Visit to the National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu

I love going to places—the thing my children also love to do. And so let me take you to the National Museum of the Philippines here in Cebu City.

This museum was inaugurated on July 28, 2023, and was open to the public on August 1, 2023. Its hours are from 9 AM - 5 PM. Admission is FREE.

We went there with the children of our church and their parents on a Saturday afternoon. Assembly time was from 1 to 2 p.m.

Picture on our way to the Museum.

When we arrived, there were also a lot of people touring. We waited for our turn in this waiting area. The security guard listed how many children and adults were in our group before we got inside. We were divided into two batches because we were a large group.

The whole group.

Our batch. The first in our group to get inside and tour.

At the entrance we were given instructions. The do's and don'ts when inside the museum. The museum is divided into 5 galleries. Of course we started from 1. The first Gallery is Kinaiyahan - Cebu's Natural Wonders. This area features the geological, botanical and zoological wonders of Cebu.

We first saw this display about the Cebu Tamaraw, an extinct species of water buffalo.

Geological Wonders

Zoological Wonders

The famous whalesharks.

I took several photos, but decided not to upload everything here. 😀
We're done with the first gallery. Time for the second one. Karaang Sugbo ug ang mga Kabiling Bahandi

The children posed before we enter the gallery.

This gallery displays significant archaeological finds that will help people know the history of Cebu and the Philippines.

Map of Cebu City in 1699.

The third Gallery is the Paglawig: Cultural Movement Across the Seas

This part of the museum features the rich maritime history of Cebu. Also found here are materials from shipwrecks.

Old guns found in shipwrecks.

Different types of boats.

Other displays were found at the second floor lobby.

My husband here looking at the pictures of old churches.

Miniature of the Boljoon Church, Boljoon, Cebu.

Behind us the painting of the "Battle of Mactan."

The Fourth Gallery, I was not able to take pictures inside this gallery. As far as I can remember, it features photos of Mga Pagkaing Pinoy (Filipino Foods). I was so engrossed with viewing the display and got hungry looking at it. 😂

This is the only photo I took. My children with their daddy.

The Fifth gallery, the last one. Ang Kamamugnaon ug Kinaadman ni Maestro Tinong

The gallery features the works of Martino Abellana from Carcar City, also known as the "Dean of Cebuano Painters."

What a great Cebuano artist! From oil painting to charcoal and pastel artworks. Amazing!

When I was in my elementary years, I wished to become an artist. But through time, that wish of mine remained only a wish. 😀 I used to join drawing contests in my younger years.

And there you go! The end of the tour. I just hope the children remembered and learned something from this visit. It is wonderful to learn about our history through museums.

After our museum visit, we headed to Plaza Independencia, which is across NMP, and had snacks!

Last group picture before going home.

If you are a history enthusiast, visit the National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu.

Thank you for reading!

Until next time!

xoxo,
Met