba. The video projections allow us to recall the atmosphere of the time.

It is located in the Rizal Park. And it is the favorite museum of children. It is composed of eight themed rooms that show the works of Filipino artists, replica boats, churches and miniature houses, jungle replica. The museum regularly organizes activities for children during weekends such as puppet shows, storytelling, and other creative workshops. In short, many recreational activities to learn more about Filipino traditions and customs while having fun.

In the district of San Miguel, on the right bank of the Pasig River, stands Malacañang Palace, a grand colonial-style mansion completed in 1802. Spanish nobles, Manila governors, American governors and finally some of the Philippine presidents have successively resided here after the Governor's Palace in Intramuros was destroyed by the 1863 earthquake. Today it is still officially the main residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines, although in reality, not all of them have lived there.

The Ayala Museum, which has existed since 1974, was renovated in 2019. It is one of the most beautiful museums in the city. Among its collections, acquired over the years, are mainly archaeology, history, fine arts and iconography. Through its various galleries and exhibitions, one travels through the history and culture of the Philippines from the pre-colonial era to the Second World War and the great voyages. Exhibitions dedicated to particular artists or themes are regularly organized. What to see.

Opened in the heart of Makati in 2005, the Yuchengco Museum was originally envisioned to house the art collections of Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Alfonso Yuchengco, a businessman, collector, philanthropist, and advocate of education in the Philippines who passed away in 2017. Today, one comes here to explore the country's history through its arts and artists like the famous painter and muralist Botong Francisco. You can find postcards, catalogs and other products around the exhibitions in the museum store.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is one of the most important museums in the capital. It is the first museum in the Philippines to exhibit contemporary art. Located in Malate for 45 years, it moved in 2021 to the new trendy district of Bonifacio Global City. The institution is committed to showcasing contemporary Filipino artists and bringing them into dialogue with international artists. Their credo is art accessible to all. Rich programming online.

A very small museum that traces the history of the Manila Hotel, a place full of history and witness to the destruction of the city by the Japanese. Since 1912, it has seen many personalities like General MacArthur, Prince Charles, Neil Armstrong and Marlon Brando. It is also the occasion to visit this palace where, as soon as you enter the huge lobby, you jump back in time: back to the beginning of the century. The staff is in costume and a pianist floods the room with a soft melody from his grand piano. A real Grand Hotel atmosphere.

Casa Manila is the name of both the house and the museum it houses. It is one of the houses that make up the beautiful San Luis passage. Built in the 1970s, its architecture is inspired by the houses of Binondo's Chinatown from the ^mid-19th century. The facade is a little colorful and very beautiful. In the museum, a reconstructed interior shows how a rich family might have lived at the end of the colonial period. With furniture from Europe and China, glittering chandeliers, porcelain and gilding, evidence of a certain luxury.