Revisiting Manila: life in time at National Museum of Natural History
I am looooooving visiting museums nowadays. I also think including local museums to my side trips out of town would be fun. (Please do suggest if you have some place in mind!) It’s just nice to witness more than what we have or can see today, but also learn things from our past. Thanks to all humanity for preserving these precious artifacts and stories for future generations to see. <3 What made me realize to revisit Philippine art and culture?Just recently, National Museum of Natural History reopened its doors to public boasting it’s new, innovative displays and exhibitions that are now more interactive than before.
Hey there! My name’s May and you can view more about me here. I travel a lot for both work and leisure. Thanks to being an auditor and a content creator and, of course, to my love for travel, I barely feel I’m actually at work when traveling. And if I’m actually off work, I usually am with friends or family, discovering places and trying out new food. I’m juggling three jobs – the two mentioned + being a single mom. You think it’s easy? Of course not! But what glues me together is my passion and love for these three. More about my story here.
I love sharing what I know and how I do things, so if you haven’t read these yet, visit the following pages to view:
Before we move on, I just want to share a short list of dos and don’ts in an exhibit or museums. During the week of my museum tour in Manila, I observed many of the guests still were not aware of the minimum rules inside the museum (or they knew but didn’t care? IDK.) So in case you already forgot, read below list!
Unwritten rules when visiting museums and exhibits
Observe silence.
People visit the museum with various reasons, and the least you can do to make the most of everyone’s experience is to minimize your noise – avoid talking too loud, avoid unnecessary murmurs with your friends, avoid taking phone calls. We are also expected to stay classy and avoid horsing around the area. We do not want to interrupt others’ viewing.
No touching!
These artworks are sooooo delicate and precious – they won’t take their time putting on an exhibit if they’re just ordinary artifacts. Even though the item is openly displayed – no marked lines, or no glasses or cages, keep your hands off them. I know those lovely textures are tempting to touch, but always remember, “fingerprints are forever”, you don’t want to ruin the history of art just to say “oh I got to touch it”, you’ll just sound kind of stupid. Check with your museum’s website. Some of these kinds prepare particular exhibitions that allows and promotes interactions with art pieces, but NOT ALL. Unless promoted, default rule is DO NOT TOUCH THE ARTWORK.
Take just enough photos.
I loooove taking pictures, but I try not to spoil the people who are yet to witness the place first-hand. Sometimes, on the other hand, I limit taking pictures to experience the exhibit first. I’m sure you would get your best experience if you stop worrying about your pictures.
Follow instructions on flash photography.
Museums try to eliminate all natural light and usually use filters to help preserve the artwork and prevent damages they can obtain by light. That’s the reason why most of the museums are dim to dark and some have colored walls like that of the National Museum.
Do not lean on the walls.
This rule may be for dummies, but very important as well. You’ll notice most (if not all) of the walls in the museum are painted in one solid color, at least per room or exhibit. As mentioned earlier, some use it as filters to limit the lights. Another is to create a cohesive look with every object in the room. Imagine yourself taking a nice picture of an artwork perfectly framed in a hot red wall, then there’s that annoying dirt at the center of your photo. Avoid leaning on the walls, keep your feet off the walls, consider the walls as part of the exhibition.
The above-mentioned rules are for all museums and galleries in general. For more info on National Museum of the Philippines’ updated guidelines, refer to their official Facebook Page.
The National Museum of Natural History
In case you missed, all National Museums have free admission (yep, no entrance fee!) since 2016, to grow viewership even more, and encourage younger Filipinos to visit.
Source: lifestyle.inquirer.net
This foyer has become one of, if not the most photographed pieces inside the National Museum of Natural History. Not only because it’s IG-worthy, but also because modern representation natural history of life and architecture are both beautifully showcased.
In most parts of the museum sit interactive monitors that talk about Philippine animal and plant species, history, and geographical infos perfect for kids and adults who are interested to know more about life beyond human creatures. Just stand below these individual sensors and an AI will discuss a particular topic to its viewer. How amazing is that? I’m sure your kids will looooove the place because of these!
Other exhibitions include collections of botanical/plant species found in the Philippines. The plant collections of the PNH are a result of collecting activities in the country in the last century as well as of the exchange programs with other herbaria here and abroad. Some of the earliest collections dating back to the late 18th and 19th century are still being maintained here.
There also is Geology Division whose focus is to undergo basic and systematic studies on Petrology, Mineralogy and Paleontology with the aim of dissemination of knowledge and promotion of the growth of the natural science. It also aims to establish and maintain adequate reference collection of Philippine rocks, minerals and fossils through collection, exchange or donation.
NMNH also houses a wide collection of Zoology displays. These animal specimens which had been acquired for the last century had become an integral part of the Philippine natural history. The very first survey and collecting expedition was conducted in December 1901 in the islands of Mindoro, Cagayan de Sulu, Palawan, Cuyo, and Culion. A number of these unique animals are now severely threatened and are facing extinction while a few are already extinct.
Wrap up:
Let me know your thoughts!
Museum schedules are the same in all NM: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, except for the National Planetarium, which opens at 8:30 am. LAST DAILY ADMISSION for viewers is at 4:30 pm. The only holidays on which are they closed to the public are on November 1, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday. NM buildings are closed every Monday for cleaning and maintenance. For exclusive visits and big groups of 20 and more, refer to their official Facebook Page.
For more information on National Museum of the Philippines, it’s branches, collections, and featured artists, visit their website: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/.
20 Comments
Therese
One of my favorite spots at the new museum is the glass bridge at the top floor. Definitely IG-Worthy and I also enjoyed the paintings as well. I had numerous visits here back in college. Everything is just refreshing in the eyes.
themhayonnaise
I’m not sure I’ve seen that! I will check it next time! Thanks for sharing! 🥰
KapampanganTraveller
This is my favorite part of the museum – my eyes feasted for a considerable amount of time on the architectural details of the Tree of Life. I was not able to check the glass bridge though, but made sure to visit all the sections of the museum.
theaoctavo
I loved the foyer!! When I went there a year or two ago, I think the last floor was still under construction? Anyway, I’d be touring Manila again when we recover from COVID!
themhayonnaise
Me too, I haven’t seen the glass bridge yet. Will check it next time!
themhayonnaise
Great! Share your suggestions din on where else to go ha! ❤️
Misskhae
Bakit ang cute ng blog mo?? ♡ Anyway, museums naman gusto kong bisitahin kaso pag nasa loob nako na ooverwhelm ako masyado tas wow nalang ako ng wow HAHAHA minsan nakakalimutan ko pa mag picture 😀 I will take note sa flash photography hahaha im guilty na nagawa ko ih 😀
www.WanderWoMom.com
super love visiting museums!! one of our go to destinations when traveling. ito ngang Nat Mus natin ang isa sa mga balak ko noon dalin si coco di lang nag kaka chance. huhuu
Polly Amora
I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep our hands to ourselves and refrain from touching things on display. I’ve seen people (yes, even adults) and it pisses me off. Hello… boundary? Respect? Anyway, last time I visited the National Museum of Natural History I was awestruck – I went loose and took tons of pictures! 😁
Carol Enriquez
I’ve been here and there is a lot to see in this museum. Something remarkable from the history of our country. My favorite is the floor with different species of plants, animals and insects. Were you able yo see the gigantic crocodile as well? How about the shark’s skeleton?
themhayonnaise
Haha thanks to elementor. 😅
themhayonnaise
Sana maging okay na lahat, nang makapasyal naman ang mga bulilit. Saka para di na scary maggala! Hah
themhayonnaise
Agree! Though sometimes, when I like/love the place, I forget to take pictures and just stare at them first-hand instead 😅
themhayonnaise
Lolong? And the replica of a Megalodon’s Jaw! I remember feeling like a kid when I saw those parts of the museum. Like wow! Makes me a lot more excited to accompany my daughter to her field trips hehe
Christian Foremost
I’ve visited the museum of natural history before. I don’t know, but for some reason, their exhibits creep me out. I totally agree with your tips though. We should respect the place and just enjoy the experience of appreciating the pieces.
jayneglezelle
I tried to visit this one time but they were still close, thanks to this article, the inner excitement made me want to go soon
Homebound Mom
Before pandemic, we were planning to go to the National Museum. Sayang, hindi kami natuloy. But, I am hoping to go there in the future with my son.
Pinaynursemeetsworld
I’m so surprised to see that they made a lot of changes to our national museum. My last visit there was when I was in college. I remember visiting their library section to research about my thesis. I will try to come back and visit on my next visit to Manila. So many memories to remember!! I am glad that it is still there!
Wendy
I brought my sons here and their cousins. pero 2 years ago pa yun. that time free pa ang entrance. is it still free until now? This is a good place to visit.
themhayonnaise
Yes, still free! 😊