National Museum of Natural History: A Journey into the Philippines’ Biodiversity
Located at Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, National Museum of Natural History is part of the larger National Museum Complex, which also includes the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology. Originally built in 1940 as the Agriculture and Commerce Building, its neoclassical design by Antonio Manalac Toledo carries the weight of history, having survived World War II and later serving as the Department of Tourism headquarters. The building’s careful restoration and adaptive reuse, culminating in its public opening on International Museum Day in 2018, transformed it into a modern educational space that bridges heritage architecture and scientific discovery. One of its most striking features, the “Tree of Life” glass dome, crowns the central courtyard, creating a visual symbol of the interconnectedness of all living things.
