A short trip through Philippine history in Manila

Records of our Philippine heritage are within arms reach at Museo de Intramuros and Casa Manila Museum

Understanding Philippine history and culture calls for exploring important and easily accessible sites. The Spanish colonization era remains central to what makes us Filipinos. 

Important pieces of this past have been preserved within the walled city of Intramuros. Take a trip down Philippine history by visiting the Museo de Intramuros and the Casa Manila Museum.

Museo de Intramuros

Within Museo de Intramuros lies records detailing the country’s ecclesiastical heritage. In particular, the displayed pieces, sculptures, and works explore the Philippines’ process of evangelization. That is, how the Spanish found common ground with us Filipinos and passed on their faith through art. The exhibit showcases how art during that period developed alongside the growing influence of Catholicism.

Museo de Intramuros is comprised of the San Ignacio Church and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus. The church was built in 1889 but was destroyed in the Second World War alongside neighboring structures. After years of restoration efforts, the complex was finally opened in 2019 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Intramuros Administration.

The museum is located at Arzobispo, Anda St., Intramuros, Manila.

Casa Manila Museum

Casa Manila Museum, also known as the “Manila House”, showcases the lifestyle of a prosperous family from the Spanish colonial period. Casa Manila places exposed artifacts on display without barriers or protection to simulate the era. The structure’s facade “was patterned after a house that once stood at Jaboneros Street in the Chinese district of Binondo in the 1850’s.”

The museum is located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Real Sts., Intramuros, Manila