Museo El Deposito
Explore Manila's historic water system and revolutionary past at this free, accessible museum in San Juan City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Museo El Deposito
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Manila's historic water system and revolutionary past at this free, accessible museum in San Juan City.
"A free, accessible gem offering a fascinating glimpse into Manila's water history and revolutionary past."
Free Entrance! 🎉
No admission fee required, making it an accessible historical gem.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing some walking, especially in the underground reservoir.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
El Deposito Underground Reservoir
Underground section
Step into the massive, historic underground water reservoir that once supplied Manila. A truly immersive experience.
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Carriedo Waterworks History
Museum exhibits
Discover the fascinating story of Manila's early water system and the ingenious Carriedo waterworks.
Spanish Colonial Era Artifacts
Museum displays
Explore artifacts and displays detailing the Filipino-Spanish influence and historical events.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Accessibility
Plan Your Visit: Hours & Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entrance! 🎉
No admission fee required, making it an accessible historical gem.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing some walking, especially in the underground reservoir.
Combine with Nearby Sites 📍
Visit the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and Museo ng Katipunan for a full historical experience.
Ask for Guidance 🙋
Staff are helpful; don't hesitate to ask for directions on exploring the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entrance! 🎉
No admission fee required, making it an accessible historical gem.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing some walking, especially in the underground reservoir.
Combine with Nearby Sites 📍
Visit the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and Museo ng Katipunan for a full historical experience.
Ask for Guidance 🙋
Staff are helpful; don't hesitate to ask for directions on exploring the museum.
Braille Materials Available 👆
Exhibits are accessible for visually impaired visitors, a commendable initiative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Museo El Deposito for its historical significance, engaging exhibits on Manila's water system, and the unique experience of exploring the underground reservoir. The free admission and wheelchair accessibility are highlighted as major positives. Some suggest clearer signage for navigation within the museum.
"Nice historic spot with solid displays about El Deposito. The Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte runs the project “Touch the Artist’s Vision” with brailled materials, making the exhibits accessible for visually impaired visitors, very commendable. The building is well-kept and staff are helpful. Signage could be clearer for first-time visitors. Usually calm and not too crowded on weekdays."
Shenna Jaye Quitoriano
"Decided to visit Museo El Deposito since it was nearby. No admission fee at this time.
The tour started with a video showing of the history of the deposit then we went upstairs to read more on the history as well as look at the different displays.
Last part of our trip was us actually going to see the deposit. We wore hard hats and walked and witnessed how big it really was.
The exhibit itself was wheelchair friendly and I recommend bringing your family here for the vibe."
Ria Jazmines
"I spent almost 2 hours in the museum. It's nice and does give good knowledge about the Carriedo waterway. Maybe just add a proper direction on how the visitor would explore the museum from start to finish since I had to ask the guard multiple times on where I should go next."
Kier Yonson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From MRT Ortigas, walk towards Robinsons Galleria. Cross the overpass near the side entrance (along Ortigas Ave) to the Foundever building. From there, ride a jeepney to San Juan and drop off at Ronac or San Juan Circle.
Jeepneys going to San Juan are a common option. You can also take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the museum.
While specific parking details aren't widely published, it's often visited alongside the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, which may have parking facilities.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are a convenient way to get to Museo El Deposito, especially if you're coming from further away.
Yes, it's located in San Juan City and accessible by car. Be mindful of local traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Museo El Deposito is currently free, making it a great budget-friendly historical site.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
Advance booking is generally not required as admission is free. However, for group tours, it's advisable to inquire.
It's best to check their official social media or contact them directly for holiday operating hours, as they may vary.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, and it's considered a family-friendly destination.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Manila's water history, the Carriedo waterworks, and the impressive underground reservoir itself.
Yes, visitors are provided with hard hats for the underground reservoir tour, ensuring safety.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum and its exhibits.
Yes, it's a great educational outing for families, offering a glimpse into history in an engaging way.
While not explicitly stated, staff are helpful in guiding visitors. Inquiring upon arrival might provide more information.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful and check for any specific restrictions, especially in sensitive areas.
The underground reservoir tunnels and the historical displays offer unique photographic opportunities.
It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially in areas with delicate artifacts or to respect other visitors.
Drone photography is typically not permitted in historical sites and museums.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing memories, but a camera with good low-light capabilities can be beneficial for the underground sections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to combine the visit with the nearby Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and Museo ng Katipunan for a fuller historical immersion. The wheelchair-friendly exhibits also ensure that families with strollers or members with mobility challenges can comfortably explore.
🏛️ History Buffs & Students
Students can find it particularly valuable for refreshing or expanding their knowledge of Philippine history, especially concerning the Carriedo waterworks and significant historical events. The museum's accessibility and free entry make it an ideal spot for educational field trips or personal exploration.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Couples
It's a great place for quiet contemplation and learning, away from the usual tourist crowds. Combining it with a visit to nearby historical sites or a relaxed walk in the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine park makes for a well-rounded day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: El Deposito Reservoir
Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale of the underground reservoir. The experience often involves wearing a hard hat and walking through the tunnels, offering a unique and somewhat eerie glimpse into the past. Social media content often highlights the atmospheric nature of this part of the museum, with some describing it as 'kinda spooky yet pretty.'
This reservoir played a pivotal role in public health and urban development in Manila. Its historical significance is further underscored by its connection to events like the Siege of San Juan during the Philippine Revolution, where Andres Bonifacio's forces attacked the Spanish-held El Deposito.
A Journey Through Philippine History
Beyond the waterworks, the museum often collaborates with other historical sites. It's frequently visited as part of a historical trifecta in San Juan, alongside the Museo ng Katipunan and the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the revolutionary period and the fight for independence.
+1The museum's commitment to accessibility is also noteworthy. The Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte has implemented a project with brailled materials, making the exhibits accessible for visually impaired visitors. This dedication to inclusivity ensures that the rich history preserved here can be shared with a wider audience.
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