Each time I go to Manila, one landmark I by no means miss out on is the towering Manila Metropolis Corridor with its iconic Clock Tower proudly rising above the busy streets. For years, I might merely go by it—curious, amazed, but unaware of what lay inside. Little did I do know that behind this historic construction was a hidden gem: the Manila Clock Tower Museum. Greater than only a timekeeping monument, the museum affords a deeper look into the town’s wealthy previous, its heroes, and its heritage—all housed inside probably the most recognizable characteristic of Manila’s skyline.
The Manila Clock Tower was designed by famend Filipino architect Antonio Toledo and accomplished within the Thirties as a part of the Manila Metropolis Corridor constructing. Standing at round 100 ft tall, it’s the largest clock tower within the Philippines and has develop into a recognizable image of the town. Through the years, it stood not solely as a functioning timepiece but in addition as a silent witness to Manila’s historical past—from World Struggle II devastation to post-war rebuilding and past.
The doorway to the museum
Previously a storage room, the inside was renovated to comprise an artwork gallery, espresso store, and a museum that includes an exhibit of historic occasions. It was opened to the general public on December 27, 2021 (my birthday 🙂 ). The museum was envisioned as an area to protect, showcase, and honor the capital’s vibrant previous whereas giving guests a brand new perspective on an outdated icon. They initially supplied free entry however guests ought to make reservations first. Nevertheless, final March 2024, they carried out new guidelines. There may be now an entrance price of Php 100 with 50% low cost for youths age 12 and beneath. Stroll-ins are additionally now allowed.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to three PM, however you could wish to test their Fb Web page first for any bulletins. Once we get there, we have been warmly welcomed by their staff.
The tower has seven ranges. The primary ground contains a WW2-inspired gallery, the second and the fifth ground characteristic rotating reveals. It implies that the shows or the objects being exhibited are usually not everlasting. So, the portray or the artworks will fluctuate sometimes. The third ground is the place the Clock Tower Cafe is situated whereas the Corridor of Mayors may be discovered on the fourth ground. The sixth and the seventh ground is the place the Clock Mechanism room and the Statement deck may be discovered respectively.
Degree 1: The World Struggle 2 Gallery
As quickly as you enter the museum, you may be greeted by a World Struggle 2 impressed exhibit. A suspended reproduction of a bomb might be one of many first issues to get your consideration.
The reception space options set up depicting occasions when Manila was declared as Open Metropolis through the second World warfare. Open Metropolis Manila was a strategic and humanitarian effort by retreating Allied forces to spare the town from warfare’s destruction. Sadly, the Japanese ignored the declaration, and Manila endured immense struggling each through the occupation and its eventual liberation.
Approaching the mezzanine, you’ll discover a big picture gallery devoted to the fallen troopers of the World Struggle 2
The gallery reveals varied sculptures, work, and pictures associated to the Manila Clock tower and the Second World Struggle
Steel artworks displaying completely different interpretation of the clock tower
In all probability one in all greatest components of this gallery are these classic bombs on show. Along with an enormous portray by a widely known artist Rene Robles. Entitled “Assertionism”, a 3D portray depicting the scenes of the 2nd World Struggle within the Philippines.
Most of those are donated by DECU-Manila Police District
Adjoining to it’s one other gallery depicting scenes from the “bombing of Manila”
One other gallery displaying some rubbles from the Manila bombing through the second world warfare.
Ensure to not miss a photograph opp on this enormous arm chair on the primary ground of the Manila Clock Tower Museum.
Degree 2: Artwork Gallery (Rotating Exhibit)
The second degree of the tower options varied artworks from completely different artists. Right here, you’ll witness completely different portray kinds and artists’ interpretations. A few of these work are additionally on the market.
“Ataraxia” by Rembert Quimada
“Isang Putok” by Otto Neri
Numerous work by the actor Jao Mapa
Anino, a combined media artwork by Bokeng Ancanan, a Filipino multidisciplinary artist, is thought for his works celebrating Filipino tradition and traditions.
“The Trans Performer” by Orley Ypon
“Unheard” By Emmanuel Nim
LEVEL 3: The ClockTower Cafe
A restaurant in a clock tower? Properly, that may definitely provide you with a singular eating expertise. Whereas meals and drinks are usually not allowed within the museum, you possibly can have a break of their Clock Tower Cafe. The Clock Tower Cafe is introduced by the Aviary Cafe (the one in Manila Zoo). It affords all kinds of desserts, pastries and drinks, similar to croissants, cheesecakes, caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks.
The Cafe can be surrounded by varied Artwork works.
The worth of their drinks and their meals will vary from Php110 to Php 250. Take word you could solely eat and drink on this degree and you aren’t allowed to carry them anyplace else within the tower.
LEVEL 4: The Corridor of Mayors
Certainly one of my favourite components of this whole Clock Tower Expertise is the Corridor of Mayors gallery. Right here, you’ll get an opportunity to expertise the way it feels wish to develop into one of many Mayors of Manila (even in simply few minute). This corridor is an ideal picture alternative. You will discover the portraits of all of the previous mayors of Manila from Arsenio Cruz Herrera to former Mayor Honey Lacuna.
Honorable Mayor Milton Coyne huh?
There are additionally infographic partitions displaying the outdated map of Manila
A small library
Oh look, a Caviteño in Manila! A bust statue of Emilio Aguinaldo, our first President
Degree 5: Extra Artworks!
The fifth degree of the tower can be a rotating exhibit showcasing varied work, installations, images, and combined media from completely different artists.
“Tranquil Reverie: Lady Amidst White Flowers” by Shellie Charrise Nim
“Twilight Companions” by Daniel Tuco Yu
Yakunaga (Yaku Nagashima)
Himig sa Could Nilad, a commemorative art work by Kristine Lim
LEVEL 6: The Clock Mechanism Room
The sixth degree of the tower is certainly the spotlight of this tour. There aren’t any artworks on show or any infographic partitions to view. Right here, you’ll find the clock tower’s mechanisms. All 4 clocks are functioning and every dealing with all 4 instructions.
The West Clock dealing with the historic Intramuros.
The East Clock dealing with the Malacañang Palace
The South Clock dealing with the Bonifacio Shrine
The South Clock dealing with the Rizal Park. The clock tower’s mechanism has already undergone three restorations. The clock tower’s mechanism has been upgraded and synchronized to Philippine Normal Time, due to computer-controlled, GPS-synchronized mechanisms. This implies the 4 clock faces are not manually adjusted however mechanically preserve correct time.
That is additionally the loudest room. You’ll be able to right here all of the 4 clocks ticking each minute.
Positioned on the middle of this empty room is a spiral staircase which can take you to the final degree
LEVEL 7: The View Deck
The final and the topmost degree of the Clock tower is the view deck which supplies you the panoramic view of Manila
The Manila Metropolis Corridor as seen from the Tower
Issues you must know Concerning the Manila Clock Tower Museum
Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to three:00 pm
Entrance Price: Php 100 / 12 years outdated and beneath is 50% off
Nevertheless,
a. PWDs are FREE
b. Senior residents are FREE
c. College students from MANILA Faculties which have an official instructional area journey are FREE
simply current your Legitimate ID upon entrance
The way to get to Manila Clock Tower Museum:
Manila Metropolis Corridor is situated within the coronary heart of the Metropolis of Manila. This implies reaching this place, with its distinctive and iconic clock tower, shouldn’t be tough, particularly with the straightforward availability of public transportation choices.
For those who’re from the South, any buses certain for Lawton or Quiapo will go by the Manila Metropolis Corridor
Listed here are different Museums in Manila that you must go to: