This Free and Interactive Museum in Manila City Is Now Open

(SPOT.ph) Looks like museum-goers are in for one extra treat this Museum and Galleries Month as the country's first-ever clock tower museum finally opened its doors to the public on October 25. This new attraction located at the heart of Manila City, specifically on the fourth floor of its city hall building, is dubbed the Manila Clock Tower Museum. The newly opened museum is open for free from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

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History of the Manila Clock Tower Museum

Standing at 100 feet, the Manila Clock Tower was considered the tallest clock tower in the Philippines when it was unveiled in the 1930s. It was designed by Antonio Toledo and features three red-faced clocks on top. But like most buildings in Manila, it was intensely damaged during World War II.

Projects to restore the clock tower and make it a tourist attraction started in 2020. Initially, only the facade of the clock tower was improved by painting the main cylindrical body white and the dome-shaped roof gold. Today, the structure is renovated both internally and externally. There are also talks of opening a cafe on the city hall's third floor where guests can lounge and rest after their museum tours.

What to See at the Newly Opened Manila Clock Tower Museum

The Manila Clock Tower Museum features an immersive and multi-sensory experience curated to tell the history of Manila. Aside from the usual display of the leaders and officials of the city, it also hopes to educate its guests about the Battle of Manila during World War II. There are various video presentations and a 3D-wall installation featuring key moments during the war designed by Ohm David and Elba Cruz.

The museum also houses several works of art by Filipino artists such as Rene Robles, Sherwin Paul Gonzales, Nante Carandang, and Tawid Gallery.

Guests can also enjoy scenic views of the Lawton area and Intramuros. A 360-degree view of Manila City can also be seen from the top of the tower.

How to book a visit to the Manila Clock Tower Museum:

The Manila Clock Tower Museum implements a strict No Walk-ins policy. As such they are now implementing a booking system in order to properly manage the crowd awaiting to see the new site. To schedule a tour of the Manila Clock Tower Museum simply follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Manila Clock Tower Museum Facebook page.
2. Message the page and give them your preferred date and time of the visit and the number of people included in your group.
3. Wait for the admin's confirmation and approval of your booking
4. You will then receive a message from the page administrator confirming your appointment. 
5. Go on the date and time based on your confirmation message.

The Tours of the Manila Clock Tower Museum are free of charge until further notice. 

The Manila Clock Tower Museum is at 4/F Manila City Hall, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila. It is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit Manila Clock Tower Museum's Facebook page.

UPDATE (October 28, 10:20 a.m.): The Manila Clock Tower Museum has recently posted on its social media page that they are currently experiencing problems with its online booking platform. They have also stated that they are currently doing maintenance work on the museum itself, as such visitors who previously signed up may experience cancellations of their bookings. The museum has yet to announce when they will re-open and the final procedure for booking tours of this new attraction. 

UPDATE (October 29, 12:23 a.m.): The Manila Clock Tower Museum has announced that they are once again open to accept bookings for tours of their facility. They also updated their operating hours. They have also shared a guide on how to book tours to visit the museum. The article has been updated to reflect these changes.