National Museum of the Philippines Cebu: A Guide to its Exhibits and History
What to Expect at the New National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu
If you’re looking for a fascinating cultural experience in Cebu City, look no further than the National Museum of the Philippines Cebu. This museum, located in the heart of Cebu City, showcases the rich history and natural wonders of the region, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
National Museum of the Philippines Cebu photo via NMP
With its stunning architecture and design, the National Museum of the Philippines Cebu is a true work of art in itself. The museum’s exhibits and collections are equally impressive, featuring everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art pieces. Whether you’re interested in learning about the island’s pre-colonial past or exploring its vibrant modern culture, you will find something to captivate your imagination at this world-class museum.
Why should you visit the National Museum Cebu?
The National Museum of the Philippines Cebu is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region’s rich history and natural wonders.
The museum’s stunning architecture and design are true work of art.
With exhibits and collections ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art pieces, there’s something to captivate everyone’s imagination at this world-class museum.
History of National Museum of the Philippines Cebu
The National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu is located in Cebu City, Philippines. It is part of the National Museum of the Philippines system and was inaugurated on July 28, 2023, as the 16th component museum of the National Museum.
The museum is housed in the former location of the Cebu Customs House, built in 1910. The building, also known as the “Aduana,” was designed by William Parsons, an American architect who also designed the Manila Hotel.
Aduana (Customs House) 1910 Cebu
In 2019, the building was declared a National Cultural Treasure, and soon after, it was transformed into the National Museum Central Visayas – a captivating reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu is the first National Museum in Cebu. It is the only museum in the country that focuses on the history and culture of the Visayas region. It features exhibits on Cebu’s pre-colonial and colonial periods, including the Sinulog festival, which is celebrated annually in the province.
The museum’s collection includes artifacts, artworks, and other cultural materials showcasing Cebu’s rich history and heritage and the Visayas region. Some of the highlights of the collection include the Cebuano pottery, which dates back to the Neolithic period, and the Santo Niño de Cebu, a religious icon considered the oldest religious artifact in the Philippines.
The facade of the building from the coast By Bayronnoel – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 , cc
Architecture and Design
Exterior Features
The National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu is located in the historic Plaza Independencia near Fort San Pedro. This component museum is housed in the “Aduana” building, designed by William Parsons and constructed in 1910. The building is a prime example of neoclassical architecture, with its symmetrical facade, pediment, and columns.
The building’s exterior is made of reinforced concrete, a new and innovative building material at the time of construction. The building’s renovation in 2004 preserved its original neoclassical style while adding modern amenities.
Interior Design
The National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu interior is just as impressive as its exterior. The museum’s galleries are arranged thematically, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Cebu and the surrounding Central Visayas region. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, artworks, and specimens illustrating the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.
One of the museum’s most striking features is its central atrium, a three-story space that allows natural light to enter the building. The atrium is surrounded by galleries on all three levels, which are connected by a grand staircase. The galleries are designed to be flexible, allowing the museum to showcase a variety of exhibits and events.
Painting inside NMP Cebu
Various Artworks on display at NMP Cebu
Exhibits and Collections
Discover Cebu’s captivating history and culture at the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu (NMP-Cebu)! From permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase the island’s rich and diverse biodiversity, geology, archaeological treasures, art, and ethnographic and maritime traditions, the museum offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Step inside and explore the Queen City of the South’s vibrant past through its vast collection of artifacts and exhibits.
Permanent Exhibits
The National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu has five key art galleries that showcase Cebu’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
Gallery 1: Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders
Cebu Tamaraw
Shell Collection
This exhibition features the unique geological, botanical, and zoological heritage of Cebu, and its neighboring islands. This includes a diorama showcasing the Cebu tamaraw (as well as its bones), a stratigraphic column featuring the Lutopan Diorite, and replicas of white lauan tree and a parasitic plant called Lepeostegeres cebuencis. Also highlighted in this gallery are herbarium specimens such as Cinnamomum cebuense, photos, and an illustration of significant bird species in Cebu including the Cebu flowerpecker, and the Glory-of-the-sea shell. The Mobile Museum Boxes project which featured the natural and cultural heritage of the Visayas was also showcased in the exhibition gallery.
Gallery 2: Ang Karaang Sugbo ug ang mga Kabiling Bahandi
Archaeological artifacts that have been recovered in Cebu
Ancient Jars found in Cebu
Artillery Collections
Gold death mask at NMP Cebu
Burial Jar from San Remigio Cebu
This exhibition features various archaeological artifacts that have been recovered in Cebu, including a gold death mask and an ewer, which were both recovered in Plaza Independencia, as well as a secondary burial jar with cover from San Remigio.
Gallery 3: Paglawig: Cultural Movement Across the Seas
