Museums in Manila

As you might expect, numerous museums exist in Manila. I've not visited them all, but I will highlight a few good ones! Typically the government run museums are poor due to lack of funding and security of the collections, but the museums run by large corporations are excellent.

Ayala Museum

(Greenbelt Area, Makati) [official website]

Ayala Museum is one of the best in Manila. It is in the Greenbelt area, so if you are shopping or dining here then you should make the effort to visit! You'll we amazed at the pre-colonial (800 year old) gold artifacts. You'll see loads of pottery. There is a good introduction to the history of the Philippines; from pre-history to recent events. You'll also get to see some artworks by Filipino artists. Highly recommended and very convenient to visit!

Metropolitan Museum

(Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City) [official website]

The Metropolitan Museum has an excellent display of pre-colonial Filipino gold artifacts and pottery. It also has art and fashion displays, which are usually very good; even for the non-art-minded people. Worth a visit, particularly if you are in the Malate area (Del Pilar and Mabini Street) shopping for antiques. Grab a cab - it's very close. Also reasonably close to Intramuros and Rizal park if you are in the area.

Yuchengco Museum

(RCBC Plaza, Salcedo Village, Makati) [official website]

This is an Art Museum offering you the opportunity to view Filipino masterpieces.

National Museum of the Philippines

(P. Burgos St, Rizal Park , Manila) [guide found at this website]

This mueum is worth a visit if you are in the area. It is very close to Intramuros. It may be slightly disappointing though. If you have only limited time then try the close by Metropolitan Museum or the Ayala Museum.

National Museum Planetarium

(P.Burgos St., Rizal Park Manila - different building to the National Museum) [website]

Under renovation last time I looked!

Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum

(close to Terminal 3 of Manila Airport) [official website]

This museum looks fun, but I've never been!

ArtisCorpus Gallery

(303 Haig Street, Mandaluyong City) [website]

If you are into Art, you may want to view this gallery. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

Marikina Shoe Museum

(J. P. Rizal Street , Santa Elena, Marikina) [guide found at this website]

This museum traces the history of the shoe industry in the Philippines. It also holds the famous shoe collection of Imelda Marcos.