THE management of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) - Cebu has plans to utilize some of its spaces as venues for business activities such as opening a cafeteria for visitors to relax in after exploring the museum’s galleries.
Ma. Cecilia Tirol, director for NMP’s Visayas Museums, said in a press conference on Monday, July 31, 2023, that leasing spaces to businesses can help the museum in generating funds as museums are required to offer free admission to the general public.
“Our mandate is to keep our doors open to visitors without any charge,” she said.
Tirol said it is already enshrined in the law not to collect entrance fees since a public museum is a fully subsidized government entity.
Section 18 of Republic Act (RA) 11333, an Act Strengthening the National Museum of the Philippines, states, “the general public are hereby to be granted free admission to all public museums and. national historical shrines and landmarks, subject to capacity and availability as determined by the National Museum or the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Appropriate fees may be charged to special activities, programs or temporary exhibitions upon approval of the pertinent Head of Agency.”
RA 11333 repealed RA 8492, or the National Museum Act of 1998.
“We are looking into concessionaires to run a cafe within the premises,” Tirol said.
Programs
Tirol said part of the mandate for every museum is to develop programs that would cater to heritage advocates, including students, scholars, academicians and other stakeholders.
“Every month we have to come up with a program that caters to a certain segment. It could be art activities for kids or training sessions for conservators,” she said.
Audrey Dawn Tomada, head of the NMP-Cebu, said the museum will soon accommodate individuals who wish to conduct photoshoots in the museum’s premises.
Tirol said there are already guidelines in place for photoshoots, with designated areas and times, only on Mondays. However, there are suggestions to open the museum for photoshoots from Monday to Sunday.
“When that happens, we will just cordon off the area for those clients who will avail themselves of the location shoots,” she said.
Based on the standing guidelines, photoshoots at museums cost only P5,000, according to Tirol.
Dos and Don’ts
Tomada said visitors to the museum must adhere to a set of rules.
“You have to be appropriately dressed in a way that could not offend anyone, no touching of any objects that are openly displayed. Photography is allowed, but without flash, and in some areas, we allow videos. No food inside the galleries, and no bringing of large backpacks because the museum has no area for baggage,” Tomada said.
She also said that while walk-ins are permitted, group activities must be booked in advance.
She explained that due to the narrowness of some galleries, they can only accommodate a maximum of 20 people for large groups.
Features
The museum offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of Cebu, with its vast collection of archaeological artifacts excavated in San Remigio, Boljoon, and Plaza Independencia.
In addition to its collection of artifacts, the museum also displays the diverse flora and fauna found in the municipalities in Cebu.
Visitors can also explore exhibits dedicated to underwater archaeology and maritime history, which recreate the story of the galleon trade in which Cebu played a significant role.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a special exhibit featuring a collection of artworks composed of 92 works by 39 Filipino artists, which will be on display only for six months.