Casa Gorordo Museum

Overview

Casa Gorordo Museum is a beautifully restored 19th-century bahay na bato (stone house) in the Parian district, showcasing the lifestyle of a prominent Cebuano family during the Spanish colonial era. It is the first restored house museum in the Philippines and offers an intimate glimpse into upper-class Cebuano life.

Highlights

• Period Rooms: Fully furnished rooms display original furniture, kitchen equipment, and personal items from the Gorordo family.
• Art Exhibitions: Rotating exhibitions of Filipino art and culture are hosted in the ground-floor gallery spaces.
• Architectural Detail: The house features traditional coral stone walls, capiz shell windows, and hardwood floors typical of Filipino-Spanish architecture.

History

The house was built in the mid-1800s and became the residence of the Gorordo family, including Juan Gorordo who became the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu in 1934. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation acquired and restored the house in 1979, transforming it into a museum. It was declared a National Historical Landmark.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The guided tour is included in the admission price and provides excellent context about colonial-era Cebu.
• Tip 2: The museum shop sells locally made crafts and heritage-themed souvenirs.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.