LIST: Must-visit museums at the QC Memorial Circle
While Quezon City is known today as a dynamic urban hub, home to major establishments and premier universities like the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University, its roots run deep. The city’s history officially began over eight decades ago, when it was established on Oct. 12, 1939.
Today, this "dream city" has since become the largest, most expansive, and most economically vital city in Manila, occupying almost a third of the entire Metro Manila land area and enjoying steadily increasing income.
The city's charter came to life when President Manuel L. Quezon signed Bill No. 1206, passed by the National Assembly on September 28, 1938, which became Commonwealth Act No. 502, officially known as the Charter of Quezon City.
The city was named in honor of the late President Quezon, and for those who wish to learn more about its rich history, here are the four museums located within the Quezon Memorial Circle.
NHCP Museo ni Manuel Quezon
The Museo ni Manuel Quezon offers in-depth historical insights into the life of the late president, from his presidency and personal journey to his significant contributions as a national leader.
Inside the Museum, the exhibits are thoughtfully divided into five galleries that explain key chapters of his life and legacy, from showcasing Quezon’s early years, youth, and education to the time he fought for Philippine independence.
To enhance the visitor experience, the museum also offers an audio-visual room where guests can watch a short documentary about the life of Quezon and his office during his presidency.
Aside from exhibits related to Quezon, the museum also features a special display dedicated only to his wife, Doña Aurora Quezon.
The museum is located inside the iconic Quezon Memorial Shrine at the heart of Quezon Circle. This well-known landmark also serves as the final resting place for Quezon and his wife, Doña Aurora.
Presidential Car Museum
The Presidential Car Museum takes you on a journey through history by showcasing the official cars used by past Philippine presidents.
Each car on display has been carefully restored and conserved.
Inside the museum is an interactive wall display where visitors can explore different parts of a presidential vehicle, an audio-visual room, and a souvenir shop.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Quezon Heritage House
The Quezon Heritage House is a historic house museum that once served as the Quezon family’s weekend home.
It was initially located at 45 Gilmore Street in New Manila, but 60% of its interiors have been carefully preserved at Quezon Memorial Circle to offer the public a glimpse into the personal life and legacy of the late president.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are welcomed into a two-story neoclassical house painted in soft yellow and cream tones.
The house is well-preserved and fully furnished, complemented by personal belongings of Quezon and his family, including clothing, furniture, and various memorabilia that offer an intimate glimpse into their daily lives.
The house was thoughtfully designed due to Quezon's poor health. Because he was suffering from tuberculosis, it was built to be well-ventilated and allow plenty of fresh air. Also, due to his sensitivity to smells, a special "preparation room" was included: food was cooked downstairs and only brought up to this room to keep strong cooking odors away from him.
It also houses the room where the Philippine Red Cross was established and where his wife, Doña Aurora, became the very first chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross.
The Quezon Heritage House is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bahay Modernismo
Bahay Modernismo is the newest heritage museum opened by the Quezon City Government.
The museum was built using original architectural fragments from the Aquino family’s old house on Time Street, which aims to preserve mid-century Filipino architecture and heritage.
Inside the museum, visitors can truly feel as if they’ve stepped back in time to their childhood, which evokes nostalgic memories as they are welcomed by beautifully designed interiors that reflect the essence of modernist style, as its name suggests.
It features a living room, kitchen, and other interactive spaces, including an entertainment room filled with memorabilia, where guests can relax, read, or listen to music on vintage vinyl records.
The museum’s theme was inspired by the 1950s, a decade in the Philippines known for self-expression, artistic creativity, and exploration.
Even more interesting in this museum is that it also features a special “Men’s Room,” which showcases elements that reflect the personality, interests, and lifestyle of men during that era, including how they worked and expressed themselves.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Want a closer look at these museums? Watch the full exploration of Quezon City’s iconic museums below.