National Museum of Natural History in Manila

The National Museum of Natural History in Manila is probably my favorite place in the city so far. I have been to a number of museums in various countries in different continents and islands. This one is one of the best museums that I have ever visited.

During my kids’ first school break in Manila, I dragged them to the museum. I say “dragged” because they reluctantly agreed to get in the car to go with me. When I announced that I was taking them to the museum at first, they all made a lot of noise to protest. It was a win for me that they agreed to go in the end! I knew it would be a great museum, so I promised them that they would like it.

If you scroll all the way down, you’ll see what they thought of the museum at the very end of this post.

I’ll also give you my two cents on taking kids to the museum down below.

Before all that, let me list the reasons why you all should go to the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit National Museum Of Natural History In Manila

1. Amazing Architecture

The building of the Natural History Museum was constructed as the Agriculture and Commerce Building in 1940. A Filipino Architect, Antonio Toledo, designed the building in the late 1930’s. Antonio Toledo is the architect who also designed the Manila City Hall and the Finance and Old Legislative Building. Unfortunately, all of the buildings were damaged and destroyed in the Battle of Manila during World War II. After the war, both the Agriculture and Commerce Building and Finance Building were restored by following the original plans.
(via National Museum of Natural History & Manila City Hall Wikipedia)

The white Neo Classical style building with a white interior and the detailed designs with black iron work are jaw dropping beautiful.

2. Historical Site

The museum is nested in Rizal Park, the national park in the historical urban park in the Philippines. Apparently it is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. You can read more about the Rizal Park here and the importance of its location.

3. Educational

It is highly educational about the geography, history and culture of the Philippines. I wanted my kids to learn more about the country they live in and call their home for the next 3 years. There are different ways to learn about countries. I think that learning through a museum is a wonderful way to be introduced to a country because you get to experience the learning through exhibitions rather than only reading about it.

4. Entertaining For Adults And Kids

When one goes to a museum, she/he can choose to learn as deeply or as lightly as she/he wants. Some parts of this natural history museum is interactive or audio-visual. Since the museum exhibits are entertaining, they provide young children opportunities to learn something that may not be of their interest by intriguing their curiosity. My children, who have a shorter span of attention. I felt that the Natural History Museum was designed well to keep my kids well engaged throughout the visit.

5. Serene Environment

The museum is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Marina Bay area. Once you step inside, though, you will forget where you are. The atrium of the museum building will make you want to bring a book and read or sit and ponder. Walking around in the beautiful architecture itself was very rewarding not to mention that the quality of the museum being wonderful.

BONUS! Free Admission

It is wonderful that this museum is offered for free of admission for anyone and it is truly impressive. Thank you, Philippines!!! If you travel to Manila, this should be on the top of your list to do in Manila. You will feel rewarded.

For Photography Lovers

The atrium inside the National Museum of Natural History is probably the best place to take portraits (selfies?) in Manila and practice taking portrait photos. Why? The atrium is nicely air-conditioned with plenty of natural sun light pouring in from the glass ceiling. The architecture would be a beautiful backdrop and the subject will be surrounded by the white walls which will bounce the light. You don’t need anything else for a photo shoot.

My daughter wanted to practice photo taking. I was excited that she showed interest. Unfortunately we found out that my lens’ auto focus is broken. I use manual focus, so I never noticed. However, she tried and I’m proud of her for trying! Here are some results.

Blurry.

It’s okay. I like it better that way anyways.

This is the first portrait shot in a long time.

The last photos of myself was taken by a photographer who did a fashion shoot for 5/9 at Trupsel Bombay, a modern Indian design fashion line by Trupsel Bombay.

You can see the one and only fashion photography shoot I got to experience here.

It is too bad that my camera lens auto-focus is broken. The camera and the lens are 8 years old, so I guess it did alright? I am thankful that I have been taking photos with a manual focus for a while.

My Two Cents On Taking Kids To A Museum

If you happen to have children who think that museums are boring, here are some tips.

1. Let Children Decide How They Want To Learn

I used to make my kids appreciate being in a museum by making sure they read and learn, which took a long time. Children need to be motivated to absorb lessons. I let go of my rule and allowed my children to decide how they want to learn and however long they want to spend in learning at a museum. They became more receptive.

2. Use Camera & Show Them What You Have Captured

Kids these days grow up with a camera. Creating memories and recording them will become a wonderful keepsake and having them involved in the creation is a key to a success. Use your camera and let them be entertained by the photos of them that you take.

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3. Make It Sweet & Short

We moved from one room to another quite fast. The kids’ circuit for attention is quite short. With the pace my kids were going, they definitely didn’t read well or learn much. However, it’s okay. I took my children so that they can experience the museum while I get to take pictures of them being there and I spend time with them.

4. Go With Friends

Ask your kids’ friends to go with your kids. Friends always make things better, right?

5. Reward Them Later

We all feel more motivated when we know that we will be rewarded. I offered my kids that I would treat them to a dessert if they come with me to the museum. They had to earn it, but they certainly felt satisfied afterwards!

We Loved It!

The tour of the museum was a big success with my kids. They all loved it! This photo below proves how much they enjoyed it. Not faking it!

I hope I was persuasive enough for those who have never been to the National Museum of Natural History. Thank you, National Museum of the Philippines, for the wonderful experience!

I would love to come visit you again!