National Museum of the Philippines

Established in 1901, the National Museum of the Philippines is housed in the former seat of the Congress of the Philippines, and is located next to the historical Rizal Park. If you're looking to get in touch with the cultural heritage of the Philippines, this is the premier destination to do so.

In addition to being an ethnographic museum, the National Museum is also dedicated to natural history, and is thus very involved in scientific research and development. The museum houses a diverse array of fine art, cultural objects, archaeological finds and a natural history collection, and also offers lectures, publications, interviews and other exhibitions, all of which are open to the public. Also of note is the museum’s impressive planetarium, established in 1975, which continues to offer shows, talks, demonstrations and celestial observations to its visitors.

Practical Info

The National Museum is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation or on foot. Free admission is offered on Sundays. Group tours are available if booked in advance (this is the best and most affordable way to experience everything that the museum has to offer), but unfortunately cannot be reserved for Sundays. The museum’s website offers an impressive 360 degree virtual experience if you’re hoping to check it out before your visit (or if you're trying to tempt any fellow travelers). Admission for adults is 100 PHP, seniors are charged 80 PHP, and the student price is a mere 30 PHP. The museum is located on Padre Burgos Drive near Rizal Park in the heart of the city. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm.