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| Outside the Museum of Philippine Economic History, Iloilo City |
It's an exciting time for arts and culture here in Iloilo City. Many museums and art galleries are opening and I can feel the enthusiasm and excitement of Ilonggos who are also visiting and supporting these new places. For me, Ilonggos have always been inclined to the arts and culture, and the blossoming of the art scene is something that has been waiting to happen. It just ripened at the right time and I hope it keeps on flourishing.
I wrote about my visit to the new National Museum Western Visayas last time, and now here is one of the newest and best museums in the city: the new Museum of Philippine Economic History. It is in the former Ynchausti y Compañia building, which was later known as Elizalde Building, then it was bought by Commission on Audit before it was turned into a museum. It was opened to the public last February 11, 2019. It is accessible and easy to spot too, it is along the road, right across the Iloilo City Hall. You can get there by riding a Jaro CPU jeepney leading to the city proper.
The museum is a project of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and it is the first of it's kind in the country. It is specific to the history of trade, industries, and commerce from pre-colonial Philippines to the modern time. The artifacts, objects, and displays are not only about Iloilo but the whole coutnry as well.
I also like how the exhibits tell the history of Iloilo through time and there are many pictures of what the old Iloilo City looked like.
I went there alone one Sunday, and I was the lone visitor at that time! I am really impressed with the restoration work they did on the building. The exhibits are great as well, with items and stories I was not aware of! The building is also one of the former trade hubs in Iloilo City and it's only fitting that a museum on economic history will be here.
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| Interior (first floor) |
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| Inside the second floor |
A few artifacts:
Overall, I love the museum, it very impressive and you leave with an appreciation for the country and you know a bit more about our history. This will not be the last time I will visit. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and admission is free. For news and updates, they have a Facebook page.
Links to more information:
Iloilo's Century-old building: a historical structure gets a face lift by Tara Yap, Manila Bulletin
Museum of Philippine Economic History opens in Iloilo by Nestor P. Burgos Jr., inquirer.net
In photos: Museum of Philippine Economic History opens in Iloilo by Carl Don S. Berwin, Rappler
Museum of Philippine Economic History: Displaying stories of trade, merchants, and old wealth by Emme Rose S. Santiagudo, BusinessWorld
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