Silliman Hall, Local museum in Dumaguete, Philippines
Silliman Hall is a museum housed in a three-story building with American colonial architecture, featuring large windows, wooden panels, and a spacious porch facing Rizal Boulevard. Inside are archaeological finds and historical objects that tell the story of different communities across the Philippines.
The building was constructed in 1909 as the first structure of Silliman Institute and originally housed classrooms, offices, and a library. During World War II, the Japanese military used it as a headquarters before American forces later took control.
The museum displays how different communities across the Philippines lived through the centuries, with objects from early times and the Islamic period. Visitors can see how these various cultures shaped daily life and local traditions.
The museum is open Monday through Friday with morning and afternoon hours, allowing visitors to plan around their schedule. It sits conveniently near the main street and offers enough space to walk through the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
The building served as a military command center during wartime, showing how dramatically its purpose shifted over the decades. This history adds an unexpected layer of significance to what visitors see today.
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