Jump to: | About the Museum | Top Highlights | How to Get There | Exhibits and Galleries | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions | Related Posts
🏛️ About the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History, located within the National Museum Complex in Rizal Park, Manila, is one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking architectural and cultural landmarks. Officially opened to the public in 2018, it showcases the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and natural treasures — from rare fossils and endemic species to lush forest and marine ecosystems.
The museum is housed in the beautifully restored Agriculture and Commerce Building, originally designed during the American colonial period. Its grand neoclassical architecture, highlighted by the central Tree of Life glass dome, symbolizes the connection between nature and humanity — making it one of the most Instagram-worthy museums in the country.
🌿 Top Highlights
- The Tree of Life Atrium: The museum’s architectural centerpiece — a massive DNA-inspired structure made of steel and glass, representing growth, connection, and life itself.
- Philippine Biodiversity Exhibit: Displays of endemic wildlife, including life-sized replicas of the Tamaraw and the Philippine Eagle.
- Marine Life and Coral Reef Hall: A fascinating look into the country’s coral reefs, fish species, and coastal ecosystems.
- Geology and Earth Science Gallery: Learn about the Philippines’ volcanic origins, tectonic activity, and mineral resources.
- Interactive Exhibits: Touch screens and immersive displays for kids and families to explore nature in a fun way.
🚗 How to Get There
Address: Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
By LRT: Take the LRT-1 and alight at United Nations Station. The museum is just a short walk along Rizal Park.
By Jeepney or Bus: Ride any jeepney or bus bound for Quiapo or Luneta. Ask to be dropped off at T.M. Kalaw Avenue or Rizal Park.
By Car: Search “National Museum of Natural History Manila” on Google Maps or Waze. Parking is available near Luneta or within the National Museum Complex.
🦅 Exhibits and Galleries
Inside the museum, you’ll find a wide array of exhibits that celebrate the country’s rich biodiversity and geological history. Among the must-see galleries are:
- Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Biodiversity Galleries: Explore the unique ecosystems and endemic animals found in each major island group.
- The Gallery of Life Through Time: Showcasing fossils and remains of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Philippines.
- The Mangrove and Marine Ecosystem Gallery: Learn about the importance of mangroves and coral reefs in sustaining life along coastal areas.
- The Philippine Eagle Exhibit: A tribute to the country’s national bird, including interactive learning panels and visual displays.
The museum is fully air-conditioned, family-friendly, and free of charge — making it an ideal stop for both locals and tourists exploring Manila.
Among those displayed items, the prominent and the center of attraction is the taxidermized remains of "Lolong". Lolong is a male Indo-Pacific or Saltwater Crocodile that was captured in the wetlands of Agusan Marsh by Ernesto "Lolong" Canete, a veteran crocodile hunter, on September 3, 2011. This giant crocodile measures 20 feet and 3 inches in length and 1,075 kg in weight - recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's largest crocodile in captivity.
Another interesting and must-see subject is the tooth and bones of a Rhinoceros Philippinensis (photo above). These were scientifically dated to 709,000 years ago, establishing the animal's age and the early humans that hunted and consumed it. - Details by the National Museum of Natural History.
A total of 13 bones from the approximately 75% complete skeleton that was excavated in Situ in Rizal, Kalinga province, displayed cut marks and percussion marks. These were analyzed and presented in the article "Earliest known hominin activity in the Philippines by 709,000 years ago" by Thomas Ingicco et al., published online in the international journal Nature on May 2, 2018 (www.nature.com/nature) - details by the National Museum of Natural History.
What's new inside the National Museum of Natural History is the Tree of Life-inspired column in the middle, which is totally different from the other buildings of the National Museum. The interior of the building has artistic details; the curves, the lines, and its colors are perfectly made. Look at the lines of the glass window and the rails, the curves of the beams and the walls - they are an Instagram-perfect spot. It took us over two hours to completely visit all the galleries on the first, second, and third floors. Then, rested in the wide space in the middle of the building. While sitting, I noticed that the area became more dramatic and artistic when the lights were turned on.
During my visit to the National Museum of Natural History, it was still under renovation. I even saw the gigantic Sperm Whale skeleton; however, it is still a work in progress. I can't hide my excitement about having the whole building open, with more rare items on exhibit. Our museum hunting ends here; after seeing rare collections, we walked on the streets by Rizal Park. Many other stunning and rare items are inside the National Museum of the Filipino People and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
💡 Travel Tips
- Admission is free! The National Museum network in Manila offers free entry to all visitors.
- Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
- Photography is allowed (without flash) — perfect for capturing the Tree of Life atrium.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved.
- Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits.
📍 Nearby Attractions
After your museum visit, explore these nearby attractions within Rizal Park and Ermita:
- National Museum of Fine Arts – Home to Juan Luna’s famous Spoliarium.
- National Museum of Anthropology – Showcasing the country’s cultural heritage and ethnographic collections.
- Rizal Park (Luneta) – The historic site honoring Dr. Jose Rizal.
- Intramuros – Manila’s walled city filled with Spanish-era landmarks.
🏨 Find hotels near the National Museum of Natural History via Trio.com
🌿 Final Thoughts
The National Museum of Natural History is more than just a building filled with artifacts — it’s a celebration of the Philippines’ natural beauty and ecological heritage. From the majestic Tree of Life to the exhibits showcasing our diverse wildlife, the museum inspires appreciation and awareness for the environment. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or nature enthusiast, a visit here will leave you with a newfound pride for the Philippines’ natural wonders and a deeper respect for the planet we call home.
On the other hand, traveling in the Philippines is highly recommended because of its hidden beauty. Want to explore stunning places? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
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