5 Best Family-Friendly Museums in Manila

Under presidential Proclamation No. 798, October is an observance of National Museum and Galleries month, showcasing the Philippines’ rich history, culture, and arts. It also inspires us that part of the nation-building process is to look back and honor Filipino culture and heritage. That is why special exhibitions are held every month of October to highlight “expressions of unity and national identity” in the country.

So, take a tour of these five (5) best family-friendly museums if you visit Manila or, perhaps, are planning to live in the Metro.

5 Best Family-friendly Museums to Explore in Metro Manila

Metro Manila is famous for being the land of opportunities because of its booming economy. Besides being the national capital of the Philippines, Manila is also abundant in historical structures and buildings that will captivate your eyes. These are Luneta Park, Malacanang Palace, Intramuros, Manila Baywalk, Manila Central Post Office, and many more.

So, when it comes to museums and galleries, there are plenty of choices you can explore and discover.

1. National Museum of Natural History

This building was initially meant for agricultural and commerce building. Today, it is among the most visited national museums. The National Museum of Natural History is located along Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila. It houses 12 permanent galleries where you can learn about the abundance of biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. 

Here, you can find the humongous “Tree of Life” structure that represents the connection of all the distinctive ecosystems of the Philippines. It also includes curated displays of outstanding marine reefs and mountain ranges. But, the main attraction of this museum is the hanging skeleton display of the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity named, Lolong.

Getting inside the museum is free, regardless of whether you’re a local or foreign visitor. 

2. National Museum of Fine Arts

Previously known as the National Art Gallery, the National Museum of Fine Arts is located at Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila. It is the home to the most famous painting made by Juan Luna called “The Spolarium.”

So, if you love visual arts, this fine arts museum is the perfect place as it also showcases the priceless art collections of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Guillermo Tolentino.

Today, the National Museum of Fine Arts houses 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions, including art loans from other government organizations, institutions, and individuals. The admission fee has been free of charge since 2016.

3. National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology will give you a quick overview of our country's natural and cultural history of every island and related information connecting to Philippine history. It is spread over four (4) floors, displaying a collection of artifacts, early trades, and textiles as evidence of the country’s pre-history. 

This part of the national museum complex is also called the “Museum of the Filipino People.” It is located in Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, adjacent to the National Museum of Fine Arts. One of the highlights is the San Diego Exhibition, displaying pieces of the real warship from the 1600s. 

The entrance fee is also free, but you must avoid bringing backpacks; otherwise, you must leave them in their storage room.

4. Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata, or Children’s Museum, is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It is situated on Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila. It features eight (8) themed rooms with rare collections from my Old Body Work to Old Manila and marketplace. 

Similar to Pinto Art Museum, Museo Pambata has a unique presentation. It's an interactive children's museum where a visitor can have hands-on experience to explore and discover different concepts while playing. It can be a great advantage for the children because they can learn from its concept.

For ticket prices, Manila residents are free every Tuesday, while Manila workers and teachers are free as long as they bring their valid IDs. For local and foreign visitors, tickets are sold at P250 each. 

5. Mind Museum

Since the National Planetarium is temporarily closed for decommissioning, visiting the Mind Museum can be a great alternative. It is one of the educational and fun museums located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, and a non-profit project of Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. 

This world-class museum is the first science museum in Asia and the first Philippine institution to receive LEED Gold Certification for sustainable design and construction.

The Mind Museum has five (5) galleries: Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology Gallery.  

• Atom Gallery

The gallery has the most interactive exhibits, from gravity to electromagnetism. It also highlights the counterintuitive quantum world, which is the basis of most technology today.

• Life Gallery

This gallery presents the extraordinary characteristics of our living planet. It includes a wide variety of organisms and their various habitats.

• Earth Gallery

This gallery focuses on the workforce shaping and reshaping the planet Earth. One of its main attractions is the permanent Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) exhibit, the first in the country.

• Universe Gallery 

This gallery features how all life found its atomic beginnings in the stars. It showcases the fundamental elements of the cosmos, satisfying your wondrous fascination with outer space.

• Technology Gallery

It is the largest gallery in Mind Museum, occupying the entire second-floor level. This gallery will help you understand technology as means to support us to become better humans and shape human values.

For ticket prices, an entrance fee of P190 for teachers and public school students, while for private school students is P475. Meanwhile, the ticket price for adults is P625. Ticket prices include access to over 250 exhibits for three (3) hours.  

***Other Manila museums you can visit are the Upside Down Museum and the Dessert Museum in Pasay City, and Art in Island in Quezon City.

Experience Suburban Life through Lumina Homes Near the Metro

When planning a house and lot in the Philippines, choosing a property in Metropolitan Manila can be challenging and expensive. Not until today as Lumina Homes offer affordable house and lot for sale. 

In fact, we have the best places to reside around Manila, such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Pampanga. It’s complete with amenities, a friendly neighborhood, and easy access to public transportation going to Manila. Thus, it’s an ideal real estate investment.

Do note that an affordable house and lot does not mean cheap. It enables many Filipinos to own their dream home with the most sustainable payment scheme. As a result, you will also be able to experience suburban life, such as visiting some of the best family-friendly Manila museums.

Feel free to contact our authorized sellers today for more details and information about Lumina Homes.