UST Museum — Attraction in Manila

I am always passionate about old building and old collection though my friend said it must be haunted. The museum itself is in the second floor of a 16th century building in the heart of UST landmark. The stairs towards the museum remind me of ancient barok castle. The entrance fees are 30 peso per person with student ID and 50 peso per person for public. The museum is a two story rooms with two rooms in each wings while in the center is a balcony design. The right wing is collecting paintings that were painted in the yester-century. Some were made during 18th and early 19th. Few were made in the 17th. I even found a painting of Balinese girl that were painted in the 18th with traditional style (topless and only wears sarong for the lower cloth). The girl has the pure beauty of the mother nature that is rare nowdays. Some painting were darks and looked mourning. The left wings collects wood statues of saint and santa including the nativity family which comes from 17th century. Some that are made of light woods are destroyed but still have the shape but those made of hardwoods are intact. The right wing balcony collects ancient tools, fabric, instruments and statue from the ancient of the Philippines. The center balcony devoted to Dominican and Vatican. There are chairs that used by Pope John Paul 2nd and Pope Francis during their visit in the Philippines. Also ancient binocular and utensils that used by 16th century voyagers. Coins as the embellish of authority and stamp are also collected here. The left balcony collects the ancient pottery from Asian countries i.e China, Thai, Myanmar, and Japan. The first floor collects many freeze animals and creatures that live in the Philippines in the old days and this era, from the seabed until the top of the trees. Huge collection of birds, fishes and seashells. I find the place is enlightening though it is quite small compare to...

The UST Museum of Arts and Sciences is a museum located within the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. The museum was established in 1871 and is the oldest existing museum in the Philippines.

The UST Museum has a collection of over 10,000 artifacts that cover a wide range of topics, including art, science, and history. The museum's exhibits are divided into three main categories: natural history, ethnography, and fine arts.

The natural history section of the museum includes exhibits on geology, botany, and zoology. It features a collection of preserved animals, such as birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as a collection of minerals, fossils, and rocks.

The ethnography section of the museum focuses on the cultural heritage of the Philippines and includes exhibits on indigenous people, folk art, and religious artifacts. It also has a collection of traditional costumes and textiles.

The fine arts section of the museum features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces from various periods of Philippine history. It includes works by famous Filipino artists, such as Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna, and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.

The UST Museum also has a planetarium that offers educational programs on astronomy and space science. Visitors can learn about the solar system, constellations, and the history of space exploration.

Overall, the UST Museum is an important cultural institution in the Philippines, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the country's natural and...

Located inside the historic Main Building of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the north of Manila, the UST Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

To enter, visitors must sign in at security and leave an ID. The entrance fee is just 50 pesos.

The museum is spread over three sections. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Natural History collection, featuring a wide array of birds, mammals, and other specimens — giving this level more of a natural history museum feel. The building itself retains its Spanish colonial architecture, with soaring ceilings that add to its old-world charm.

The second level showcases the Visual Arts collection, including paintings by renowned Filipino artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as earlier works from the Spanish colonial period. Highlights include religious pieces with a distinctly Filipino touch, such as the Brown Madonna and the Sagrada Familia.

Moving up, the next floor houses the Ethnographic collection, displaying items from Philippine culture like musical instruments, figurines, wooden bowls, and jewelry. While the objects are fascinating, they could benefit from more detailed labeling to better explain their historical context.

Finally, the museum features a Religious Art Gallery, with pieces ranging from the 16th to the 20th century.

The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the soft background music enhances the peaceful and reflective atmosphere, making your visit even...