National Museum of Natural History
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National Museum of Natural History

4.7
·6k reviews·Manila, Philippines

Explore the Philippines' rich biodiversity and geological wonders across five floors of captivating exhibits. Free admission!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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National Museum of Natural History

National Museum of Natural History

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the Philippines' rich biodiversity and geological wonders across five floors of captivating exhibits. Free admission!

4.7
(6k reviews)

"One of the best places you can visit in Manila, and the entrance is free!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy the museum's vast collections without an entry fee. Just present one valid ID for your group.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across 5 floors, so comfy footwear is essential.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 5,988 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lolong the Crocodile

Lolong the Crocodile

Ground Floor

Stand in awe of the life-sized replica of Lolong, the world's largest crocodile in captivity. A truly impressive sight!

Reddit
Soaring Atrium

Soaring Atrium

Central Hall

Marvel at the elegant architecture and the stunning, soaring atrium that forms the heart of the museum. It's incredibly Instagrammable!

Instagram
Philippine Biodiversity

Philippine Biodiversity

Various Floors

Explore the rich tapestry of the Philippines' natural world, from fossils to diverse flora and fauna. Learn about unique species.

Reddit
Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion

Specific Exhibit Area

Experience a short but powerful encounter with vibrant butterflies in this immersive exhibit.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Maximize Your Visit

Weekdays are your best bet for a more serene experience, as weekends can get quite busy. Arrive early to explore the 5 floors of exhibits without feeling rushed. Free admission is a huge plus, but be prepared for potential lines during peak times. Reddit

Navigating the Museum

With 5 floors of exhibits, comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the National Museum of Natural History. While generally well-organized, some visitors note a lack of clear navigational aids, so pay attention to signage or start from the lowest floor and work your way up. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Start your day with fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Still manageable before peak
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New dinosaur just dropped
@luke_strickler
1.1M likes • 6M views

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy the museum's vast collections without an entry fee. Just present one valid ID for your group. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across 5 floors, so comfy footwear is essential. Reddit

📍National Museum of Natural History 🏛️🌙🌱 #museum #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #manila #nationalmuseum
@ellieouw
355.8K likes • 3M views
Washington D.C. Museums 🏛️ Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 📍10th st. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20560 ⏰ Daily 10am-5:30pm 💰FREE! 🅿️ Paid street/garage parking 🌭 Food/drinks ✨ Current featured exhibits include: Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky, Cellphones: Unseen Connections, and David H. Koch Hall of Fame Fossils 🌌 ✨ Butterfly Pavilion is available for an addit...
rubiofamilyfun
40 likes • 1.4K views

📱 No Vlogging/Selfie Sticks

Selfie sticks and vlogging are not allowed, but you can use your phone for photos. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

While food and drinks aren't allowed inside exhibits, bring a water bottle to stay refreshed. Instagram

🦋Things To Do | Washington DC: Butterfly Pavilion🦋 📍 National Museum of Natural History | NW, DC ⏰ 10am-5:30pm (1st session at 10:15am) 💰 $8 for adults 💰 $7 for kids + Tuesdays are Free 🎟️ Tickets Available Only @ The Museum + Timed Entry Slots ❌ No Strollers Allowed ❌ No Tripods Allowed Although a short experience, it’s powerful in the experience it provides🥹 being surrounded by such beautiful ...
morgsvstheworld
143.8K likes • 2.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy the museum's vast collections without an entry fee. Just present one valid ID for your group. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across 5 floors, so comfy footwear is essential. Reddit

📱 No Vlogging/Selfie Sticks

Selfie sticks and vlogging are not allowed, but you can use your phone for photos. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

While food and drinks aren't allowed inside exhibits, bring a water bottle to stay refreshed. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

With 5 floors of exhibits, dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate everything. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the National Museum of Natural History's free admission and impressive collection, especially the Lolong crocodile replica and stunning architecture. While some note minor issues with malfunctioning displays or noise levels, the overall experience is highly praised for its educational value and visual appeal. Reddit

"Very Instagrammable! 📸 Be prepared for a long walk when you visit, but good thing there are chairs around the building to rest. My eyes were so full with everything I saw and learned about the Philippines’ natural history. And yes, Lolong the crocodile is there! 🐊🇵🇭 Mas maganda pumunta ng weekdays para kakaunti ang tao. Free entrance, just present one valid ID for the whole group if you’re going with company. Vlogging is not allowed, selfie sticks are not allowed—just cellphones. Some elevators are closed, so be ready for a little extra walking. Worth it!"

Sheryl Bodeña

"Getting straight to the point....
Pros:
1. FREE ENTRANCE (wooohooo!)
2. Rich collection of historical and learning materials.
3. 5 floors worth of science and history!
4. The life-sized lolong piece is a must see!
5. FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED
AIR-CONDITIONED
6. Instagrammable!

Cons:
1. Some of the features were not functioning like the TVs and other visual aids which made the experience a bit lacking.
2. Some of the visitors were too noisy. Not recommended for people who like a more silent atmosphere.
3. Lack of navigational aids. You might get lost or confused if you are not that attentive or observant. We decided to start our tour from the lowest floor and go all the way up because there was no recommended starting point."

Carl Breian Cariño

"One of the best places you can visit in Manila, and the entrance is free!
Full of awesome collections of nature, one being the biggest ever recorded crocodile "Lolong"!
To top it all off, the museum looks stunning both outside and inside every single one of the rooms!"

Son Livan

What People Like

Free admission
Lolong exhibit
Stunning architecture

What People Dislike

Occasional noise
Malfunctioning displays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20560. It's accessible via public transport, with nearby bus routes and train stations. Parking is available but can be paid. Instagram

Yes, paid street and garage parking are available near the museum. Instagram

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Grab are a convenient way to reach the museum, especially if you're coming from other parts of Manila. TikTok

While the museum is generally accessible, some elevators may be closed, requiring extra walking. It's advisable to check in advance for specific accessibility needs. Reddit

The museum is typically open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. It's now open seven days a week. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the National Museum of Natural History is completely FREE! This makes it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. Reddit

Tickets are available only at the museum, and they use timed entry slots. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends. Instagram

You need to present one valid ID for the whole group to avail of the free entrance. Reddit

Selfie sticks and vlogging are not allowed. You can use your cellphones for photography. Reddit

No, strollers are not allowed inside the museum. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the life-sized replica of Lolong the crocodile, the stunning central atrium, and the diverse exhibits showcasing Philippine biodiversity. The Butterfly Pavilion is also a popular highlight. InstagramReddit

The museum spans five floors, each filled with unique and fascinating exhibits on natural history. Reddit

Yes, the entire museum is fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable environment for visitors. Reddit

Yes, there are chairs located around the building to rest your feet during your visit. Reddit

Some visitors suggest starting from the lowest floor and working your way up, as navigational aids can sometimes be unclear. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibit areas. It's best to consume them before entering or after your visit. Instagram

Yes, there are several dining options in the vicinity of the museum, ranging from local eateries to cafes. TikTok

While you can bring a water bottle, it's generally advised not to bring outside food into the exhibit halls. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, you can use your cellphones for photography. However, vlogging and selfie sticks are not permitted. Reddit

No, tripods are not allowed inside the museum. Instagram

The soaring atrium, the Lolong exhibit, and the well-curated displays of flora and fauna are highly Instagrammable. InstagramReddit

Professional photography and vlogging are generally not permitted without prior arrangement or special permits. Instagram

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