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Museums across the Philippines are opening their doors with free admission days, heritage walks, workshops, and interactive activities in celebration of International Museum Day 2026.

This year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” highlights the role of museums in fostering dialogue, understanding, and cultural connection.

Ahead of International Museum Day 2026 on Monday, here are some museum events and promos happening around Metro Manila and beyond:

Yuchengco Museum

Yuchengco Museum has announced free admission for all visitors on May 17 and 18.

Guests can explore several exhibits including:

  • Pasulong: Recent Sculptures by Anton Quisumbing
  • Nakita sa Makati by Bernie Bacosa
  • The World According to Jaime de Guzman
  • Agimat at Anting-Anting
  • Art-In-Progress by Marco Y. Santos

The museum said the initiative aligns with the theme focused on dialogue and understanding between communities.

UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas

On May 18, UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas is offering free activities centered on Ermita’s rich cultural and educational history.

Activities include:

  • 8:30 a.m. – Museum Walk and Talkback with Curator Dr. Achanzar-Labor
  • 9:30 a.m. – UP Manila Heritage Buildings tour

The museum said the program aims to reconnect visitors with Ermita’s historical identity before World War II.

FEU Museum

FEU Guides invites the public to join its free Special Heritage Campus Tour on May 18.

Tour slots are available at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Visitors can explore the university’s architecture, history, culture, and heritage spaces as part of the global IMD celebration.

Metropolitan Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila announced free admission from May 19 to 31.

Visitors may register online, while walk-ins are also accepted with onsite registration.

Current exhibitions include:

  • Seams of Memory by Winna Go
  • Omocha: Japanese Toys Today
  • Femme Hommage

The museum also features interactive stations such as toy play areas, self-portrait drawing areas, and the “Museum Mayhem!” game.

National Museum

The National Museum of the Philippines unveiled a nationwide lineup of activities across its Central and Regional Component Museums.

Programs include:

  • Launch of the NMP Passport and Mobile App
  • Guided tours and interactive gallery games
  • Traditional games and weaving workshops
  • Arts and crafts activities
  • Heritage quiz bowls and cultural lectures

Regional museums in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will also host localized events highlighting Filipino heritage, arts, and traditions.

Ayala Museum

As part of National Heritage Month, Ayala Museum is giving visitors access to all museum galleries when they avail of a 2F exhibitions ticket.

The promo runs Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., until May 28.

Visitors can explore the museum’s iconic dioramas, pre-colonial gold collection, textiles, ceramics, and modern art exhibitions in one visit.

Here are the ticket rates:

  • Regular local rate: P200
  • Discounted rate: P120
  • Foreigners: P300

Ateneo Art Gallery

The Ateneo Art Gallery will offer free admission for all

Yuchengco Museum

The Yuchengco Museum in Makati City, Philippines, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the country through its collection of fine arts, rare books, and historical artifacts. Founded in 2005 by businessman and philanthropist Alfonso T. Yuchengco, the museum highlights his family’s legacy and contributions to Philippine art and education. It also features the “Rizal in the 21st Century” exhibit, which explores the enduring relevance of national hero José Rizal.

UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas

The UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas, located within the University of the Philippines Manila campus, is a unique museum dedicated to exploring the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Philippines. It showcases how ideas—particularly those related to health, science, and nation-building—have shaped Philippine society, often through historical artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits. The museum is housed in a historic building that was once part of the university’s early 20th-century infrastructure, reflecting the institution’s long-standing role in education and public service.

FEU Museum

The FEU Museum, located within Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines, was established in 1998 to house the university’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts. Its history is closely tied to the institution’s mission of preserving Filipino heritage, featuring works by national artists and a significant collection of 19th-century religious icons and furniture. The museum serves as an educational resource, showcasing the country’s rich artistic and historical traditions.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, often called the Met, is a premier museum in the Philippines dedicated to showcasing both Filipino and international visual arts. Originally established in 1976 as a venue for world-class traveling exhibitions, it later expanded its permanent collection to focus on Philippine modern and contemporary art, as well as indigenous textiles and artifacts. Located within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex, the museum plays a key role in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage.

National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines, located in Manila, is the country’s premier institution for preserving and showcasing Filipino art, culture, and natural history. Established in 1901, its main building, originally designed as a neoclassical library, now houses iconic works like Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium” and exhibits on archaeology and ethnography. The museum complex also includes the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Anthropology, offering a comprehensive look at the nation’s heritage.

Ayala Museum

The Ayala Museum, located in Makati City, Philippines, is a premier cultural institution known for its extensive collection of pre-colonial goldwork and artifacts, as well as its renowned “Diorama Experience” depicting key moments in Philippine history. Founded in 1967 by the Ayala Foundation, the museum originally focused on archaeological and ethnographic exhibits, later expanding to include modern and contemporary art. Its history reflects a commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, from ancient civilizations to the present day.

Ateneo Art Gallery

The Ateneo Art Gallery in Manila, Philippines, is a pioneering museum of modern and contemporary art. Established in 1960 through a donation from Fernando Zóbel, it holds a significant collection of works by leading Filipino artists. It is recognized as the first museum of Philippine modern art.