National Museum of Natural History

Manila


As well as being an excellent, comprehensive look at the Philippines' flora, fauna, geography and geology, Manila's latest and greatest museum is an architectural marvel. It occupies a century-old neoclassical icon in Rizal Park, with four levels of exhibits surrounding a giant steel 'tree of life' in the interior courtyard. With multimedia exhibits and games as well as in-depth descriptions of the Philippines' incredible biodiversity, there is plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained.

The museum opened in 2019 after a four-year project to overhaul the building, previously the headquarters of the Department of Tourism. It's popular so be prepared to line up at weekends.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manila attractions

1. Lapu-Lapu Statue

0.05 MILES

In the centre of Teodoro Valencia Circle in Rizal Park stands a triumphant Lapu Lapu, the 16th-century national hero famous for slaying the Portuguese…

4. Manila Orchidarium

0.11 MILES

Offering a sanctuary from the mayhem of downtown Manila, the flower-filled Manila Orchidarium is a relaxing spot, with orchids growing among water…

5. National Museum of Anthropology

0.13 MILES

Within a resplendent neoclassical building, this superb museum houses a vast and varied collection, including the skullcap of the Philippines’ earliest…

6. Rizal Park

0.16 MILES

Still widely known as 'Luneta' (its name until the 1950s), Manila’s iconic central park is spread out over some 60 hectares of open lawns, ornamental…

7. Central Lagoon & Fountains

0.21 MILES

In the middle of Rizal Park are the Central Lagoon, a pool lined with busts of Filipino heroes and martyrs, and a dancing musical fountain that erupts in…

8. National Museum of Fine Arts

0.22 MILES

This proud museum contains many of the Philippines’ signature works of art, including Juan Luna’s seminal Spoliarium, a colossal painting that provides…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "philippines/manila/attractions/national-museum-of-natural-history/a/poi-sig/1494774/357305",
      "destination": "Manila",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Philippines",
      "city": "Manila",
      "position": "superzone"
    }