Cover The National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum—the NMP-Cebu in Cebu City (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
The National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum—the NMP-Cebu in Cebu City (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
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The Filipino art has a new home in the heart of Cebu City. Read on to know more about its inauguration and what it has in store for locals and tourists alike!
The land of Cebu has witnessed major historical events that shaped Filipino culture, and it was a no-brainer for the National Museum of the Philippines to put up its 16th component right in the heart of the city. Located in Plaza Independencia near Fort San Pedro, the new museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through time.
Dubbed the “Aduana”, the century-old building was designed by architect and city planner William Parsons, known for his works in the Philippines during the early years of American colonisation. For 94 years, Aduana served as the customs house for the Port of Cebu and survived the bombings during World War II. In 2004, the building was converted into the “Malacañang sa Sugbo” under the initiative of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In 2013, the establishment was severely damaged by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake which eventually led to its closure.
This August, Aduana takes on a new form and operates as a repository of the region’s captivating past.
In case you missed it: The Culinary Capitals of the Philippines: Chef Tatung Sarthou’s Guide to Cebu
Above The National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum—the NMP-Cebu in Cebu City (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
The National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum—the NMP-Cebu in Cebu City (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
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The new National Museum in Cebu features an impressive collection of artefacts that range from pre-colonial treasures to contemporary pieces. In a statement, former National Museum chairperson Evangelina Lourdes-Arroyo Bernas said that turning Aduana into a home for the art is a priority as it "rectifies the absence of a National Museum in the international gateway and educational, cultural and tourism hub in the central Philippines".
National Museum’s board of trustees chairperson Andoni Aboitiz, for his part, hoped that the new museum component will serve as a bridge between the past and present for many Filipinos in Cebu.
“The historical building we see in front of us is meant to serve as a temple for not just Cebuanos but Filipinos from all over the country and visitors from all over the world to come and learn about a significant slice of our nation.”
Above The National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum—the NMP-Cebu in Cebu City (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
The National Museum of the Philippines inaugurated its 16th component museum—the NMP-Cebu in Cebu City (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
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The new National Museum in Cebu has been partially opened to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm, with no entrance fee. It is expected to promote Filipino heritage through its display of Cebu’s rich and diverse biodiversity, geology, archaeological treasures, art, and ethnographic and maritime traditions.
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Credits
Images: National Museum of the Philippines
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
