National Museum of Natural History

Nice and beautiful museum! Well preserved animal species especially the ones that are endemic to the Philippines. I like also the different rock formations found in the Philippines and other parts if the world. They have also the different plant species that are only found in the Philippines. I also like the famous "Tree of Life", if only the elevator is functional, it would add to the drama when you are going upward and see the whole museum. 👍

The National Natural History Museum is located at Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines, is part of what is known as the National Museum Complex. It is a museum of "botany, zoology and geology". It was created by an act of Congress, known as the “National Museum Act of 1998”, and is a Government institution; it is adjacent to the National Museum of Anthropology and the Rizal Park - The Sentinel Of Freedom. The museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibits in galleries around the spacious atrium. The building, completed in 1940, served as the Agriculture and Commerce Building during the Commonwealth years. It was designed in a neoclassical style by Filipino Architect Antonio Toledo in the late 1930s. It is one example, of Daniel Burnham's plan for the development of Manila. The building was destroyed in the Battle of Manila during World War II. It was reconstructed, along with its twin building (the Finance Building, across the plaza) according to the original plans after the war. The building was used for numerous government offices, and until 2015 by the Phil. Tourism Department. The National Museum Act of 1998, mandated the retrofitting of three civic buildings within Rizal Park, the Legislative Building, the Finance Building, and the Tourism Building, into museums. After the spending an estimated cost of around ₱1 billion, the building itself was formally renamed the National Natural History Museum and was inaugurated in 2017. The atrium of the six floored building, features a glass dome skylight reinforced by a double helix structure inspired by DNA. The dome and structure was labeled as the "Tree of Life”.

We covered the entire museum and it was awesome! We were a little rushed, but could easily go back and do it again. Do remember that you need to check your bags in at the doors of all the national museums and that they close at 5pm (we got carried away, haha).

There's nothing not to love about the museum as a fan of Natural Sciences. Everything the museum features is just captivating. It makes me go there over & over again.

Recommended for Manila visits with your kids or kids at heart. There are lots of interesting things here that will everyone enjoy minimum of 2 hours to maximize your visit but the Museum does not have any time restriction you can even stay all day. Don't worry about bringing too many bags since they have baggage counter. Comfort rooms are also very clean and can be found every floor. No food sold inside the museum and I think it's also not allowed to eat.