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Casa Manila in Photos: A Living Museum of Philippine History and Culture
Updated: Jun 16
Casa Manila was built in 1981-1983 by the government of the Philippines. It was designed by architect J. Ramon L. Faustmann and was modeled after a house that once stood at Jaboneros Street in the Chinese district of Binondo in the 1850s.
The house was built as part of a project to restore Intramuros, which had been heavily damaged during World War II. Casa Manila was intended to be a living museum that would showcase the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period.
Casa Manila is furnished with period furniture and artifacts from China, Europe, and the Philippines. The walls are painted with murals depicting scenes from Filipino history and culture and it was inaugurated in 1983 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda Marcos. It has since become a popular tourist destination and is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Philippine history and culture.
In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual tour of Casa Manila in photos, share some facts, help you find the museum, and also include your comprehensive GUIDE to visiting the Philippines. Plus some very special offers from our partners at Klook!
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Our Casa Manila highlights in photos
When we entered the main courtyard with the circular stone fountain, we were already very eager to make it inside. We could sense the history here, and the builders clearly did a fantastic job in making this replica feel like the original. Honestly at the time we could not tell at all, and having not done much research prior, assumed that it indeed was from the colonial era.
The ticket office is located beneath the stairway, behind the stone fountain. The stairway is actually the exit, and when you purchase your tickets you need to go directly opposite the office to find the entrance. There is a small sign on the wall there pointing you to the right, where you will find an attendant.
By this point we were eager with anticipation and could not wait to get inside. Filming is not allowed, but as you will see photos are permitted. We were also told that we must stick to the red carpet as to protect the well varnished wooden floors, although this was not necessary in the kitchen (cocina) and bathroom (baño) area.
The staircase to the main floor of the house is beautiful, with its mahogany bannisters, rolled red carpet with gold stops. Immediately you see a grand painting above, but there is so much ornate detail in the ceilings and walls around it that it is hard to stop the eyes dancing to other places!
The red carpet will guide you around the house, starting in a main reception area tailing off to several bedrooms, then leading into the main living area, and perhaps the most opulent part of the museum. The wealth of ornaments, beautiful paintings and carved wooden cornices is just incredible. We could only imagine how wonderful it must have been living here!
The museum is filled with many rooms, including a study, a library, and a pretty epic dining room with one of the finest dining tables you will see. There were various musical instruments dotted around too, including a grand piano and a giant and very beautiful harp. One could tell music was a big part of life in this home.
The sense of nostalgia is all around here. Every inch of the place is touched with some form of art and luxury, Chandeliers, ceilings, ornate chairs, the shutters on the windows. All that was missing was the sound of hooves clacking on the ground as a horse and carriage strolls into the courtyard outside! When they say step back in time, they really do mean it here at Casa Manila.
Read on for some facts about this museum, and also some information on Intramuros and its incredible history in the Philippines. Plus find out how to get here, and as ever, our experience rating.
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Five facts about Casa Manila
1. The construction of Casa Manila was initiated by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1980s as part of her efforts to preserve and showcase the country's cultural heritage.
2. The house is made of materials that were commonly used in Spanish colonial houses, such as wood, stone, and bricks. It was built using traditional construction techniques, with all of the wood being cut by hand, and the bricks being made from clay that was dug from the ground.
3. The house was designed to be cool and comfortable, even in the hot tropical climate. The windows are made of capiz shells, which allow air to circulate but block out the sun. The central courtyard was a common feature of Spanish colonial houses and served as a place for the family to relax and entertain guests.
4. The house is filled with beautiful furniture and artifacts. The furniture is made from a variety of materials, including wood, leather, and metal. The artifacts include paintings, sculptures, and textiles that come from China, Europe, and the Philippines. These items give a glimpse into the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period.
5. Casa Manila is a popular tourist destination. Prior to the pandemic Intramuros as a whole received over 1.2 million tourists a year, with many of those visiting this famous museum.
What is Intramuros?
Intramuros, meaning "within the walls" in Spanish, is a historic district situated at the heart of Manila, Philippines. Intramuros was founded by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi in 1571. It was built as a defensive fortress surrounded by massive stone walls and moats to protect the Spanish settlers from attacks by local indigenous groups and other foreign powers. The walls of Intramuros stood as a physical barrier between the Spanish elite and the outside world.
Intramuros emerged as the political, religious, and economic nucleus of Manila during the Spanish colonial era. The district's architecture showcases a blend of Spanish colonial and Asian influences, featuring elegant facades, intricate carvings, and cobblestone streets. The district was laid out in a grid pattern, typical of Spanish colonial town planning, with the central plaza, Plaza Mayor (now known as Plaza de Roma), serving as the focal point.Key structures like the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church underline its role as a religious and cultural hub.
Intramuros survived the seven year war between Spain and Britain in 1762 but suffered devastating destruction during World War II, facing extensive bombing by American forces after Japan had invaded and occupied the city. Much of the original architecture and structures were destroyed or damaged during this period, not just from the bombing, but also via the 'scorched earth' tactics of the retreating Japanese army. Intramuros was almost completely destroyed, and Manila was the 2nd most destroyed city of WW2, after Warsaw in Poland.
Since the end of the war, and after the declaration of Philippine independence from the U.S in 1946, efforts have been made to preserve and restore what remains of Intramuros' historical heritage. Despite much of the original city being lost, Intramuros is to this day a cherished location, attracting tourists eager to delve into the Philippines' colonial history. It offers a unique glimpse into the nation's past through museums, cultural sites, and landmarks. As a living tribute to the Philippines' history, Intramuros symbolizes the country's resilience and offers a tangible connection to its struggle for freedom from foreign powers.
Casa Manila Museum opening times and entrance fee
Casa Manila is open from 9am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday's.
Please note that the museum may be closed on certain days or hours for special events.
Entrance fee to Casa Manila Museum
● Adults: 75 PHP
● Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities: 50 PHP
● Children (below 12 years old): Free
Prices quoted are at time of writing (Jan 2024). Check the website in the section below for up-to-date information.
How to get to Casa Manila
To get to Casa Manila in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting point. Here's how to get there using different modes of transportation:
⪢ Take a Jeepney
Jeepneys are a popular mode of public transportation in Manila. You can take a jeepney that plies routes through Intramuros. Look for jeepneys with signs indicating "Intramuros" or "Puerta Real," which is one of the entrances to Intramuros. Casa Manila is within walking distance from Puerta Real.
⪢ LRT (Light Rail Transit)
If you're using the LRT Line 1 (the Yellow Line), you can get off at the Central Terminal Station. From there, you can walk to Intramuros, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station. Casa Manila is located within Intramuros.
⪢ Taxi or Grab
You can easily hail a taxi or use Grab if you're in Metro Manila. Just input "Casa Manila, Intramuros" as your destination, and the driver should take you to the museum.
Remember that traffic conditions in Manila can vary, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and consider the time of day when traveling to avoid any potential delays. Also be wary of private taxis who tend to hike the price for tourists.
⪢ Walking
If you are already within Intramuros or at a nearby location like Rizal Park, you can easily walk to Casa Manila. Intramuros is a pedestrian-friendly area, and you can follow signs or use GPS navigation to locate the museum.
⪢ Pedicab or Kalesa
Inside Intramuros, you can explore the area by hiring a pedicab (bicycle rickshaw) or a Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage). These traditional modes of transport are a unique way to tour the historic district and reach Casa Manila.
⪢ Guided Tours
Many tour operators offer guided tours of Intramuros, which often include a visit to Casa Manila. Joining a guided tour can be a convenient way to learn about the history of the area and the church while ensuring you won't get lost.
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Address: HXQG+V52 plaza sans luis complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Contact: +63 (02) 8527 4084
Website: intramuros.gov.ph
Other places to visit nearby
There are many places to check out in Intramuros, but here are a few within walking distance from Casa Manila that we recommend you check out:
Manila Cathedral
The Manila Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is a historic and significant minor basilica located within the ancient walled city of Intramuros in Manila, Philippines. It has been rebuilt seven times, overcoming several wars and earthquakes. It is regarded as the most important place of worship in the Philippines.
San Agustin Church
The San Agustin Church is a Baroque church located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It is the oldest church in the Philippines and one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only church that survived the near complete destruction of Intramuros in WW2. It is directly opposite Casa Manila.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is a citadel located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It was built by the Spanish in 1571 and served as the headquarters of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines. The fort was also used as a prison, and it is where José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was imprisoned before his execution in 1896.
Watch us explore Intramuros on YouTube
In this video we explore luxury and local places to visit as we walk around and explore the city of Intramuros. Come rain or shine we made the best of the day!
We explore the tourist hot spots of Plaza San Luis Complex where you can find Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, The Royal Cafe and the Casa Manila Living Museum. We then head to San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. All while enjoying the sights and sounds of the lively and friendly Manila that we have come to know and love over the past month!
Be sure to like and comment on the video if you enjoyed it as it helps it be seen by others! And don't forget to subscribe if you are interested in seeing more of our videos! We share travel and lifestyle videos and vlogs from all around the world about the world every few days. Don't miss out!
Our Casa Manila experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Casa Manila was genuinely one of our favorite places in Intramuros. Even though it is a 'modern replica' of what would have been, it has been done so well that you could never tell. We think the photos show that! From the furniture to the drapes, the candlesticks to the chandeliers, this museum really did take us back in time. Even the smell of the place! As history lovers, Casa Manila is just a perfect spot to kick off an Intramuros tour.
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Your FREE interactive map of the Philippines
Check out all of the places we visited in the Philippines courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
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All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of the Philippines. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!
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First time in the Philippines? Check out our comprehensive guide with all you need to know including our latest posts, must-see places, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, internet availability and much more!
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