Joanna Marie O. Santos
August 18, 2023

Museums are really fun places to visit, as not only do they feature many interesting and visually appealing art and historical objects, but they also offer special knowledge to the people who visit them. Museums are not only places for kids, as many museums also offer interesting and impactful displays meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Indeed, museums are important community assets that are indispensable for preserving the history and culture of the Philippines.

National museums are important repositories of knowledge and culture and they truly play an important part in introducing the past to the youth and presenting the future to the adults. With museums, people can enjoy shared art and heritage, and it can also be a place where inspiration can seep from every corner. Just last July 28, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new national museum located in Cebu. The place is special and brings excitement from Cebuanos and Filipinos from all parts of the world. In this article, we will highlight 5 things you should know about the new national museum. 

1. It’s Only The 16th National Museum In The Country

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As it opened its doors to the public last August 1 of this year, the new National Museum in Cebu is officially the 16th national museum of the country. The museum is built to showcase the documented history of Cebu, which offers many Cabuanos a glimpse of their rich history and their fellow Filipinos an opportunity to get to know the real beauty and power of the Visayan island. 

2. It Is Located Inside The Historic Aduana Building Built in 1910

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The new national museum is not just built anywhere as it took life in the historical Aduana Building, which was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2019. The building, which was also converted as a residence for the then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, served as Cebu’s port for almost 100 years and even survived the bombings of World War II. Having been declared unsafe for residence in 2013 due to a 7.1-magnitude earthquake, the Aduana Building underwent renovations and is now the location of the country’s 16th national museum.

3. It Is The First National Museum In Cebu

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Despite being an internationally acclaimed vacation spot colored with the vibrant culture of the Philippines, this new national museum is actually the very first national museum located on the island. 

4. It Features 5 Unique Art Galleries

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The new national museum on the island of Cebu offers its visitors 5 unique galleries that showcase the beauty and rich history of Cebu. Below are the 5 art galleries you can visit in the new national museum.

• Gallery 1: “Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders”

• Gallery 2: “Ang Karaang Sugbo ug ang mga Kabiling Bahandi” 

• Gallery 3: “Paglawig: Cultural Movement Across the Seas”

• Gallery 4: “Ang Kamamugnaon ug Kinaadman ni Maestro Tinong”

• Gallery 5: “The Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974”

5. Entrance Is Totally Free 

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If you can’t wait to visit the newest national museum of the Philippines, be sure to make it there from Tuesdays to Sundays between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entrance to the museum is open and free. 

The Newest National Museum Of The Philippines

National museums are important community assets and many Filipinos will benefit from the establishment of more museums in the future. As of now, there are still relatively few national museums in the country, but as the Philippines prosper, there will surely be more museums to open in the future. Visiting these places is important not just for education, but for simply appreciating the past and the creativity and resilience of Filipinos. Make sure to visit these places with respect and leave with gratitude for the rich history of the Philippines.