National Museum of the Philippines, National museum in Ermita, Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines occupies several buildings in Ermita, Manila, housing galleries for art, archaeology, and natural sciences. The rooms are organized by theme and guide visitors through displays of paintings, excavated finds, and preserved animals.
The institution was founded in October 1901 and initially served as a repository for natural history and ethnographic objects. Over the decades the collection expanded and spread across several specialized buildings in the city center.
The collection brings together works by local artists alongside precolonial objects that together reveal the cultural development of the archipelago. Visitors see weavings, pottery, and jewelry from different regions, each preserving distinct traditions and techniques.
Admission is free on all opening days, making a visit accessible for travelers and locals alike. The galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday and remain closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Some collection pieces were only recently returned from overseas after spending decades in foreign institutions. These returns expand understanding of local fauna and connect scientific research with claims of cultural ownership.
Location: Manila
Inception: October 29, 1901
Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-18:00
Phone: +63282981100
Website: http://nationalmuseum.gov.ph
GPS coordinates: 14.58694,120.98125
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:04
The historical monuments of Manila showcase Spanish colonial architecture and the national history of the Philippines. The city includes 16th-century fortifications like Intramuros and Fort Santiago, Catholic churches such as the neo-Romanesque cathedral and the baroque church of Saint Augustine, urban parks like Rizal Park, and museums depicting local culture. The Chinese district of Binondo and Manila Bay with its seaside promenade complete this architectural heritage.
Old Legislative Building
8 m
National Museum of Natural History
417 m
Manila City Hall
321 m
National Museum of Anthropology
190 m
Bonifacio and the Katipunan Revolution Monument
447 m
National Planetarium
471 m
Baluarte de San Andrés
273 m
Monument of Gomburza historical marker
110 m
Church and Convent of Saint John the Baptist of Bagumbayan historical marker
326 m
Philippine Normal University historical marker
189 m
City of Manila Building historical marker
312 m
Juan Luna y Novicio historical marker
333 m
Thirteen Martyrs of Bagumbayan historical marker
342 m
Church and Convent of the Recollects historical marker
331 m
Fernanda Balboa historical marker
349 m
League of Women Voters of the Philippines, Inc. historical marker
36 m
Old Legislative Building historical marker
35 m
University of Saint Ignatius and Cuartel de España site historical marker
426 m
To the Heroes of the City of Manila historical marker
141 m
Central United Methodist Church historical marker
500 m
The National Museum historical marker
36 m
Adamson University historical marker
480 m
Memorare historical marker (Andres Bonifacio)
438 m
Manila High School historical marker
392 m
San Vicente de Paul Church
494 m
Puerto Real historical marker
456 m
Santa Isabel College historical marker
301 m
The Session Hall of the Senate of the Philippines historical marker
37 mReviews
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