Mira-Nila House, Heritage house and museum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
The Mira-Nila House is a four-story museum building in Cubao with Florentine and Art Deco elements, including a basement and an observation tower overlooking Manila. The structure preserves its original design and displays characteristic features of early 20th-century Philippine architecture.
The house was built in 1929 and received official recognition as a Heritage House from the National Historical Commission in 2011. This designation acknowledged its value for understanding early Philippine architecture and the lifestyle of that era.
The house shows how the wealthy Benitez family lived, with rooms reflecting their tastes and personal collections. The furnishings and objects on display tell the story of daily life among the Philippine elite during the 20th century.
The museum is located along Mariposa Street and is accessible to visitors interested in exploring the original structure and design elements. It helps to allow time for a full walk through all floors to experience the different rooms and the view from the observation tower.
The name came from owner Helena Benitez's exclamation of 'mira a Manila' during a fire in Intramuros in the 1930s. This spontaneous remark became the house's name and remains a reminder of a dramatic moment in the family's history.
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