Manila, I love you. Don’t ever let anyone put you down and say that we don’t have greatness to offer. One of you strongest selling points is number and variety of museums you have. I fell in love with museums while I fell in love with you as well. The trick to enjoy your museums to the fullest is to go right when the museum first opens and that is why we went to the Binondo Chinatown Museum the exact day it opened. I can’t wait to show you off!

a list of galleries

Manila has lived a thousand lives and continues to live on and tell all her unique stories. The Binondo Museum tells the story of Manila and the history of the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo. Manila’s relationship with China dates all the way back to the 10th century, the roots are deep and the Binondo Museum captures and tells the story beautifully.

The Chinatown Museum is now open in Binondo at Lucky Chinatown Mall. It is filled with history, beautifully curated exhibits and guaranteed to share a new (or old) perspective on the worlds oldest Chinatown, Binondo. The museum is hands-on for the most part and even has an app you can download to enhance your visit. Manila is so full of museums and we just got another great one! Btw, they even have a gift shop! It’s small but treasures await.

Here’s a peek at some of my favorite galleries at the museum.

Figures Of Faith|

Alcaiceria

Obviously, this was my favorite gallery! Basketera porebur!

Mestizo de Sanglay|

I am not sure if the museum curators had children in mind when they created the place but it is really child friendly. I think we made the security guards slightly nervous by letting our kids touch and explore everything but that is exactly how children learn and engage with museums. It really is a great place for kids.

Industries|

This was the highlight of my childrens’ visit. Working at a panaderia is apparently very engaging for children.

sungka tables about

this installation on the tobacco and rum factory was designed brilliantly and so engaging.

Tranvia|

Another highlight was riding and playing on the tranvia. This is such a cool part of the museum, again hats off to the curators of this place.

Flavors Of Binondo|

Escolta Gallery|

The museum did a really cool job of showing Binondo through the ages. Here we have the Escolta Gallery showcasing the popular and famous architecture of it’s time. I appreciated the water brush paints as you try to replicate the black and white architecture building.

don’t forget to look up, the murals on the ceiling of the entrance are gorgeous.

ANNND! Hallelujah there is a curated museum store!

Oh Manila you are a treasure. Reader, promise me you will explore her massive neighborhoods and expansive culture. Go visit the Chinatown Museum to start with. Museums are at their best when they first open so the sooner the better!

Kita Kita,

Amber

p.s. don’t forget to eat on the side street of Lucky Chinatown Mall after your visit. Check in tomorrow for the full post.

CONTACT

Chinatown Museum
HOURS

The museum open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are at P150 (with 30-peso discount for senior citizens and 50-peso discount for students).

Chinatown Museum is located at the 4th floor of Lucky Chinatown Building A along Reina Regente St., Binondo. It is close to the LRT - 1 Carriedo Station and LRT - 2 Recto Station.

Another option is to take the Pasig River ferry and alight at Escolta Manila.

4TH FLOOR PARKING

Cross the bridgelink from the 4th floor parking into Building A. Chinatown Museum can be found on the first door to the left.

GROUND FLOOR ENTRANCES

Locate the elevator on Chinatown Walk. Proceed through the 4th floor bridge link into Building A.