Each time I go to Manila, one landmark I by no means fail to see is the towering Manila Metropolis Corridor with its iconic Clock Tower proudly rising above the busy streets. For years, I’d merely cross by it—curious, amazed, but unaware of what lay inside. Little did I do know that behind this historic construction was a hidden gem: the Manila Clock Tower Museum. Greater than only a timekeeping monument, the museum presents a deeper look into the town’s wealthy previous, its heroes, and its heritage—all housed inside essentially the most recognizable characteristic of Manila’s skyline.
The Manila Clock Tower was designed by famend Filipino architect Antonio Toledo and accomplished within the Nineteen Thirties as a part of the Manila Metropolis Corridor constructing. Standing at round 100 toes tall, it’s the largest clock tower within the Philippines and has turn out to be a recognizable image of the town. Through the years, it stood not solely as a functioning timepiece but additionally as a silent witness to Manila’s historical past—from World Conflict II devastation to post-war rebuilding and past.
The doorway to the museum
Previously a storage room, the inside was renovated to include an artwork gallery, espresso store, and a museum that includes an exhibit of historic occasions. It was opened to the general public on December 27, 2021 (my birthday 🙂 ). The museum was envisioned as an area to protect, showcase, and honor the capital’s vibrant previous whereas giving guests a brand new perspective on an outdated icon. They initially provided free entry however guests ought to make reservations first. Nevertheless, final March 2024, they applied new guidelines. There’s now an entrance charge of Php 100 with 50% low cost for youths age 12 and beneath. Stroll-ins are additionally now allowed.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to three PM, however it’s possible you’ll wish to examine their Fb Web page first for any bulletins. Once we get there, we have been warmly welcomed by their workforce.
The tower has seven ranges. The primary flooring incorporates a WW2-inspired gallery, the second and the fifth flooring characteristic rotating reveals. It implies that the shows or the gadgets being exhibited are usually not everlasting. So, the portray or the artworks will fluctuate every so often. The third flooring is the place the Clock Tower Cafe is positioned whereas the Corridor of Mayors will be discovered on the fourth flooring. The sixth and the seventh flooring is the place the Clock Mechanism room and the Commentary deck will be discovered respectively.
Degree 1: The World Conflict 2 Gallery
As quickly as you enter the museum, you may be greeted by a World Conflict 2 impressed exhibit. A suspended duplicate of a bomb might be one of many first issues to get your consideration.
The reception space options set up depicting occasions when Manila was declared as Open Metropolis in the course of the second World warfare. Open Metropolis Manila was a strategic and humanitarian effort by retreating Allied forces to spare the town from warfare’s destruction. Sadly, the Japanese ignored the declaration, and Manila endured immense struggling each in the course of the occupation and its eventual liberation.
Approaching the mezzanine, you’ll discover a big photograph gallery devoted to the fallen troopers of the World Conflict 2
The gallery reveals numerous sculptures, work, and pictures associated to the Manila Clock tower and the Second World Conflict
Steel artworks exhibiting totally different interpretation of the clock tower
Most likely one in all finest elements of this gallery are these classic bombs on show. Along with an enormous portray by a well known artist Rene Robles. Entitled “Assertionism”, a 3D portray depicting the scenes of the 2nd World Conflict within the Philippines.
Most of those are donated by DECU-Manila Police District
Adjoining to it’s one other gallery depicting scenes from the “bombing of Manila”
One other gallery exhibiting some rubbles from the Manila bombing in the course of the second world warfare.
Be certain that to not miss a photograph opp on this enormous arm chair on the primary flooring of the Manila Clock Tower Museum.
Degree 2: Artwork Gallery (Rotating Exhibit)
The second degree of the tower options numerous artworks from totally different artists. Right here, you’ll witness totally different portray kinds and artists’ interpretations. A few of these work are additionally on the market.
“Ataraxia” by Rembert Quimada
“Isang Putok” by Otto Neri
Numerous work by the actor Jao Mapa
Anino, a blended media artwork by Bokeng Ancanan, a Filipino multidisciplinary artist, is understood for his works celebrating Filipino tradition and traditions.
“The Trans Performer” by Orley Ypon
“Unheard” By Emmanuel Nim
LEVEL 3: The ClockTower Cafe
A restaurant in a clock tower? Nicely, that can actually provide you with a singular eating expertise. Whereas meals and drinks are usually not allowed within the museum, you may have a break of their Clock Tower Cafe. The Clock Tower Cafe is introduced by the Aviary Cafe (the one in Manila Zoo). It presents all kinds of desserts, pastries and drinks, similar to croissants, cheesecakes, caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks.
The Cafe can be surrounded by numerous Artwork works.
The value of their drinks and their meals will vary from Php110 to Php 250. Take notice which you can solely eat and drink on this degree and you aren’t allowed to deliver them wherever else within the tower.
LEVEL 4: The Corridor of Mayors
One among my favourite elements of this whole Clock Tower Expertise is the Corridor of Mayors gallery. Right here, you’ll get an opportunity to expertise the way it feels wish to turn out to be one of many Mayors of Manila (even in simply few minute). This corridor is an ideal photograph alternative. Yow will discover the portraits of all of the previous mayors of Manila from Arsenio Cruz Herrera to former Mayor Honey Lacuna.
Honorable Mayor Milton Coyne huh?
There are additionally infographic partitions exhibiting the outdated map of Manila
A small library
Oh look, a Caviteño in Manila! A bust statue of Emilio Aguinaldo, our first President
Degree 5: Extra Artworks!
The fifth degree of the tower can be a rotating exhibit showcasing numerous work, installations, pictures, and blended media from totally different artists.
“Tranquil Reverie: Woman Amidst White Flowers” by Shellie Charrise Nim
“Twilight Companions” by Daniel Tuco Yu
Yakunaga (Yaku Nagashima)
Himig sa Could Nilad, a commemorative art work by Kristine Lim
LEVEL 6: The Clock Mechanism Room
The sixth degree of the tower is unquestionably the spotlight of this tour. There aren’t any artworks on show or any infographic partitions to view. Right here, yow will discover the clock tower’s mechanisms. All 4 clocks are functioning and every dealing with all 4 instructions.
The West Clock dealing with the historic Intramuros.
The East Clock dealing with the Malacañang Palace
The South Clock dealing with the Bonifacio Shrine
The South Clock dealing with the Rizal Park. The clock tower’s mechanism has already undergone three restorations. The clock tower’s mechanism has been upgraded and synchronized to Philippine Commonplace Time, due to computer-controlled, GPS-synchronized mechanisms. This implies the 4 clock faces are now not manually adjusted however routinely hold correct time.
That is additionally the loudest room. You may right here all of the 4 clocks ticking each minute.
Situated on the heart of this empty room is a spiral staircase which is able to take you to the final degree
LEVEL 7: The View Deck
The final and the topmost degree of the Clock tower is the view deck which supplies you the panoramic view of Manila
The Manila Metropolis Corridor as seen from the Tower
Issues it is best to know In regards to the Manila Clock Tower Museum
Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to three:00 pm
Entrance Charge: Php 100 / 12 years outdated and beneath is 50% off
Nevertheless,
a. PWDs are FREE
b. Senior residents are FREE
c. College students from MANILA Faculties which have an official academic discipline journey are FREE
simply current your Legitimate ID upon entrance
get to Manila Clock Tower Museum:
Manila Metropolis Corridor is positioned within the coronary heart of the Metropolis of Manila. This implies reaching this place, with its distinctive and iconic clock tower, shouldn’t be troublesome, particularly with the straightforward availability of public transportation choices.
In case you’re from the South, any buses certain for Lawton or Quiapo will cross by the Manila Metropolis Corridor
Listed below are different Museums in Manila that it is best to go to: