Here are the things you need to know before visiting
After the postponed reopening last March, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) is welcoming Filipinos again starting today, June 19, 2021, on Dr. Jose Rizal's 160th birth anniversary. And this time, it's all systems go!
Art and history enthusiasts can now marvel again at the “Tree of Life” centerpiece in the National Museum of Natural History, see the makeovers done in the National Museum of Fine Arts, and check out ancient treasures and artifacts in the National Museum of Anthropology, of course, following the safety guidelines mandated by the government.
Here are things you need to know before visiting the National Museums:
What time and day are the museums open?
Just like in the pre-pandemic time, the museums are open Tuesdays to Sundays, excluding religious holidays. There will be two visiting sessions, morning (from 9 a.m. to 12 noon) and afternoon (from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) sessions. There will also be cut off times for visitor arrival, 11 a.m. for the morning session and 3 p.m. for the afternoon session.
Who can visit?
The NMP will implement an age limit on visitors that wished to visit. The only ones allowed to enter the museums are people aged 15 to 65 years old, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and vaccinated senior citizens. Visitors also need to present an ID showing date of birth to validate their entry.
What to do before visiting?
Just like in every establishment, online plays a vital role in keeping the museums' operation running smoothly. Visitors must pre-book their visit online at reservation.nationalmuseum.gov.ph, at least a day prior to their planned visit. They will also receive a confirmation about their booking to be sent on their email.
Group reservations are limited to a maximum of five persons and walk-in visitors will not be admitted.
Safety measures inside the museums
Before entering the museums, visitors must:
- Undergo a temperature check. A visitor with a temperature of 37.5 degrees and higher will not be allowed inside.
- Accomplish a health declaration form, which is part of the reservation process.
- Wear face masks and face shield at all times while inside the museum.
- Observe social distancing of at least two meters.
According to the NMP's announcement last March, visitors are also allowed to bring their own sanitation kit but they can expect to see hand sanitizers throughout the premises and handwashing facilities inside comfort rooms. Elevator use is only for senior citizens and PWDs.
Also, the following are not permitted inside the museum buildings:
- Art materials (including ink pens) other than pencils
- Bags larger than 33 x 43 cm.
- Backpacks, baby backpack carriers, long umbrellas, and other bulky items
- Plants, flowers, or other organic materials
- Tripod and video cameras
- Wrapped packages including gifts
- Pets
Enjoy your visit!