Happy new year! Part of my 2020 goals is to have more family travels and discover new places to go here in Metro Manila. It’s a plus if it’s a park or a place that does not charge an entrance fee. What perfect timing because Gwen’s ninong and one of our closest friends now works in the National Museum of Natural History. Last year pa kami iniinvite to visit but now is the only time that we’re free.
The perks of having a friend in the National Museum? We got a guided tour, kaya naman I will be sharing to you some tips on how to make the most out of your visit to National Museum of Natural History.
How to go to National Museum of Natural History?
National Museum of Natural History is located at Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, Manila. The nearest entrance is along Kalaw Avenue. To commute, you can ride the LRT-1, go down at United Nations station and walk towards the Kalaw entrance, in front of the Children’s Playground.
Operating Hours:
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.
How much is the entrance fee?
FREE!
National Museum of Natural History Attractions
It has 5 floors for the guests and 10 Galleries namely:
- Gallery I – Philippine Biodiversity
- Gallery II – The Geology of the Philippines
- Gallery III – Minerals and Energy Resources
- Gallery IV – Life Through Time
- Gallery V – Mossy, Montane, and Pine Forests
- Gallery VI – Lowland Evergreen Rainforests
- Gallery VII – Ultramafic and Limestone Karst Forests
- Gallery VIII – Freshwater Wetlands
- Gallery IX – Mangroves, Beaches, and Intertidal Zones
- Gallery X – The Marine Realm
At the entrance, they will check your bags and you will leave some of your stuff if it’s not allowable. You will also be asked to register. Then upon entering the hallway, you will be greeted with a well-lit area, that area’s highlight is the “Tree of Life”.
The Tree of Life is an IG-worthy spot in the museum, white paint + lots of sunshine from the roof = awra na! 
At the center which is the trunk, you can ride the elevator to bring you to the top floor.
TIP #1: Start your museum tour from the 5th floor.
I asked Gwen what’s her favorite part, and she said seeing Gemma, and learning about the Philippine Eagle .
TIP #2: Look for interactive exhibits.
Just like in the photo above, there’s a narrative when you stand below the dome.
Tip #3: Go there early in the morning.
Since entrance is free, expect that there will be a lot of people going there, especially on weekends. Try to go in the morning so you have enough time to see the galleries.
Tip #4: Look for Lolong.
Lolong is one huge crocodile and its skeleton hangs at the Ayala Hall. There’s also a big Sperm Whale.
Tip #5: There are comfort rooms in every floor.
Tip #6: Taking videos is strictly prohibited.
National Museum of Natural History is surprisingly entertaining for the kids. This is perfect for kids who love science or who loves nature.
Tip #7: Parking is limited.
I think it’s about time that the 3 National Museums will have ample parking space.
That’s it mommies! I hope you’ll also have the time to visit the 3 Nationals Museums plus Planetarium in the coming days.
Thank you for sharing momshie
This was very informative. Great information about this museum. If I should end up in Manila sometime, I will have to come back to this post.