NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY in MANILA: Guide for First-Timers

Last updated: 2025 • 5 • 20

Here’s our guide to the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY in Manila. This includes information on the opening hours, closing days, and entrance fees, as well as some tips to make the most out of your stay! Enjoy!

Museums play a big role in reminding us of how we grow as a people. Through arts, installations, and precious artifacts, they awaken our desire to know more about our rich culture, our history, and our environment, which make up our national identity.

One of the most popular museums in the country is the National Museum of Natural History, which was officially opened to the public in May 2018. Located in Rizal Park, it is part of the National Museum Complex which boasts two other attractions: the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Completed in the 1940s, the building was formerly called Agriculture and Commerce Building. Before it became the National Museum of Natural History, the building used to be the headquarters of the Department of Tourism until 2015.

Here are some tips to make your time inside the museum smooth and hassle-free!

What are the operating hours?

Since January 2025, the National Museum of the Philippines Central Complex in Manila and their Regional Component Museums all over the Philippines have been operating seven days a week. This means that the National Museum of Natural History is open from Monday to Sunday!

Monday – Sunday

• 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

NOTES:

1. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
2. The museum may close on certain holidays, like national election day, or some sections might be temporarily closed for renovations and maintenance. Be sure to always check the official Facebook page for updates and announcements.

How much is a ticket?

It’s FREE for all!

Every one is welcome — Filipinos, foreigners, students, adults, and children. All can visit without paying anything.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is on weekdays. As usual, expect weekends to be much more packed than weekdays. Since the entrance fee is waived, it can get pretty crowded. Friends and families usually flock to the museums on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays when there’s no class and no work. The queue can stretch to the outside of the building, down the stairs.

If visiting on a weekend is your only option, you can avoid the crowd by going early, especially if you plan to visit the other two national museums within the complex — the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Can we visit without prior reservation?

Yes! Walk-ins are encouraged. Just don’t go when the museum is nearing its closing time. Although the museum closes at 6:00 PM, you need to be there at least an hour before closing to see everything and fully appreciate them. Going there 30 minutes prior to closing time is not practical unless you don’t mind getting rushed by the announcement that the museum will close in a few minutes.

For big groups, however, like for educational field trips or company tours or excursions, you need to reserve and book slots in advance. Normally, the management doesn’t allow field trips and such on weekends. Group tours are generally scheduled on weekdays.

Where to reserve slots for big groups?

For groups of 20 pax and more, you need to book and reserve your slots at least five days before the planned visit date. You may reach the management for booking and reservation inquiries through the following contact details:

• Contact Numbers: (+632) 8298-1100 local 3000 (Landline) | +639479973520 (Mobile)
• Email Address: reservation@nationalmuseum.gov.ph
• Booking Office Hour: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Official Website: nationalmuseum.gov.ph
• Facebook Page: National Museum of the Philippines

How do we get in?

1. Go to the registration area. If there’s a queue, wait for your turn.
2. Register your name. If you are a group, just register one name.
3. Deposit your bag, along with all the prohibited items that you might have brought with you, at the baggage counter.
4. Get your baggage claim number. Do not lose it.
5. Enjoy!

What items need to be left at the baggage counter?

The following items are not allowed inside the museum and must be left at the baggage counter:

• Hats, Caps, and Bonnets
• Umbrellas
• Pens and Art Materials
• Tripods and Monopods
• Luggage (bigger than 33cm x 43cm)
• Bags (bigger than 28cm x 22cm)

What are the attractions inside the National Museum of Natural History?

The National Museum of Natural History has six floors, with the “Tree of Life” as the atrium’s centerpiece, and hosts 12 permanent galleries. Below are what to expect per floor:

• First Floor: Tree of Life Foyer, Lower Entrance Hall, Lower Courtyard, Education and Function Halls, Visitor Services, Martha Atienza Exhibit Hall, Richard McGregor Hallway
• Second Floor: Upper Entrance Hall, Upper Courtyard, Reception Hall, Gallery XI (Our Natural Inheritance), Gallery XII (Pioneering Naturalist in the Philippines), Terrace
• Third Floor: Gallery IX (Mangroves, Beaches and Intertidal Zones), Gallery X (The Marine Realm)
• Fourth Floor: Gallery V (Mossy, Montane and Pine Forests), Gallery VI (Tropical Lowland Evergreen Rainforests), Gallery VII (Ultramafic and Limestone Karst Forests), Gallery VIII (Freshwater Wetlands)
• Fifth Floor: Gallery I (Philippine Biodiversity), Gallery II (The Geology of the Philippines), Gallery III (Minerals and Energy Resources), Gallery IV (Life Through Time), Carabao Family Exhibit
• Sixth Floor: Roof Garden, Function Halls, National Museum Conference Center

What are the top attractions?

• Tree of Life. A commanding architectural structure composed of two parts — the dome and the DNA-like structure. The dome serves as the atrium’s ceiling, while the DNA-like structure links the dome to the atrium’s ground, resembling a tree trunk. The elevator itself is an attraction, offering a great view of the museum’s foyer/atrium.
• Second Floor: Lolong. The skeleton of the Philippine’s largest crocodile (in captivity) ever recorded hangs from the ceiling of the reception hall on the second floor.
• Gallery II: Activity Corner and Mini-theater. At the activity corner, kids and adults alike can try their hand at identifying common rocks. At the mini-theater, visitors can learn how the Chocolate Hills and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River were formed.
• Gallery VI: Rainforest Diorama. Walk through the mini replica of the rainforest and learn about the different kinds of species inhabiting the land. This is located on the fourth floor.
• Gallery IX: Mangrove Diorama. Like the rainforest diorama, you can also walk through a few-meter square of mangrove diorama located on the third floor. See also the different creatures that thrive in them.
• Gallery X: The Marine Realm. Also found on the third floor, the marine realm gallery gives you an idea of how “The Abyss” looks like, allows you to experience a snippet of boarding a submarine, and enables you to marvel at the life-size replicas of a whale shark and manta ray.

How do I make the most of my visit?

To best experience and understand the displays and exhibits, here’s a trivia:

The displays are arranged per ecosystem: the upper floors showcase mountains and forests and the lower floors display wetlands and the underwater realm. Start from top to bottom.

What are the rules and regulations?

1. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum.
2. Wrapped packages are prohibited.
3. DO NOT TOUCH NOR LEAN ON the museum objects, displays, and exhibits.
4. You can take photos, but you must refrain from using the camera flash.
5. Personal videography is permitted in specific galleries and areas. Commercial or professional filming requires necessary permit.
6. Avoid doing disrespectful and wacky poses.
7. No running, playing, shouting, and roughhousing or fooling around.
8. Do not sit or lie on the floors.
9. No smoking and vaping.
10. No pets allowed.

How to get to the National Museum of Natural History in Manila?

The National Museum of Natural History is located along Teodoro F. Valencia Circle within Rizal Park, T.M. Kalaw Street corner General Luna Street in Ermita, Manila.

U.N. Avenue Station and Central Terminal Station on LRT Line 1 (LRT-1) are the nearest train stations.

1. From EDSA, ride the MRT to Taft Avenue Station.
2. Transfer to LRT 1. MRT Taft Station to LRT 1 EDSA Station are linked by a footbridge.
3. Get on the train, then get off at either U.N. Avenue Station or Central Terminal Station.
4. The museum is just a few minutes walk from the station.

What are other nearby attractions?

• National Museum of Anthropology
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• Luneta Park/Rizal Park
• Intramuros

Other Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
• Be there early. If you plan to do museum hopping, make National Museum of Natural History as your first stop. It has features like interactive spots and learning experience corners that make it more interesting for kids. In short, it tends to be packed with visitors than the other two museums within the complex.
• Senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, and children 8 years old and below (with their parents or guardians) may use the Lower Entrance facing T.M. Kalaw Avenue if the Upper Entrance queue is too long.
• Aside from the atrium elevator, there’s another elevator near the staircase.
• Every floor has its own restroom.
• Aside from the elevators and the stairs, you can also use the ramp to get to each floor.

Important Reminders

• Keep your eyes peeled for warning signs and markings. This includes “do not touch” signs and “do not go beyond the line” markings. Strictly follow the rules and guidelines at all times.
• Fall in line and wait for your turn. Be courteous and respect other people’s time and space.
• Children must be accompanied at all times. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising them throughout their visit.
• Don’t be too loud. Tone down your voice.
• Do not litter nor vandalize. Respect the place and be a responsible visitor.

Where to Stay in Manila

If you’re not from Manila and would like to spend the night at a hotel, here are the top options according to online user reviews.

• The Luneta Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Casa Bocobo Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Bayview Park Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Rizal Park Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Manila Lotus Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• City Garden Suites Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Manila Hotels!

Updates Log

2025 5 20 – Updated and added relevant information
2018 11 8 – First uploaded