The National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu (NMP-Cebu) officially opened its doors to the public on August 1, 2023. The museum is located in the historic Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, and is housed in the former Aduana building, which was built in 1910. The building was designed by American architect William Parsons, and it survived bombings during World War II. However, in 2013, the building was severely damaged by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake, and it took several years to restore.
The NMP-Cebu is the third national museum in Central Visayas, after the National Museum of the Philippines - Archaeology (NMP-Archaeology) in Butuan City and the National Museum of the Philippines - Natural History (NMP-Natural History) in Palo, Leyte. The museum features five galleries that showcase the rich cultural and natural heritage of Cebu province. These galleries are:
• Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders highlights the distinctive geological characteristics of Cebu, including its caverns, waterfalls, and mountains, as well as the plant and animal species that call these locations home.
• Ang Karaang Sugbo ug ang mga Kabiling Bahandi showcases the rich history of Cebu through the artifacts being found including pottery, jewelry, and weapons.
• Paglawig: Cultural Movement Across the Seas recounts the maritime history of Cebu’s earliest commercial days to its participation in the Philippine Revolution
• The Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974 features the 1970s famous Filipino artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
• Ang Kamamugnaon ug Kinaadman ni Maestro Tinong explores Martino “Tinong” Abellana, Cebuano artist known for his colorful and whimsical paintings of everyday life.
It opens from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free.
How to get there? https://goo.gl/maps/Nunc7uosP51PCYsY6
By car: The museum is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Cebu City. You can take Osmeña Boulevard and turn left onto M.J. Cuenco Avenue. The museum will be on your right.
By public bus: There are several public buses that stop near the museum. You can take the #15 bus from the Cebu North Bus Terminal or the #18 bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Cebu City. The fare to the museum should be around PHP 100.
The opening of the NMP-Cebu is a major milestone for the province, and it is a testament to the rich cultural and natural heritage of Cebu. The museum is a valuable resource for both locals and tourists, and it is sure to be a popular destination for years to come.
