Your Davao adventure wouldn’t be completed if you haven’t visited Museo Dabawenyo. It is actually one of the two known museums in Davao and although it’s directly translated as “Davao Museum”, it is commonly known as the NEW Museum. The other museum which is known as the Old Davao Museum is located inside Insular Village and is slightly bigger than Museo Dabawenyo.
Museo Dabawenyo is made easily accessible to the public. It is meters away from the Andres Bonifacio Rotunda and Osmeña Park. It is along Fr. Selga St. going to Pichon St and is open from Tuesday to Sunday 9AM to 6PM except on holidays. And the best part is, the admission is free with volunteer (and OJT) tour guides on standby! Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to take pictures inside the museum, picture taking is allowed only in certain places.
Museo Dabawenyo is divided into four rooms: The Indigenous People’s Gallery, The Moro People’s Gallery, The Contemporary Gallery and The Memorabilia Gallery. The tour lasted for just an hour but it felt longer because of the things you will see inside and the information you’ll know too about Davao which makes you feel so close with the place.
The notable things from my visit – a quick introduction to each Lumad group (different tribes in the South) with replicas of their houses, actual weapons, etc., American and Japanese artifacts, interesting information about the by then town mostly comprises of Japanese citizens, lots of awards the city has gotten, a complete list of Data Bago awardees, and the collection of old money used before and ofcourse the paintings.
You may also want to check out:
- My 2018 Davao Experience
- 3 Days Davao and Samal DIY Itinerary – Travel Tips & Expenses
- Review: Hotel Uno Davao
- Strolling Around Davao City
- Lon Wa Buddhist Temple in Davao
- Exploring Davao Crocodile Park
- Bird Watching at Philippine Eagle Center
This place sounds pretty cool. I love looking at art. So the fact that they feature a new artist every month would really appeal to me. 🙂
Yes, that one is a great idea actually as it helps artist to show off their masterpieces 🙂
Awww! I hate and love museums that don’t allow pictures! Hate because that’s so annoying, but love because I completely understand and also it’s annoying when people crowd around something with their phones out… like, let other people see maybe??? LOL. Anyway, this museum looks great! The artwork is lovely. Great post, Vanessa!
Have a wonderful weekend. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Hehe, I share the same feelings too 😉
Love that they feature different artists each month!!
Yes, I love that too since it’s a great help for the artists 🙂
Wow, that artwork is stunning! I love he bright vibrant colours, they almost look like nebula’s. It must be tempting even when they don’t allow photos, it’s an experience you want to remember. I love exploring local history, so many of us have no idea what’s in our own backyards and love seeing smaller museums and galleries still thriving. Sounds like a beautiful day Vanessa and thanks so much for sharing <3 <3
Yes. I sure had a wonderful day learning Davao Kelly 🙂
As for the painting, it was actually painted by a Japanese painter and gifted it to our President last year 🙂