Museums and galleries in Cebu City

Museums and galleries in Cebu City

1. See

   Basilica of Santo Niño

   Basilica del Santo Niño (Basilica of the Holy Child)

   A large and venerable church that traces its history to the founding of the convent of the Santo Niño de Cebu in 1565. It contains a statue of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) that is regarded as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. The statue was presented by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on 14 April 1521. The natives of Cebu were formally Christianized by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Father Andres de Urdaneta on 27 April 1565. However, as they found the natives hostile, the village was set on fire. Later on, in a burnt-out house, a soldier named Juan Camus found the statue untouched. This was proclaimed a miracle. The statue, adorned with gold and precious stones, is in a glass case to the left of the altar. The church sees a constant stream of devotees praying at pews in the sanctuary and in front of statues of saints. The Basilica del Santo Niño Museum (open Tu-Su 8-11:45AM, 1:30-4:45PM) contains the vestments used to dress the Santo Niño and jewellery offered to the Santo Niño for use during his feast on the third Sunday of January.

   PHP 30 for museum

2. See

   Casa Gorordo Museum

   A well-preserved Spanish colonial mansion constructed largely of wood, set in a pleasant, manicured garden. The lower floor has a collection of old tools, and an A/C room that has changing displays such as art exhibitions. The more interesting upstairs level was the former living quarters of the Gorordo family. It features lovely carved wooden furniture and a wide patio. The kitchen is particularly interesting, as it contains a traditional dirt stove, a wooden food safe, and a traditional dish drying rack fitted to the outside of the window.

   Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM·Adults PHP 70

3. See

   Cebu Provincial Museum

   Museo Sugbo

   The museum is housed in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, which was once the Carcel de Cebu. Its four Spanish-era buildings made of coral stone contain artifacts relating to the history of Cebu.

   PHP 75

4. See

   Fort San Pedro

   Fuerza de San Pedro

   The smallest Spanish outpost in the Philippines during the colonial era. It has a small museum showcasing the wreckage and treasures from the sunken San Diego galleon from Mexico. The area is scenic with the newly renovated and open-air Plaza Independencia at the entrance.

   Adults, PHP 30; students, PHP 20; senior citizens, PHP 24

5. See

   Jesuit House Museum

   Yet another heritage house museum, this one the residence of a Jesuit from around 1730. Inside looks like a Spanish galleon.

   ₱50

6. See

   Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum

   A museum that pays homage to the musical heritage of Cebu. This museum is operated under the Tipiganan sa mga Handumanan sa Kanta ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon (Treasury of Memories) Foundation. In the old building of The Freeman Newspaper.

7. See

   Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary And Art Gallery

   Where you can go to see Lepidoptera and other entomology exhibits, including a butterfly and art garden, although it's pretty scrunched in to an urban environment.

8. See

   Rizal Memorial Museum

   Paintings and sculptures by local artists and antiques donated by wealthy Cebuanos.

   9AM-5PM·PHP 20

9. See

   Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum

   Small exhibit hall on Chinese heritage in Cebu. This building (the Gotiaoco Building), also has a mural of the Magellan's Cross shrine and other Cebu highlights on its backside.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cebu City (CC BY-SA 4.0).