National Museum of Natural History

MANILA. Lolong’s skeleton (Guinness World Record-holder for the largest crocodile captured) hangs from the museum ceiling. (Debb Bautista)
MANILA. Lolong’s skeleton (Guinness World Record-holder for the largest crocodile captured) hangs from the museum ceiling. (Debb Bautista)

I’VE been looking forward to visiting the National Museum of Natural History in Manila what used to be the Department of Tourism headquarters. It houses the Philippines flora and fauna collection, and has interactive areas for kids and adults alike.

As you stroll through the galleries, you can’t help but marvel at the building’s neoclassical architecture and its details. The first thing that impresses you as you step in is the giant “Tree of Life” right in the middle of the entrance hall. It is particularly eye-catching as it leads up to the canopy-inspired ceiling that brings in a generous amount of natural light and casts pretty shadow patterns on the floor on a sunny day. This is actually an elevator that you can take from the foyer in the basement up to the fifth floor. From there, you take the ramp or stairs back to the ground level, passing by various galleries.

Fun fact: the arrangement of the exhibits mirror nature so that the exhibits on the upper floors focus on high altitude environments like mountains and forests, and the ones on the lower levels focus on shore-level and underwater environments.

It is wonderful that a museum like this exists in the Philippines. I can confidently say that the National Museum of Natural History ranks one of the best in Southeast Asia and the world. It’s grand and comprehensive, engaging and absolutely absorbing. Anybody who has been here will surely come out of it 100% more appreciative, and protective of our country’s flora and fauna, its natural resources, the environment, and all of its God-given bounty. It’s proudly Filipino, a showcase of the best of Philippine cultures, newly renovated, very educational, a must-see for all students.

This museum exceeded my expectations and with 3 grandchildren in tow, proved an interesting classroom experience. They loved the various exhibits, creativity corners, informational and interactive displays. I encourage everyone to visit this new museum building, the place is great, whether you are an adult or child; you’ll learn new info and knowledge. I suggest spending at the very least an hour here, definitely more. This attraction can get real crowded, so be prepared to line up to enter the museum. Eat a full meal before visiting. No need to worry for a fee because it is FREE. This is a gift, so enjoy it!

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