Exploring the National Museum of Natural History

Mt. Mayon's Volcanic Rocks

As the southwest monsoon, known as "habagat" in the Philippines, started to drench the western side of the country, I have switched my free-time activities from outdoor to indoor. 

I am so happy to be able to fly kronos (the drone) even just for a while and enjoyed the beach before habagat came and ended the hot summer.

One of my favorite indoor activities on wet season is to explore museums. The former Department of Tourism (DOT) building located within the Rizal Park (Luneta) has been transformed into a National Museum of Natural History. 

I heard from the news that the museum has finally opened its doors to the public on May 18, 2018 just in time  for the International Museum Day. The news also said that entrance is free.

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I decided to take a look at the newly opened Museum located at the corner of Kalaw St. and Taft Avenue in Manila. I arrived at the museum past twelve in the afternoon. There was a queue of visitors at the main entrance and I waited for an hour to get inside the museum.

Facade and Main Entrance

I was excited to see the museum and eager to get inside to see the interior which, according to the National Museum of the Philippines, was inspired by Nature, hence it is the Museum of Natural History.

After passing through the security check, I signed on the visitors' log book, deposited my bag and finally entered the main hall.

WHAT CAN BE SEEN INSIDE THE MUSEUM

Lolong's replica and skeleton

As I entered the main hall through the upper floor entrance, "Lolong" welcomed me. A replica of the salt-water crocodile captured in Agusan Del Sur is on display near the entrance door. Measuring 6.17 meters/20 feet 3 in and weighing 2,370 lbs (1,075 kg), the crocodile was known for a Guinness World Record as the "world's largest crocodile in captivity". 

Lolong' Replica

The creature died in captivity on February 10, 2013 and the remains were transferred to the National Museum, its final resting place.

Officials of the Museum said that the preserved skin of "Lolong" will eventually replace the replica once the ongoing necessary preparations are done. 

Lolong's Skeleton

Lolong's actual skeleton hangs from the ceiling inside Ayala Reception Hall at the second floor.

Tree of Life, the building itself, the architecture

Dubbed as the "Tree of Life" is a double helix structure at the center supporting a glass dome. It used to be the courtyard of the six storey building. 

Tree of Life

At the center of the structure is a glass elevator that will take visitors from ground up to the top floor.

The glass dome allows natural light to enter and casts patterns of shadow on the floor on a sunny day.

A Museum official said that the structure supporting the glass dome was inspired by a microscopic figure of a "DNA".

Mini-mangrove

Perhaps my most favorite exhibit is the recreated mangrove.

Mini mangrove forest

Mangrove Crab

The exhibit displays several species that can be found in mangrove forests such as the Mangrove Crab (Scylla Serata).

Other taxidermied species on display.

 

Marine life

On display are figures of whale shark, manta ray and dolphins as well as corals of varying colors and other marine species. Also on display is an eye-cathing giant clam.

Whale shark, manta ray and dolphins

Giant clam

Hatching Time

So far, only the first three floors are open and the remaining floors are still restricted as preparations are still ongoing.

More exhibits

  

  

 

Philippine Rafflesia

The Museum officials said that more exhibits will soon open when the preparations for the remaining floors are done. They said that exhibits will be arranged as according to mother nature's order: top floor will showcase exhibits of natural species from high grounds - mountains and forests while the lower floors will showcase exhibits of ground level species and the aquatic world.

Once completed, the best way to explore the exhibits, according to the Museum guides, is to take the glass elevator from ground up to the top floor through the Tree of Life.

At the top, visitors will explore the Natural History of the high lands - mountains and forest and make their way to the ground to see those at the ground level and under water.

The National Museum of Natural History is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 1000H to 1700H.

Visit National Museum website. 

-o0o-