Philippine Veterans Museum

Get Shareaholic

Manila might have long moved forward since World War II, but the victories and grim reminders of that period is locked in the time capsule of the Philippine Veterans Museum, a gallery, library, archive and theater complex built in honor of WWII soldiers.

(Photo from the Office of the Presidential Asst. for Veterans Affairs)

Founded by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, the complex aims to take its visitors into an era of heroism, when young men then are not watching TV or going to malls like today’s generation but are instead entrenched into the frontlines, defending their homeland.

A slice of military life

Designed by a Filipino architect, the museum boasts of a glass-covered façade, a high-ceilinged lobby, Italian-inspired flooring, and two art pieces from the Veterans Bank in Intramuros. The artwork, presumably created by native artisans, is a massive cathedral window-like mural depicting Philippine history in four panels. The second one is the famous Bayanihan wood mural by national artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco.

After passing through a gallery of heavy artillery, the gallery paves way to the main exhibition area, a two-storey display space following a round contour. This area exhibits paintings, tableaux, busts on a pedestal, flags, militia, and photographs arranged in thematic and chronological order. The tableaux, crafted by artisans from Paete, Bulacan, Pampanga, Manila, Banaue and Bulacan, show vignettes of freedom fighters’ WWII struggles. The life-sized tableaus are fused with modern spotlight technology.

Some of the war artifacts displayed in the museum (Photo by OPAVA)

At the other side of the complex is an audio-visual room and a theater equipped with cushioned seats, modern 35mm projector and stereo sound.

Fees and opening hours

The museum is open from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Call tel. no. 02-838-5312 for updates in ticket price. For inquiries and group tours, contact Miss Luna at tel. no. (632) 838-9148 and fax (632) 838-6667.

How to get there

The Veterans Museum is in Veterans Center, Taguig City, Western Bicutan, Metro Manila. The best way to get there is through a private vehicle or a taxi ride. You may also ride the MRT, get off in Ayala station, and take a taxi from there going to the museum.