UST Museum of Arts and Sciences

The UST Museum of Arts and Sciences holds natural history specimens, ethnographic materials, Oriental art objects, and Philippine religious images alongside historical documents and artifacts. These collections fill galleries within the Main Building of the University of Santo Tomas, spanning objects from different regions and periods.

The museum began in the 17th century as a Gabinete de Fisica, a collection space for minerals, botanical specimens, and biological objects, making it the oldest operating museum in the Philippines. Its continuous growth across centuries has made it a major keeper of the nation's heritage.

The galleries feature works by Filipino painters like Fernando Amorsolo and Vicente Manansala, showing how artists have portrayed life and landscapes across different times. Walking through these rooms, you see how art reflects the country's identity and the way people have understood their surroundings.

The museum occupies galleries within the Main Building of the University on Espana Boulevard and includes research facilities, a library, and a gift shop for visitors. Set aside time to move through the rooms at a comfortable pace, as the displays are spread across multiple spaces with plenty to examine.

The institution maintains a dedicated conservation laboratory working since 1682 to preserve and restore its collections using specialized techniques and materials. This behind-the-scenes work keeps the artifacts in condition for visitors to experience them today.

Location: University of Santo Tomas

Inception: November 22, 1682

Website: http://ustmuseum.ust.edu.ph

GPS coordinates: 14.61016,120.98917

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30