National Museum of Natural History

Overview

The National Museum of Natural History reopened in 2018 inside the beautifully restored former Department of Tourism building on Rizal Park. Its centerpiece is the Tree of Life — a towering DNA-helix-shaped spiral ramp under a spectacular glass dome — around which exhibits on Philippine biodiversity are organized.

Highlights

• Tree of Life Atrium: A soaring five-story spiraling ramp modeled on a DNA helix, offering stunning views up through the glass-domed roof.
• Lolong Replica: A life-sized replica of the world's largest crocodile ever measured in captivity (6.17 m / 20.24 ft), captured in the Philippines in 2011.
• Philippine Eagle Exhibit: Detailed dioramas on the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, one of the largest and rarest raptors in the world.

History

The building was originally completed in 1940 as the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. After a comprehensive restoration that preserved its Art Deco façade while modernizing the interior, it reopened as the National Museum of Natural History on May 18, 2018.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Admission is free. The museum can get crowded on weekends — aim for a weekday visit.
• Tip 2: Take the spiral ramp up and the elevator down; the ramp offers the best views but is tiring to walk both ways.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.