National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu

The museum offers a deep dive into local history, from ancient wildlife and shipwrecks to fascinating maritime navigation charts and instruments. The galleries also feature impressive contemporary artworks. Best of all, entrance is free, and the facility is exceptionally well-maintained and clean. A must-visit for locals and tourists alike

Great intro and outro to your Cebu trip. I believe this was just newly renovated and it shows. Interiors, layout and design is really great. Loved that they have included old maps and the painting section of Martino Abellana. Cool stuff all around. Plus it’s free! Keep it up, Cebu!

November 2025 - Not just it's open to public even during weekends but best of all admission is free... to think how beautiful and creative and world-class the government has transformed this old building... great job! I like how the Philippine map evolved into what it is now.

The National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu was inaugurated on July 28, 2023 and opened to the public on August 01, 2023. Located in Cebu’s port and heritage district, the museum is housed in the Aduana building, built in 1910 by American Architect William Parsons. In 2004, it became the Malacañan sa Sugbo prior to its conversion as a museum. NMP Cebu has 3 permanent galleries at the first floor and 2 changing galleries at the second floor.

A fantastic museum to visit! There are five galleries inside the museum, including nature of Cebu, city history, trade history, map exhibition, and art gallery. The building is modernly decorated inside and air conditioning is available. No admission fee for visitors!! The museum staff were so accommodating and professional. Definitely worth visiting for foreign visitors.

Had to wait for around 2 minutes in the waiting area before being admitted. No entrance fee! Videography and flash photography are not allowed. Museum is airconditioned and covers vast artifacts about Cebu -- from local trees, bats, sea creatures, stones, pottery. There is also a gallery of Tinong's paintings and drawings. They have an art corner for kids (or even kids at heart!). Crayons and printed coloring materials are provided. Toured the place for more than an hour.

Old malacañang of cebu. Must visit! Free entrance. No videography, no touching of items. Appreciate and walk slowly. 2 floors with 5 sections to explore.

I visited the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu on a Saturday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised—no long lines, no wait time. The comfort room was clean, which is always a plus. Inside, the museum is spotless, well-organized, and thoughtfully curated. It showcases not just the history and artifacts of Cebu, but also the rich natural history of the Philippines—from land and sea animals that once thrived here, to tools used in traditional fishing, and even the contents of salvaged shipwrecks around the island. The galleries are climate-controlled with humidifiers, helping preserve the artifacts and making the experience comfortable for visitors. Honestly, one hour isn't enough to fully explore and appreciate everything. Highly recommended for locals and tourists alike!