The opening of the National Museum of Natural History in Manila last May 2018 marked the fulfillment of the envisioned trifecta of the Philippines' principal museum. Existing alongside this brand new museum are the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology, also in Manila. Together, these three museums serve as an invaluable crucible of Philippine history and culture.
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| The 'Tree of Life' draws inspiration from the DNA double-helix. |
Since its opening in May this year, the National Museum of Natural History has been drawing in huge crowds. In most days, the queue leading up to its gates is very long, extending all the way to Rizal Park. At no time have regular Filipino folks been very excited at the prospect of stepping foot to a museum.
Haven't gone there yet? Here are a few pointers to get you started:
From the LRT Yellow Line, get off at United Nations (UN) Avenue. Walk towards Rizal Park. The Natural Museum of Natural History is right next to the larger than life monument of Lapu-Lapu.
If you are coming from Quiapo by bus, jeepney, or UV Express, get off at the Manila City Hall underpass. Walk from the Manila City Hall until you reach Financial Road. Cross the street and walk past the National Museum of Anthropology until you reach Rizal Park. Look for the Lapu-Lapu monument. The National Museum of Natural History is right beside the monument.
WHAT VISITORS SHOULD CHECK OUT IN THE MUSEUM:
1. The Tree of Life
Located at the heart of the museum's atrium, the Tree of Life towers over the entire building. It follows the DNA double-helix pattern to create a very eye-catching feature. At its base is a series of stairs where visitors normally relax and take photos. There is an elevator that takes visitors at the top, too.
2. Lolong
The foremost major display piece upon entering the museum is the life-like replica of Lolong -- the largest crocodile in captivity. Lolong's skeletal remains are displayed in a separate chamber.
3. Preserved animals
From mammals to mollusks, the museum is home to preserved fauna, some even aged millions in years. Among those on display include Philippine eagles, monkeys, deers, birds, insects, and shells.
4. Wild flora
The extent of the museum's flora collection is expansive, many of them with detailed notes. Aspiring botanists will have a heyday looking at these in the museum.
WHAT MUSEUM VISITORS MUST DO:
1. Take the time to read the notes pertaining to the artifacts on display.
One of the thrusts of the National Museum of Natural History is to promote education and cultural as well as scientific literacy. Enter the museum with an open mind and a probing attitude. Try to absorb as much as you can. If one day isn't enough, there's always the next day since entry to the museum is free anyway.
2. Follow a systematic route.
Many visitors commit the amateur mistake of flitting from one stop to the next without a system in place. The result? They end up wasting a lot of time figuring out where they are and going back to some of the exhibits they have seen already.
3. Respect other museum goers.
Admittedly, the National Museum of Natural History is the type of museum that fosters interactivity. The exhibits are colorful and presented in a fascinating manner, some with features that invite guests to participate. In the midst of all these, it's easy to get too excited and giddy, forgetting that there are also other guests present. It pays to be mindful of one's behavior. After all, museums are not playgrounds.
WHAT MUSEUM VISITORS MUST NOT DO:
1. Do NOT touch any of the pieces on display.
This is a very basic rule. No one should go to any museum without understanding this most common of rules.
2. Do NOT make a lot of noise.
This is complimentary to the rule about respecting other museum-goers.
3. Do NOT eat or drink inside the museum.
Obviously, having a drink or food with you inside the museum exposes the things on display to the risk of getting ruined by spills.
4. Lastly, do NOT let the desire to take selfies ruin your appreciation of the things on display.
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Have you been to the National Museum of Natural History? What are your thoughts about your visit? What is your favorite piece on display? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below.