October is celebrated as Museums and Galleries Month in the Philippines. It is a time to appreciate and promote the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. This month encourages people to visit museums and galleries, supporting institutions that safeguard history, art, and culture for future generations. Museums are not just spaces to view artifacts and artworks but also learning environments that foster understanding of the nation’s identity, culture, and values.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone looking for enriching experiences, Museums and Galleries Month offers an ideal time to explore these cultural spaces. For those in Naga City or planning to visit, here’s a guide to some museums that provide a glimpse of the region’s rich heritage.
Guide to Museums in Naga City
Naga City, located in the Bicol region, is home to several cultural institutions that highlight its vibrant history and artistic endeavors. If you are staying at UMA Hotel + Residences, you are accessible to all the museums in Naga City. Here are a few must-visit places for your museum and gallery tour near UMA Hotel:
1. Museo ni Jesse Robredo
The Museo ni Jesse Robredo, located within the Civic Center of Naga, is dedicated to the late Jesse Robredo, a former Mayor of Naga City and Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government in the Philippines. This museum showcases his life, work, and contributions to public service, along with memorabilia that highlight his legacy on good governance and people-centered leadership. It’s a must-visit for those interested in modern Philippine history and governance.
- Highlights: Artifacts, multimedia presentations on Robredo’s life, leadership principles.
- Location:Taal Ave cor J Miranda St., Naga City
- Operating Hours: 8:00AM-5:00PM, Tuesday-Sunday
2. Bicol Science and Technology Centrum
While primarily an interactive science museum, the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) also features exhibits on technology, environmental awareness, and the history of Bicol’s volcanic activity. It’s an educational and family-friendly place where children and adults alike can explore the wonders of science and technology.
- Highlights: Science exhibits, interactive learning stations, environmental awareness.
- Location: J Miranda Avenue, Naga City
- Operating Hours: 9:00AM-12:00NN and 1:00PM-4:00PM Monday-Friday
3. V Gallery X Museum
V Gallery X Museum is a hub for local art exhibitions. This gallery and museum promotes contemporary art, hosting exhibitions by local and regional artists. It’s a vibrant place to discover modern works, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, often with themes reflecting the Bicol region’s culture and societal issues. Apart from being gallery, it is also a museum that houses the collection of vintage stuff and memorabilia on Naga College Foundation and the legacy of its founders.
- Highlights: Contemporary art exhibits, local and regional artists.
- Location: MT Villanueva Avenue, Liboton Naga City
- Operating Hours: 9:00AM-6:00PM Tuesday-Sunday
4. Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum
For those interested in the deep devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol, this museum is a must. It chronicles the history of the Peñafrancia Festival, one of the largest and oldest Marian festivals in the Philippines. Visitors can view religious artifacts, old photographs, and testimonies about the festival’s rich traditions.
- Highlights: Religious relics, history of Peñafrancia Festival, Marian devotion.
- Location: Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City
- Operating Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM Tuesday-Sunday
5. Museo del Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres
This museum, located within the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City. It provides a fascinating look into the theological education history of the region. The museum features a collection of religious artifacts, ecclesiastical vestments, books, and relics from the Spanish colonial period. As the oldest seminary in Southern Luzon, this place also emphasizes the role of religion in shaping local history.
- Highlights: Religious artifacts, Spanish colonial relics, rare books.
- Location: Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City
6. The Porta Mariae Museum
The Porta Mariae Museum is cultural gem that highlights religious, historical, and artistic exhibits, including artifacts that celebrate the Marian devotion deeply rooted in the community. Visitors can explore collections that depict local history, religious traditions, and the city’s role in the Catholic faith. It’s a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Naga’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
- Highlights: Religious artifacts and relics, old books, mural
- Location: Barlin Street, Naga City
7. Museo Historico de Universidad de Sta. Isabel
The Museo Histórico de la Universidad de Sta. Isabel in Naga City preserves the rich history of the university and its significant contributions to education and social development in the region. The museum showcases artifacts, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of the institution’s founding by the Daughters of Charity in 1868, making it one of the oldest universities in the Philippines. Exhibits highlight the university’s role in shaping education, culture, and charity work in Bicol, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation of its enduring legacy.
- Highlights: Religious artifacts and relics, history and ecclesiastical museum
- Location:Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Elias Angeles St., Naga City
8. University of Nueva Caceres Museum
The University of Nueva Caceres Museum in Naga City is a history museum that chronicles the rich past of the Bicol region. Located within the university, the museum features exhibits on local archaeology, ethnography, and historical artifacts, providing insights into the region’s pre-colonial roots, colonial history, and cultural evolution. With a diverse collection that includes ancient tools, pottery, and historical documents, the museum serves as a valuable educational resource, preserving the heritage of Naga City and the surrounding areas.
- Highlights: pre-colonial and colonial artifacts, history museum
- Location:University of Nueva Caceres, J Hernandez St., Naga City
- Operating Hours: 9:00AM-4:00PM Monday-Saturday
9. Museo de Hayskulano
Museo de Hayskulano, located at Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City, celebrates the school’s storied legacy as one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the region. The museum showcases memorabilia, photographs, and historical documents that highlight the school’s role in shaping generations of Bicolano students since its founding in 1902. With exhibits that chronicle its achievements in education and the development of the local community, Museo de Hayskulano is a tribute to the school’s enduring impact on Naga City’s educational and cultural landscape.
- Highlights: History of Camarines Sur National High School, Legacy of school
- Location: Camarines Sur National High School, Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City