On the lookout for 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 throughout the Thirties, the Manila Clock Tower stands nearly 100 toes (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 Struggle II and the 1945 Battle of Manila and rebuilt over the a long time.
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 staff 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 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 way of 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 serious 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 principle exhibit on the primary flooring options an immersive exhibit with a quick historical past concerning the Battle of Manila throughout World Struggle II. The museum makes use of video shows and a 3D-wall set up of key moments throughout the struggle designed by Ohm David and Elba Cruz. There’s additionally a Wall of heroes going up the steps and pictures 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 embody Banaag and Trendy Manileña, a “style 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 high two flooring. In accordance with the museum attendants, a restaurant is within the works on the third flooring of the museum. so that is one thing espresso lovers can stay up for once they go to sooner or later.
Methods to go to the Manila Clock Tower Museum
Because the 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.
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 way of their Fb web page.
Guided excursions are solely out there from Tuesday to Friday, each 30 minutes aside from lunch hour. You may 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 in your title, most popular date and time of the go to, contact particulars, and the variety of individuals included in your group.
- Look ahead 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. A lot 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 flooring and flash pictures on the primary, mezzanine, and the 2nd flooring are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. You may take pictures with out flash.
- Every batch of 15 guests can 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.
