National Museum of Anthropology
About
Meet the Philippines before the Spanish arrived, for free! The National Museum of Anthropology fills the grand neoclassical Old Finance Building beside Rizal Park with the country's ethnographic and archaeological treasures. Stand face to face with the famous Manunggul Jar and the Maitum burial jars, decode ancient scripts in the Baybayin gallery, and trace thousands of years of pottery in Palayok. The weaving and Mindanao galleries celebrate living cultures, and the columned portico upstairs looks out over Luneta. Pair it with the Fine Arts and Natural History museums next door, and come on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.
Opening hoursSee the week
- Monday9 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday9 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday9 AM–6 PM
- Thursday9 AM–6 PM
- Friday9 AM–6 PM
- Saturday9 AM–6 PM
- Sunday9 AM–6 PM
Closed on selected religious holidays; arrive at least 30 minutes before closing
From weblinks.nationalmuseum.gov.ph, checked Oct 2026
- 1.5–2 hrs (a full day with the Fine Arts and Natural History museums)Time to spend
- Weekday mornings right at 9 AM opening. Sundays bring free joiners' tours but also the biggest crowds. Good any time of year since it is all indoors.Best time to go
- Free entryEntrance and budget
- Train or jeep, then a short walkNo car needed
What to do here
- See the Manunggul Jar and Maitum burial jars in Kaban ng Lahi
- Learn ancient scripts in the Baybayin gallery
- Explore Philippine weaving in Hibla ng Lahing Filipino
- Join a free Sunday joiners' tour
- Snap Luneta views from the columned portico
Know before you go
Bags larger than 11 x 9 inches, food, drinks and umbrellas must go to the baggage counter, so travel light.
Keep an eye on your belongings in the busy Rizal Park area and on the walk from the LRT.
Do not touch artifacts or lean on display cases; staff strictly enforce gallery rules.
Parking is available in and around Rizal Park.
Free admission for everyone (NMP visitor guidelines on reservation.nationalmuseum.gov.ph, opened 2026-10-07; Tatler Asia, May 2026). Groups of 20 or more must book online at least 3 working days ahead.
Where it is
Old Finance Building, Agrifina Circle, Finance Road / P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila
No car neededTake LRT-1 to United Nations Avenue Station, then walk or ride a jeepney to the museum beside Rizal Park. By car or Grab, head for Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, between the National Museum of Natural History and Rizal Park.
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FAQ
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it is free for everyone! Walk-in visitors are welcome.
What are the opening hours?
The galleries are open 9 AM to 6 PM, and the National Museum now opens its doors daily. Mondays and Sundays are reserved for walk-in visitors.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photos are allowed, but no flash. Tripods, selfie sticks and big backpacks must be checked in.
Is there a guided tour?
Yes! Free Museum Sunday Joiners' Tours start at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM on a first-come basis, and the Museo Guide app has self-guided walkthroughs.