The National Museum of Natural History just opened last May. It is a glass-domed museum that houses exhibits on the Philippines’ unique flora and fauna – 10 galleries about plants, animals, and fungi that can only be found in the Philippines.
During our visit last May, however, only 6 of 12 galleries are open. They opened 3 new galleries this June. That’s a reason for us to come back!
What is inside the Natural Museum of History?
- The Tree of Life. It is a DNA helix-shaped elevator in the middle gives a scenic view of the museum as it takes visitors to the topmost gallery.
- The main exhibition hall is adorned with large drapes featuring the tarsier, the tamaraw and the eagle.
- By the museum entrance, you can see the replica of Lolong, 6.17-meter in length, the longest crocodile held in captivity. They say that the replica will eventually be replaced by the exact preserved specimen.
- In another hall, you can see Lolong’s skeleton hanging from the museum’s ceiling.
- In the same hall where Lolong’s skeleton hangs is the Rhinoceros exhibit. The tooth and four bones of the Rhinoceros Philippinensis which were analyzed and presented as proof of earliest hominin activity in the country by 709,000 years ago are on display.
- There are galleries about the mangroves, including the wildlife that made mangroves their natural habitat, beaches and the marine realm.
- There’s a special exhibit of the whale shark, also called the Butanding, The Submarine and some facts about SCUBA Science.
- Paintings of Philippine orchids and sketches of flowers and plants can be seen hanging in the gallery walls.
- There’s an activity for kids like tracing leaves and leaf rubbings. They can take home their work after.
- The new exhibition galleries opened on June 19 are: the Mossy, Montane and Pine Forests, Lowland Evergreen Rainforests and the Freshwater Wetlands.
Tips When Visiting Natural Museum of History
- Come and line up early. Load up on sunblock as you may need to wait in line under the sun outside of the museum.
- Senior Citizens, persons with disabilities and kids below 2 years old have a special entrance to the museum.
- Bring a small bag that contains only your valuables. (Large bags and carriers are not allowed)
- Do not bring food, drinks, pens and arts materials, umbrella, tripods as they are NOT allowed inside the museum.
- Take as many photos for personal use, flash photography is NOT allowed.
- Videography is NOT allowed.
We love this museum and we are definitely coming back once all galleries are open to public viewing!
Click here to see more photos of our National Museum of Natural History Trip.
