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.
Photo by Mark Anthony Maranga
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 are 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.
They features different artist every month.
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
