Baguio Mansion House Opens to the Public This September

(SPOT.ph) It's always caught the fancy of travelers but visitors to Baguio were only allowed to admire it from afar. Until now. The stately Baguio Mansion House, originally the summer residence of Philippine presidents, has been added officially to the list of the mountain city's tourist spots. Announced by the Office of the President on Sunday, this historic landmark and Instagram-magnet, which was transformed recently into a museum, will now welcome the public for tours from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What makes this news even better? Admission is free.    

Malacañang’s Social Secretary, Bianca Zobel, told media that the move was prompted by the Mansion House’s popularity as a photo spot, drawing around 500 visitors daily and up to 2,000 on weekends. “To enhance the experience, we invite everyone to explore and capture the beauty of the Mansion House firsthand,” Zobel said.

The grand opening ceremony Monday was led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who spoke about the museum’s educational role. “Knowing our history and culture is essential for coming together as a nation,” she said.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco noted that the museum’s opening is set to boost local tourism and business in Baguio City. “This will inevitably help our local economy here in Baguio with the tourists that will be coming in,” Frasco remarked. “The suppliers also will benefit from added touristic activities in the area and most importantly, it will instill a sense of national pride especially among our youth."

To visit, tourists can book in advance via the museum’s website at museums.gov.ph or through the mansion's official social media channels. While walk-ins are welcome, they are limited to 20 people per tour every 30 minutes, with a few additional slots available if space permits.

Also read: Inside the Laperal Mansion in Malacañang After Renovation

A look inside the newly opened Baguio Mansion House

Located on Romulo Drive in Baguio City, directly across from Wright Park, the Mansion has been the official summer residence of the Philippine President and the first family since the Commonwealth era. On July 27, 2024, the Baguio Mansion House opened its doors for the first time as the Presidential Museum, marking a new chapter in the country’s summer capital.

Originally built in 1908 as the summer residence for the American Governor-General of the Philippines, the Mansion House was recently renovated to become a showcase  of a rich collection of presidential artifacts. These include portraits, ceremonial attire, footwear, flags, and busts of past leaders, offering a glimpse into the history and heritage of the Philippine presidency.

Inside the mansion, each president has a dedicated board highlighting key events from their time in office.

In addition to ephemera from past Presidents, a hall showcases portraits of Philippine First Ladies. Perfect for educational tours, history buffs, and museum enthusiasts alike, visitors can explore the memorabilia on display while uncovering the fascinating stories behind them.

In January 2009, the Baguio Mansion House earned its place in history when the National Historical Institute, now known as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, officially recognized it as a National Historical Landmark.