In search of a brand new museum to go to for Nationwide Arts Month this February? Step again in time and discover the Manila Clock Tower Museum, housed within the metropolis’s most iconic landmark—the Manila Metropolis Corridor.
Designed by architect Antonio Toledo and accomplished throughout the Nineteen Thirties, the Manila Clock Tower stands virtually 100 toes (30 meters) in elevation, making it the most important clock tower within the Philippines. Manila Metropolis Corridor and the Clock Tower have been broken closely throughout World Conflict II and the 1945 Battle of Manila and rebuilt over the a long time.
I’ve been all in favour of visiting this museum primarily due to its creepy historical past. For years, the clock tower served primarily as a storage room with a status of being haunted. Former workers used to say that individuals shouldn’t keep inside past 6:00 p.m. as a result of spirits contained in the constructing make their presence felt at night time. When seen from above, Manila Metropolis Corridor’s trapezoid like form resembles a coffin with a cross on it.
The constructing has gone by numerous renovations through the years. In mid-2020, parts of the clock tower which was purple, and the faces of the three clocks, have been painted gold as a part of its restoration. The interiors have been cleared out, repainted, and refurbished to slot in artwork galleries, leading to Manila’s latest trendy museum.
The pandemic delayed the formal opening, however lastly, in October 2022, the Clock Tower Museum was formally launched as a significant vacationer attraction and historic landmark and opened to the general public. This distinctive museum adaptively reuses the construction of the clock tower, with 5 ranges showcasing the historical past of Manila and trendy artwork galleries, with altering artwork displays.
The primary exhibit on the primary flooring options an immersive exhibit with a quick historical past in regards to the Battle of Manila throughout World Conflict II. The museum makes use of video displays and a 3D-wall set up of key moments throughout the conflict designed by Ohm David and Elba Cruz. There’s additionally a Wall of heroes going up the steps and pictures and work of the outdated tower earlier than it was restored.
It’s not only a historical past museum, however there are galleries dedicated to modern artwork and tradition. The most recent displays embody Banaag and Fashionable Manileña, a “vogue and artwork exhibit impressed by, and made for, the worldwide, empowered, trendy Manileña.”
Guests can see the within workings of the 4 sides of the clock and get a 360-degree view of Intramuros and close by Manila on the high two flooring. In keeping with the museum attendants, a restaurant is within the works on the third flooring of the museum. so that is one thing espresso lovers can stay up for after they go to sooner or later.
How one can go to the Manila Clock Tower Museum
For the reason that museum is positioned inside a authorities constructing, the Manila Clock Tower Museum is just open on weekdays from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to three pm. The museum is CLOSED on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
As of February 2023, museum visits are free to the general public, however they require on-line bookings. No walk-ins are allowed but. To schedule a tour, bookings have to be made on-line by their Fb web page.
Guided excursions are solely accessible from Tuesday to Friday, each 30 minutes apart from lunch hour. You may ebook reservations for the next occasions: 10:00, 10:30 11:00, 11:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, and a couple of:30 pm.
- For on-line bookings, ship a message to the Manila Clock Tower Museum Fb web page.
- An automatic message will ask in your title, most well-liked date and time of the go to, contact particulars, and the variety of folks included in your group.
- Watch for the admin’s affirmation and approval of your reserving.
- You’ll then obtain a message from the web page administrator confirming your appointment.
- Go to the museum on the date and time primarily based in your affirmation message.
Museum guidelines
- Don’t contact or transfer any of the tools, shows or artwork works. Many of the trendy artwork displays, work, and furnishings are for SALE.
- Please converse in low tones as a courtesy to different guests and preserve the ambiance contained in the Museum.
- Taking of movies on the primary flooring and flash images on the primary, mezzanine, and the 2nd flooring are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. You may take pictures with out flash.
- Every batch of 15 guests might be allowed each half-hour ONLY.
- No meals or drink is allowed contained in the museum.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is at 4/F Manila Metropolis Corridor, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
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