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 move 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 essentially the most recognizable function of Manila’s skyline.
The Manila Clock Tower was designed by famend Filipino architect Antonio Toledo and accomplished within the Nineteen Thirties as a part of the Manila Metropolis Corridor constructing. Standing at round 100 toes tall, it’s the largest clock tower within the Philippines and has grow to be a recognizable image of the town. Through the years, it stood not solely as a functioning timepiece but additionally 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 previous icon. They initially supplied free entry however guests ought to make reservations first. Nonetheless, final March 2024, they carried out new guidelines. There may be now an entrance charge of Php 100 with 50% low cost for teenagers 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 might wish to examine their Fb Web page first for any bulletins. After we get there, we have been warmly welcomed by their workforce.
The tower has seven ranges. The primary ground contains a WW2-inspired gallery, the second and the fifth ground function rotating reveals. It implies that the shows or the gadgets being exhibited are usually not everlasting. So, the portray or the artworks will differ infrequently. The third ground is the place the Clock Tower Cafe is positioned 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.
Stage 1: The World Struggle 2 Gallery
As quickly as you enter the museum, you can be greeted by a World Struggle 2 impressed exhibit. A suspended duplicate 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 battle. Open Metropolis Manila was a strategic and humanitarian effort by retreating Allied forces to spare the town from battle’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 photograph gallery devoted to the fallen troopers of the World Struggle 2
The gallery reveals numerous sculptures, work, and pictures associated to the Manila Clock tower and the Second World Struggle
Metallic artworks exhibiting completely different interpretation of the clock tower
Most likely considered one of finest elements of this gallery are these classic bombs on show. Along with an enormous portray by a well 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 exhibiting some rubbles from the Manila bombing through the second world battle.
Be sure that to not miss a photograph opp on this big arm chair on the primary ground of the Manila Clock Tower Museum.
Stage 2: Artwork Gallery (Rotating Exhibit)
The second stage of the tower options numerous 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
Varied work by the actor Jao Mapa
Anino, a blended 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? Nicely, that may actually offer you 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 muffins, pastries and drinks, equivalent to croissants, cheesecakes, caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks.
The Cafe can also be surrounded by numerous Artwork works.
The worth of their drinks and their meals will vary from Php110 to Php 250. Take observe which you can solely eat and drink on this stage and you aren’t allowed to convey them anyplace else within the tower.
LEVEL 4: The Corridor of Mayors
Certainly one of my favourite elements 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 prefer to grow to be one of many Mayors of Manila (even in simply few minute). This corridor is an ideal photograph 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 exhibiting the previous map of Manila
A small library
Oh look, a Caviteño in Manila! A bust statue of Emilio Aguinaldo, our first President
Stage 5: Extra Artworks!
The fifth stage of the tower can also be a rotating exhibit showcasing numerous work, installations, images, and blended media from completely different artists.
“Tranquil Reverie: Woman Amidst White Flowers” by Shellie Charrise Nim
“Twilight Companions” by Daniel Tuco Yu
Yakunaga (Yaku Nagashima)
Himig sa Might Nilad, a commemorative art work by Kristine Lim
LEVEL 6: The Clock Mechanism Room
The sixth stage 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 could find the clock tower’s mechanisms. All 4 clocks are functioning and every going through all 4 instructions.
The West Clock going through the historic Intramuros.
The East Clock going through the Malacañang Palace
The South Clock going through the Bonifacio Shrine
The South Clock going through 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 Commonplace Time, because of computer-controlled, GPS-synchronized mechanisms. This implies the 4 clock faces are now not manually adjusted however robotically 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 stage
LEVEL 7: The View Deck
The final and the topmost stage of the Clock tower is the view deck which provides you the panoramic view of Manila
The Manila Metropolis Corridor as considered from the Tower
Issues it is best to know In regards to the Manila Clock Tower Museum
Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to three:00 pm
Entrance Payment: Php 100 / 12 years previous and beneath is 50% off
Nonetheless,
a. PWDs are FREE
b. Senior residents are FREE
c. College students from MANILA Colleges which have an official instructional discipline journey are FREE
simply current your Legitimate ID upon entrance
How one can get to Manila Clock Tower Museum:
Manila Metropolis Corridor is positioned 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.
In case you’re from the South, any buses sure for Lawton or Quiapo will move by the Manila Metropolis Corridor
Listed here are different Museums in Manila that it is best to go to: