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.
NEWS UPDATE: Beginning March 2, 2024, the Manila Clock Tower Museum will open its doorways to the general public on weekends! Keep tuned for extra particulars.
Designed by architect Antonio Toledo and accomplished in the course of the Nineteen Thirties, the Manila Clock Tower stands virtually 100 ft (30 meters) in elevation, making it the most important 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 involved in 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 workers used to say that folks shouldn’t keep inside past 6:00 p.m. as a result of spirits contained in the constructing make their presence felt at evening. When considered from above, Manila Metropolis Corridor’s trapezoid like form resembles a coffin with a cross on it.
The constructing has gone by way of numerous renovations through the years. In mid-2020, parts of the clock tower which was crimson, 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 trendy 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 trendy artwork galleries, with altering artwork displays.
The primary exhibit on the primary ground options an immersive exhibit with a quick historical past concerning the Battle of Manila throughout World Warfare II. The museum makes use of video displays and a 3D-wall set up of key moments in the course of 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 newest displays embrace Banaag and Trendy Manileña, a “vogue and artwork exhibit impressed by, and made for, the worldwide, empowered, trendy 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 high two flooring. Based on the museum attendants, a restaurant is within the works on the third ground of the museum. so that is one thing espresso lovers can sit up for after they go to sooner or later.
Learn how to go to the Manila Clock Tower Museum
For the reason that museum is situated 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.
UPDATE: Beginning March 2, 2024, the Clock Tower Museum will probably be open to the general public on Saturdays and Sundays. The Clock Tower Cafe serves espresso, pastries like croissants and danishes, and all-day breakfast meals.
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 way of their Fb web page.
Guided excursions can be found from Tuesday to Friday, each 30 minutes aside from lunch hour. You’ll be able to guide reservations for the next occasions: 10:00, 10:30 11:00, 11:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, and a pair of:30 pm.
- For on-line bookings, ship a message to the Manila Clock Tower Museum Fb web page.
- An automatic message will ask on your title, most well-liked date and time of the go to, contact particulars, and the variety of folks included in your group.
- Await 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 gear, shows or artwork works. A lot of the trendy artwork displays, work, and furnishings are for SALE.
- Please communicate 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 images on the primary, mezzanine, and the 2nd ground are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. You’ll be able to take photographs with out flash.
- Every batch of 15 guests will probably be allowed each half-hour ONLY.
- No outdoors meals or drink is allowed contained in the museum. NOTE: There’s a brand new Clock Tower Cafe now open on the premises.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is at 4/F Manila Metropolis Corridor, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
