Manila boasts a variety of historical and cultural museums that offer a glimpse into the Philippines’ rich heritage. The three major museums of the National Museum Complex, all within walking distance of each other, house the biggest collections of artifacts and artworks from the pre-colonial period up to this day. Other museums and parks in Manila also provide areas to appreciate culture and nature.

Here are some must-visit museums in Manila and how to access the sites more easily from the north and south of the metro:

National Museum of Fine Arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts showcases the evolution of Philippine art with 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising 19th-century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors and printmakers.

National Museum of Natural History

Located in the former building of the Department of Tourism with neoclassical architecture, the National Museum of Natural History has 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the Philippines’ rich biological and geological diversity.

National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts that showcase the Philippines’ rich history and diverse ethnicities.

UST Museum

The UST Museum which was established in 1867, is considered the oldest existing museum in the Philippines. This museum showcases pre-colonial artifacts, the Philippine Revolution era and an ethnographic collection. It’s also rich in collections of flora and fauna specimens, including fossils, insects and marine life.

Malacañang Complex

The Malacañang Complex, the official residence of the Philippine presidents, contains a cluster of heritage houses that give a glimpse of how the past presidents lived. Within the complex, you can find the Teus Mansion, a 19th-century historical residence now serving as the Presidential Museum. The complex also contains Bahay Ugnayan, which highlights the current president’s journey and The Goldberg Mansion, a French-inspired mansion.

Arroceros Forest Park

If you need a dose of nature in between museum-hopping, Arroceros Forest Park is a free nature spot you can drop by. Dubbed Manila’s Last Lung, this forest park is a favorite among locals who want to exercise, walk, admire the landscaped gardens, and breathe in fresh air with over 3,000 trees surrounding the area.

How to get there via the NLEX Connector

For those coming north or south of the metro, navigating to these cultural hotspots is now easier with the NLEX Connector. This new expressway segment connects the NLEX Harbor Link to the Metro Manila Skyway, which connects to the North (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressways (SLEX).

• The three main National Museums are all located within the same vicinity. Starting with the National Museum of Fine Arts, take the NLEX Connector España Exit to Quiapo, Manila. Head towards Ermita and find its building along T.M. Kalaw Ave.
• For the National Museum of Natural History, head towards Agrifina Circle inside Rizal Park.
• The National Museum of Anthropology is along P. Burgos Drive, also within Rizal Park.
• The UST Museum is accessible via the NLEX Connector, taking the España Exit.
• The Malacañang Complex in San Miguel, Manila is accessible via the NLEX Connector Magsaysay Ave Exit.
• Arroceros Forest Park is located at Antonio Villegas St., Manila (near the corner of Padre Burgos Ave. and Taft Ave.); accessible via the NLEX Connector España Exit.