National Museum of Anthropology

Such a fantastic place to visit! The whole museum feels so cool and refreshing, spotlessly clean, and very well-managed—everything is organized and runs smoothly. ✅ Pro tip: It has 5 floors in total! If you want to save energy and avoid getting tired easily, start from the 5th floor and work your way down to the ground floor—it’s so much more comfortable this way. Wear comfy shoes. Whether you love art or just want a peaceful, nice place to explore, this is definitely worth a visit!

We visited the National Museum and there was a bit of a line when we arrived since there were also students on a field trip. Thankfully, because admission is free, the process still moved quite quickly. The museum itself is spacious, and the relics and antiques are well-organized, making it easy to explore and appreciate each section. It’s somewhat stroller-friendly, although we did have to wait for the elevator to move between floors. Overall, it was a nice experience. It gives a meaningful glimpse into the rich culture and history across the different islands and tribes of the Philippines. Definitely worth a visit.

The museum is very well maintained and offers a rich collection showcasing the life, culture, and traditions of the Filipino people. I especially appreciated learning about the art, religion, and unique cultural practices of Filipino Muslims in Mindanao. The exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including textiles, agriculture, burial rituals, weapons, and traditional beliefs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country’s heritage. It takes around two hours to explore the museum comfortably. Visitors are required to present a valid ID and deposit their bags before entering.

While the entrance is free, this museum didn't quite grab my attention and felt a bit boring personally. If you aren't deeply interested in the specific cultural or ethnographic collections, you can probably skip this one. It is worth a quick look if you have extra time since it is part of the same complex as the other museums, but if your schedule is tight, prioritize the Fine Arts or Natural History buildings instead. Make sure to check the gallery themes beforehand to see if the exhibits are actually your style.

2nd of the three that I went to. This has to be one of the places that let me appreciate the heritages of Mindanao; very rich in culture through its various artifacts and documentations. Would recommend for those who have interests in anthropology in general.