National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol
The National Museum Bohol is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural heritage of Bohol. Located in the former Provincial Capitol building, the museum is a testament to the Spanish colonial period and has served as a tribunal, prison, and living quarters for the Spanish military force.
Today, the National Museum of the Philippines Bohol is an educational, scientific, and cultural institution that is dedicated to acquiring, documenting, preserving, exhibiting, and fostering scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts representative of the unique cultural heritage of the Filipino people.
Visitors to the National Museum Bohol can explore a wide range of exhibits showcasing Bohol’s history, culture, and art. The museum’s collections are diverse and fascinating from ancient artifacts to contemporary artworks. Some of the highlights of the museum’s collections include the Boholano Goldsmithing Collection, which features intricate gold jewelry and ornaments from the pre-colonial period, and the Bohol Anthropology Collection, which includes a wide range of artifacts related to the daily life and customs of the Boholano people.
History
The National Museum Bohol is a former Provincial Capitol building constructed from 1855 to 1860. It was built to serve as a tribunal, prison, and military quarters for the Spanish military force. The forces were placed under the command of Captain Guillermo Kirkpatrich, who was named military and political governor of Bohol. The building was later used as a provincial capitol and was eventually turned over to the National Museum in 1998.
Establishment
The National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol was established to promote the province’s cultural heritage. It aims to preserve, document, exhibit, and foster scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts representative of the unique cultural heritage of the Filipino people.
Restoration and Renovation
The National Museum Bohol underwent a major restoration and renovation project in 2016. The National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts funded the project. The restoration and renovation project aimed to improve the museum’s facilities and enhance the visitor experience.
The restoration project included the installation of new air conditioning units, the repair and repainting of the building’s facade, the installation of new lighting fixtures, and the refurbishment of the museum’s galleries. The renovation project included the installation of new exhibits, the redesign of the museum’s layout, and the installation of new interpretive materials.
Collections
The National Museum Bohol houses a diverse collection of artifacts that showcase the province’s rich cultural heritage. The collections are divided into three main categories: Natural History Gallery, Pagbanhaw Gallery, and Pagpauli Gallery.
Natural History Gallery
The Archaeological Finds collection contains artifacts from various archaeological sites across Bohol. The collection includes pottery, stone tools, and metal objects that date back to the pre-colonial era. Some of the notable items in this collection are the burial jars and coffins that were excavated from the Anda Peninsula.
Pagpauli Gallery
Come home and celebrate the life and works of Boholano National Artist for Sculpture (1976), Napoleon V. Abueva, in the “Pagpauli: A Homecoming Exhibition of National Artist Napoleon Abueva” at the National Museum Bohol. This unique exhibition, made in partnership with the Abueva family, features 26 of Abueva’s most significant works of art from his personal collection in Duero, Bohol, and Quezon City.
This is the most comprehensive exhibition of Abueva’s works in the country, showcasing his deep religious faith, his commitment to human relations, and his modern ideal of form following function as he innovated, experimented, and experienced the world around him and the materials from which he preferred to create.
The National Museum of the Philippines invites you to come and pay tribute to this great and prolific artist – a son of Bohol – with the “Pagpauli: A Homecoming Exhibition of National Artist Napoleon Abueva”.
Pagbanhaw Gallery
The Pagbanhaw gallery exhibition at the National Museum Bohol takes visitors on a journey to explore the deep-rooted Catholic faith of Boholanos, reflected in their churches, many of which have been declared National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties by the National Museum of the Philippines.
After the catastrophic 7.2 magnitude Bohol earthquake in 2013, the National Museum of the Philippines, in close collaboration with stakeholders, spearheaded the large-scale rehabilitation and rebuilding of Bohol’s built heritage. Pagbanhaw showcases the accurate and comprehensive documentation of the protection, conservation, and preservation of the significant cultural properties of Bohol and Eastern Samar in the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent calamities.
It also highlights the immediate methods, actions, and procedures taken by the government to ensure that the cultural properties, now called the National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, are preserved. Thanks to the efforts of the NMP, the churches in Dimiao, Alburquerque, Cortes, Panglao, and Loboc in Bohol, the church in Guiuan, Samar, and the watchtowers of Punta Cruz, Loay, and Panglao have all been restored.
The churches of Loon and Maribojoc are also reconstructed and restored, serving as a reminder of the faith and devotion of the people of Bohol, and their remarkable resilience in the face of disaster.
Architecture
The building was constructed using traditional stone, lime, bricks, and roofing tiles. In total, the builders used 27,300 bricks, 4,325 cavans of lime, and 61,000 roofing tiles to complete the structure.
The building’s architecture is a blend of Spanish colonial and local Boholano design elements. The façade features a prominent portico with a triangular pediment and columns that support the roof. The portico is flanked by two smaller wings with arched windows. The building’s walls are made of stone and painted in a light yellow color, typical of Spanish colonial architecture.
The interior of the National Museum Bohol is equally impressive. The building’s main hall features a grand staircase that leads to the upper floors. The staircase is made of wood and is adorned with intricate carvings. The upper floors house the museum’s exhibits in spacious galleries with high ceilings and large windows.
Interesting Facts about The National Museum of the Philippines Bohol
Here are some interesting facts about this museum:
- The National Museum Bohol is housed in the former Provincial Capitol building, constructed in 1855 to 1860 to serve as a tribunal, prison, and military quarters for the Spanish military force. The forces were placed under the command of Captain Guillermo Kirkpatrich, who was named military and political governor of Bohol. In 2013 an earthquake damaged the building, which was reconstructed to become the National Museum Bohol.
- The National Museum Bohol is one of the regional area and site museums of the National Museum of the Philippines, which is an educational, scientific, and cultural institution that acquires, documents, preserves, exhibits, and fosters scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts.
- The National Museum Bohol has several galleries and exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bohol and the Philippines. These include the Bohol Gallery, which features the province’s natural history, archaeology, and ethnography; the Spoliarium Gallery, which houses the replica of Juan Luna’s masterpiece Spoliarium; and the Fine Arts Gallery, which displays works of art by Filipino artists.
- The National Museum Bohol is not only a museum but also an educational and scientific institution. It offers various programs and services, such as lectures, workshops, and outreach activities, to promote the appreciation and understanding of Philippine culture and heritage.
- The National Museum Bohol is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum’s programs and services.
Location and Accessibility
The National Museum Bohol is situated in the heart of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. It is located at Km.0, Carlos P. Garcia Ave., Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City, Bohol 6300. The museum is easily accessible via public transportation such as jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis.
For those coming from outside Bohol, the Panglao Bohol Airport is the closest airport to the museum. Visitors can take a taxi or tricycle from the airport to the museum. The museum is also accessible by ferry from Cebu City, which takes around two hours.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission to the museum is free of charge, making it accessible to everyone who wants to learn about the history and heritage of Bohol.
The National Museum Bohol is conveniently located near other tourist attractions in Tagbilaran City, such as the Blood Compact Shrine and the Tagbilaran Cathedral. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the museum with other activities in the area.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
The National Museum Bohol is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors are advised to arrive at least an hour before closing time to fully enjoy the exhibits. The museum is closed on Mondays and on holidays declared by the government.
Admission Fees
Admission to the National Museum Bohol is free of charge. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections and exhibits without paying any fees.
Visitors must also observe proper decorum and respect the museum’s rules and regulations. Food and drinks are prohibited inside the museum, and smoking is strictly prohibited. Photography and videography are allowed only for personal use and without a flash or tripod. Large bags and backpacks are also prohibited inside the museum and must be deposited at the baggage counter.
Contact Info
NM Bohol Area Museum
Km.0, Carlos P. Garcia Ave., Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City, Bohol 6300
Contact No. (038) 5019166
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: National Museum Bohol
Instagram: National Museum Bohol
Twitter: National Museum Bohol
Events and Exhibitions
National Museum Bohol offers a wide range of events and exhibitions that showcase the rich history and culture of Bohol. Visitors can explore the different galleries and learn about the island’s geological and paleontological treasures, unique flora and fauna, and the Boholano way of life.
One of the most popular exhibitions is the Pagbanhaw Gallery Exhibition, which was put up to commemorate the 2013 Bohol Earthquake and its aftermath. The exhibition features artifacts and ecofacts recovered by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in the municipalities of Loon, Maribojoc, and Sagbayan. Visitors can see the damage caused by the earthquake and learn about the efforts to restore the damaged structures and artifacts.
Another must-see exhibition is the Natural History of Bohol Gallery Exhibition, which features specimens and a diorama offering a glimpse of Bohol’s geological and paleontological treasures as well as the island’s unique and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can learn about the different species of plants and animals that are endemic to Bohol and the efforts being made to preserve them.
In addition to these permanent exhibitions, National Museum Bohol also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. One of the most recent exhibitions is the Paglawig Exhibition, which presents artifacts and ecofacts recovered by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in the 1980s in the municipalities of Anda, Mabini, Candijay, and Guindulman. The exhibition showcases the Boholano way of life and highlights the importance of preserving the island’s cultural heritage.
Visitors can also attend various events, such as lectures, workshops, and cultural performances organized by National Museum Bohol. These events give visitors a deeper understanding of the island’s history and culture and offer a unique opportunity to interact with the local community.
Community Involvement
Community involvement is one of the key factors in the success of the National Museum Bohol. The museum recognizes the importance of engaging the local community in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Bohol.
The museum actively involves the community in various programs and activities to promote cultural awareness and appreciation. These programs include lectures, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase Bohol’s rich history and culture.
One of the museum’s most successful community programs is the “Adopt a Heritage Site” initiative. This program encourages local communities to actively preserve and maintain heritage sites in their respective areas. The program has been instrumental in promoting awareness and appreciation of Bohol’s cultural heritage among the local population.
The museum also works closely with local schools and universities to promote cultural education among the younger generation. The museum regularly holds educational tours and workshops for students to learn about the history and culture of Bohol.
The involvement of the local community in the museum’s programs and activities has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and appreciation. Through these efforts, the museum hopes to preserve and promote Bohol’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Future Plans
The National Museum Bohol is committed to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the province. As such, it has several plans for the future that will help it achieve this goal.
One of the key plans is to continue expanding its collection of artifacts and ecofacts. This will involve conducting more research and excavations in different parts of the province. The museum will also work closely with local communities to identify and preserve cultural and historical sites.
In addition, the National Museum Bohol plans to improve its facilities and exhibits. This will include upgrading its galleries, adding interactive displays, and incorporating modern technology to enhance the visitor experience. The museum also plans to create more educational programs and activities to engage visitors of all ages.
To achieve these goals, the National Museum Bohol will need to secure funding and support from various sources. It will work closely with the government, private organizations, and individuals to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage preservation and garner support for its initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Museum Bohol located?
The National Museum Bohol is located at Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
What are the highlights of the National Museum?
The National Museum Bohol highlights the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the province of Bohol. It showcases various collections such as the Boholano Ancestral Gallery, the Boholano Ethnographic Gallery, and the Boholano Archaeological Gallery.
Are there any admission fees for the National Museum Bohol?
No, there are no admission fees for the National Museum Bohol. It is free and open to the public.
Is it necessary to make a reservation to visit the National Museum?
No, it is not necessary to make a reservation to visit the National Museum Bohol. Visitors can simply walk in during the museum’s operating hours.
What can visitors see at the National Museum of the Philippines Bohol?
Visitors can see various collections at the National Museum Bohol such as the Boholano Ancestral Gallery, the Boholano Ethnographic Gallery, and the Boholano Archaeological Gallery. The museum also showcases various artifacts and cultural materials from the province of Bohol.
Is the National Museum of the Philippines free to visit?
Yes, the National Museum of the Philippines is free to visit. This includes the National Museum Bohol and other regional museums under the National Museum of the Philippines.
Bohol Travel and Tour Packages
The Department of Tourism Central Visayas (Region 7) and the Provincial Tourism Office of Bohol work hand in hand to promote faith-based and culinary tourism in the province. Highlighting the best of Bohol in terms of culture, places, food, and experiences, the local tourism office aims to attract more people to explore the wonders of Bohol beyond the famous Philippine Tarsier and Chocolate Hills.
It’s high time that locals and foreigners learn more about Bohol’s rich heritage by promoting its heritage sites and unique experiences. Come to Bohol and try it for yourself!
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