Aguinaldo Shrine (Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo)
About
Stand where the Philippines was born! On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed independence from the window and balcony of this grand house in Kawit, and the national flag was first officially raised here. Today the mansion is a free museum run by the NHCP. Tour the grand hall, conference room and azotea, peek at the hidden compartments, secret doors and escape tunnel that Aguinaldo designed, and see the ground-floor exhibits on Cavite's role in the Revolution. Then stroll the park out front for the classic balcony photo. Come on a weekday morning, since the museum closes on Mondays and gets busy with school trips and around Independence Day.
- 1–1.5 hrsTime to spend
- Tuesday to Friday mornings; June 12 for the national Independence Day rites (expect crowds and security).Best time to go
- Free entryEntrance and budget
- From Manila, take a bus or jeepney bound for Kawit, Cavite (about 15 km southwest of Manila).Getting there
What to do here
- Tour the grand hall and the independence balcony
- Find the secret compartments and hidden passages
- See the museum on the Philippine Revolution
- Walk the park in front of the mansion
Know before you go
Expect road closures and tight security around June 12 national rites.
Mind the steep wooden stairs and follow staff guidance on which rooms you can enter.
Roadside and park-area parking along Tirona Highway near the shrine; limited on June 12.
Free admission; donations welcome (Out of Town Blog, November 2023).
Where it is
Tirona Highway, Kaingen, Kawit, Cavite
By commuteFrom Manila, take a bus or jeepney bound for Kawit, Cavite (about 15 km southwest of Manila). By car, take Coastal Road and Cavitex, exit at Kawit, turn left onto Tirona Highway and the shrine is on the right; about 1.5 hours with traffic.
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FAQ
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Admission to the Aguinaldo Shrine museum is free, though donations are welcome.
What are the opening hours?
It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Mondays and some holidays.
Is it open after the 2026 renovation?
Yes. The June 2026 work was cleaning and repairs before Independence Day, and the national June 12, 2026 rites were held at the shrine.
What can I see inside?
The grand hall, conference room, azotea, dining room, secret compartments and passages, plus a ground-floor museum on the Revolution.
Facts from outoftownblog.com · goodnewspilipinas.com · goodnewspilipinas.com · philippinebeaches.org · outoftownblog.com
Prices, hours and access can change, and weather can close a spot fast. Check the official page and PAGASA or PHIVOLCS advisories before you go. GalaTayo is not affiliated with this place. Disclaimer
Photo credits and removal (4)
- 1. Obra19 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal
- 2. Ira Villanueva · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal
- 3. Obra19 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal
- 4. Patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal
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