National Museum of Anthropology, Manila

The National Museum of Anthropology in Manila showcases the diverse cultural heritage and archaeological history of the Philippines. It was previously named the Museum of the Filipino People and is an integral part of the National Museum of the Philippines, focusing on Ethnological and Archaeological displays. Situated in the center of Manila within Rizal Park's Agrifina Circle, it neighbors the National Museum of Fine Arts, forming a cultural center in the capital.

The museum's main goal is to tell the Philippines' story through its vast collections of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, offering visitors a journey through time to understand the origins and development of Filipino culture. As a government trust, it is committed to educating the public and enriching their understanding of Filipino cultural heritage and the country's natural history.

Built between 1916 and 1918, the museum's Neoclassical design was created by Canadian-American architect Ralph Harrington Doane. Originally housing the Department of Finance, the building suffered damage during the Battle of Manila in World War II but was reconstructed in 1949, maintaining its original structure and five-story height. Architecturally, it features a unique trapezoidal plan with distinctive Corinthian columns, decorative entablatures, and ornate fenestration.

Key architectural features include giant Corinthian columns framing a two-story arched window at the building's corners and a modest pediment highlighting the entrance. The museum has expanded with new sections added to the east and west, providing additional space. A grand staircase leads to a columned portico on the second floor, offering splendid views of Luneta and the surrounding architecture.

Today, the National Museum of Anthropology remains a vital center of cultural and historical exploration, inviting visitors to delve into the Philippines' rich past through its extensive collections and exhibitions.