After nearly a year of closure, the National Museum of the Philippines, or the Museo Pambansa in Manila, will open this Tuesday.
Included in those that would be reopened is the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History. The National Planetarium, which is also part of the National Museum, is still closed.
According to Jeremy Barnes, director-general of the museum, operating hours are limited. The museums will open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, for the morning session, and from 1 to 4 in the afternoon session.
The museum is closed every Monday.
Only 100 guests are allowed per session, and guests are only 15 to 65 years old, who must bring an ID showing the birthday date.
It is also necessary to pre-book online the day before the visit. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Health protocols such as wearing a face mask and face shield will also be implemented.
The museum was closed on March 13, 2020, due to the threat of COVID-19.
The National Museum of the Philippines an umbrella government organization that oversees a number of national museums in the Philippines, including ethnographic, anthropological, archaeological, and visual arts collections.
National Museum reopens to public
Since 1998, the museum has been the regulatory and enforcement agency of the Government of the Philippines in the restoring and safeguarding of important cultural properties, sites, and reservations throughout the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso supports the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) plan to remove age-restrictions on going to some parks amid coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic – as long as it is once a week “Family Day.”
Intramuros recently opened the gates of Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, and Baluarte de San Diego to the public this month but it is only for 15-65-year-olds.
“Let me take this opportunity na hikayatin ang ating mga kababayan na pumasyal kayo sa Intramuros. Kapag napasyal ka sa Intramuros noon kabahan ka, ngayon mas maaliwalas na. Malapit na rin mabuksan ang Metropolitan Theater sa April,” Mayor Isko said.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat first demanded a one-day exemption from age restriction on February 18: “Because tourism is for the family, not just for 15 to 65,” he said.