Museo Iloilo

Considered as one of the many remarkable museums in the Philippines, the Museo Iloilo boasts its displays as one of the riches in historical value. It is a public museum in Iloilo now supervised by the Iloilo Cultural Research Foundation, Inc. It’s main mission is to preserve and develop cultural education, research and tourism through safeguarding the display of Western Visayas native culture and history.

Located in Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City in the Western Visayas Region, the Museo Iloilo, or Iloilo Museum, is one of the main tourist attractions in the highly urbanized city. It is meters away from the Department of Tourism office, where excursionists can gather more tourism-related information, and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The Iloilo Museum exhibits a collection of archeological, historical, ethnographical craft and tribal folk arts relating to Western Visayas. A number of relics and antiques in the collection were donated by the Ilonggos who are passionate about their province’s rich history. The museum also has a collection of priceless cultural artifacts like unique religious images and relics, silver pieces and church vessels that depict the Panayanon religious spirits.

Museo Iloilo and Provincial Capitol

The paleontological and archaeological finds in Iloilo and various artifacts relating to Iloilo’s history and culture are the main display of the the Museo Iloilo but present day artworks can also be seen. Visitors not only see a glimpse of the past but they also see the present arts and crafts of the Ilonggos. Noteworthy items are dated fossils, artifacts from sunken vessels, stone age tools, pottery, tradeware from China, Annam and Siam, burial jars and coffins and gold ornaments, and rare photographs and mementos from World War II.

Designed by Ilongo architect Sergio Penasales, the classic concept of the Museo Iloilo is another reason why it’s visited by foreign and domestic tourists. The lush greeneries of flowering plants and grass that surrounds the museum is a splendid scene and helps invite more guests. Three centuries-old cannons can be found just outside the museum, just to give the passersby a glimpse of what’s inside the repository.

Museo Iloilo Admission Fee

Student – P15.00
Adult – P20.00

Museum Hours

Monday to Saturday (except Holidays)
8:00 am to 11:00 am, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Rules/Regulations

1. No food and drinks allowed.
2. Refrain from handling exhibit items.
3. Taking photographs inside the museum is strictly prohibited. Fine for taking photo/s is P500.00.

How to get there

The Iloilo Museum is roughly 25 kilometers from the Iloilo International Airport. From the Airport, take a Van-for-hire (P75) going to Jaro Cathedral, so you can visit the awe-inspiring cathedral first. Then take the jeepney (P8) going south that passes along E. Lopez St (in front of the church) and Luna St. going straight to the museum. The Provincial Capitol (near the museum) is a known landmark in Iloilo, so jeepney drivers and locals can easily assist you for directions.

Contact Information

For more information, you can contact the office of the Department of Tourism in Iloilo at telephone numbers +63 33 337-5411 and +63 33 335-0245 or email them at deptour6@mozcom.com. You can also visit their website at http://www.westernvisayastourism.com.ph.

Artwork

Department of Tourism – Iloilo

Entrance door

Hiligaynons

In-front of Museo Iloilo

Mark inside the Museo Iloilo

Museo Iloilo Logo

Museo Iloilo

Old Jars, Ceramics

Paintings

Present-day Ilonggo Art

Present-day Paintings

Statue Collections

Statues

Century-old Cannon

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.