Museum sights in Manila
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A
Ayala Museum
Housed in an impressive building, the Ayala Museum is an excellent museum with changing exhibits on Filipino culture, art and history. Past exhibits have included a well-curated one on the proselytising of the early Catholic Church. At the heart of the collection are dozens of dioramas tracing the nation's history. Just as stained-glass windows were a way for churches to engage and educate the masses, so too are these models.
As you browse, it quickly becomes apparent just how violent local history has been. Number 17 showing early troubles for monks rivals anything in the Pirates of the Caribbean for colourful mayhem.The guided tours are highly recommended.
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B
National Museum of the Filipino People
The National Museum of the Filipino People houses a vast collection, including the skullcap of the Philippines' earliest known inhabitant, Tabon Man (said by some to actually be a woman), who lived around 24,000 BC. A large section of the museum is devoted to porcelain plates, coins, jewellery etc recovered from the wreck of the San Diego, a Spanish galleon that sank off the coast of Luzon in 1600. Other treasures include a large collection of pre-Hispanic artefacts and musical instruments.
In the central hall you will find the stunning Spoliarium, painted by Filipino master Juan Luna, which provides harsh commentary on Spanish rule.
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C
Memorare Manila
At its height, Intramuros instilled fear in Spain’s enemies as a mighty European city, the only one of its kind in Asia. By the end of WWII, the walls here were almost all that remained of the once-proud city, and 150,000 Filipino civilians had perished in the crossfire. Check out the simple but moving open-air Memorare Manila which shows before-and-after photos of the battles.
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D
Bahay Tsinoy
The Bahay Tsinoy features three-dimensional dioramas and a vast collection of photos that show the role played by the Chinese in the growth of Manila. Present-day Chinese-Filipinos call themselves Chinoys or Tsinoys, hence the museum’s name.
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E
Museo Pambata
The charming Museo Pambata is near Rizal Park. Its interactive, hands-on exhibits explore Manila through the eyes of kids. Efforts are made to bring everything down to size: there’s even a pint-sized jeepney.
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F
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila showcases a collection of gold ornaments and ancient pottery plus exciting changing exhibits of contemporary Filipino art.
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