In search of a brand new museum to go to for Nationwide Arts Month this February? Step again in time and discover the Manila Clock Tower Museum, housed within the metropolis’s most iconic landmark—the Manila Metropolis Corridor.
Designed by architect Antonio Toledo and accomplished through the Nineteen Thirties, the Manila Clock Tower stands virtually 100 toes (30 meters) in elevation, making it the biggest clock tower within the Philippines. Manila Metropolis Corridor and the Clock Tower have been broken closely throughout World Warfare II and the 1945 Battle of Manila and rebuilt over the many years.
I’ve been interested by visiting this museum primarily due to its creepy historical past. For years, the clock tower served primarily as a storage room with a popularity of being haunted. Former staff used to say that individuals shouldn’t keep inside past 6:00 p.m. as a result of spirits contained in the constructing make their presence felt at night time. When considered from above, Manila Metropolis Corridor’s trapezoid like form resembles a coffin with a cross on it.
The constructing has gone by numerous renovations over time. In mid-2020, parts of the clock tower which was pink, and the faces of the three clocks, have been painted gold as a part of its restoration. The interiors have been cleared out, repainted, and refurbished to slot in artwork galleries, leading to Manila’s latest fashionable museum.
The pandemic delayed the formal opening, however lastly, in October 2022, the Clock Tower Museum was formally launched as a significant vacationer attraction and historic landmark and opened to the general public. This distinctive museum adaptively reuses the construction of the clock tower, with 5 ranges showcasing the historical past of Manila and fashionable artwork galleries, with altering artwork displays.
The primary exhibit on the primary ground options an immersive exhibit with a short historical past in regards to the Battle of Manila throughout World Warfare II. The museum makes use of video shows and a 3D-wall set up of key moments through the warfare designed by Ohm David and Elba Cruz. There’s additionally a Wall of heroes going up the steps and photographs and work of the previous tower earlier than it was restored.
It’s not only a historical past museum, however there are galleries dedicated to modern artwork and tradition. The most recent displays embrace Banaag and Trendy Manileña, a “vogue and artwork exhibit impressed by, and made for, the worldwide, empowered, fashionable Manileña.”
Guests can see the within workings of the 4 sides of the clock and get a 360-degree view of Intramuros and close by Manila on the prime two flooring. In response to the museum attendants, a restaurant is within the works on the third ground of the museum. so that is one thing espresso lovers can look ahead to after they go to sooner or later.
Tips on how to go to the Manila Clock Tower Museum
Because the museum is positioned inside a authorities constructing, the Manila Clock Tower Museum is barely open on weekdays from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to three pm. The museum is CLOSED on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
As of February 2023, museum visits are free to the general public, however they require on-line bookings. No walk-ins are allowed but. To schedule a tour, bookings have to be made on-line by their Fb web page.
Guided excursions are solely out there from Tuesday to Friday, each 30 minutes aside from lunch hour. You possibly can e-book reservations for the next occasions: 10:00, 10:30 11:00, 11:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, and a couple of:30 pm.
- For on-line bookings, ship a message to the Manila Clock Tower Museum Fb web page.
- An automatic message will ask to your identify, most popular date and time of the go to, contact particulars, and the variety of individuals included in your group.
- Look forward to the admin’s affirmation and approval of your reserving.
- You’ll then obtain a message from the web page administrator confirming your appointment.
- Go to the museum on the date and time primarily based in your affirmation message.
Museum guidelines
- Don’t contact or transfer any of the tools, shows or artwork works. Many of the fashionable artwork displays, work, and furnishings are for SALE.
- Please converse in low tones as a courtesy to different guests and keep the ambiance contained in the Museum.
- Taking of movies on the primary ground and flash pictures on the primary, mezzanine, and the 2nd ground are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. You possibly can take photographs with out flash.
- Every batch of 15 guests shall be allowed each half-hour ONLY.
- No meals or drink is allowed contained in the museum.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is at 4/F Manila Metropolis Corridor, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
