LIST: Can't-miss activities for International Museum Day 2026
If you need a reason to step out and explore museums in Metro Manila, then this is your sign!
In celebration of International Museum Day 2026, cultural institutions across the capital are opening their doors to a lineup of special programs, interactive activities, and free admission offers that make museum visits more engaging and accessible for everyone.
Whether you’re a history buff, a puzzle enthusiast, or just looking for a cool way to spend your weekend, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
Take your pick below:
National Museum
Museum fans are in for an adventure-filled day at the National Museum as it will hold multiple interactive activities across its galleries on May 18.
At the National Museum of Natural History, visitors can channel their inner detectives through a special Night at the Museum game packed with riddles and clues inspired by the Philippines’ rich flora and fauna.
Visitors can team up with friends and solve puzzles throughout the museum in a race to crack the case.
Walk-in registration opens from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. No pre-registration is required, though only the first 50 participants will be accommodated.
Meanwhile, the National Museum of Fine Arts is hosting "Art Bridging Divides," a special guided tour and interactive art quest game that challenges participants to decode masterpieces and discover how art connects people across differences.
The activity will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with only 35 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Over at the National Museum of Anthropology, visitors can join a mapping challenge that turns the museum into one giant discovery quest.
Participants will search galleries for artifacts and National Cultural Treasures, match them onto maps, and even mark their own hometowns to see how their stories connect to the country’s cultural heritage.
Those who complete the challenge will also receive special prizes.
As an added bonus, the National Museum of Natural History is extending their operating hours on May 18.
It will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Museum of Fine Arts and Anthropology retain their regular hours of until 6 p.m.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Art lovers can enjoy a museum day treat for nearly two whole weeks at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
The museum is offering free admission from May 19 to 31, giving visitors access to its current exhibitions, interactive activities, and creative spaces at no cost. Museum hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesdays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturdays to Sundays
To score free entry, guests simply need to register online through this link ahead of their visit, though walk-ins will also be accepted with onsite registration.
Far Eastern University
You can also enjoy a special heritage walk around one of Manila’s most iconic campuses for International Museum Day.
Far Eastern University is offering free heritage campus tours on May 18, inviting visitors to explore the rich culture, stories, and architectural gems found throughout the university.
The guided tours will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas
Step back in time and rediscover the stories hidden within the streets of Old Ermita through this special heritage experience from the University of the Philippines Manila Museum of a History of Ideas.
The museum is inviting visitors to join a heritage walk that explores Ermita’s rich history as a former hub of education, science, and upscale living before World War II transformed the district forever.
The celebration kicks off on May 18 with a Museum Walk and Talkback with curator Dr. Achanzar-Labor at 8:30 a.m., followed by the UP Manila Heritage Trail at 9:30 a.m.
Participants will get the chance to tour nine protected heritage buildings across the UP Manila campus, including the Philippine General Hospital, Calderon Hall, Rizal Hall, and the Old Dentistry Building, now home to the Museum of a History of Ideas.
Keep in mind that walk-ins are not allowed, so you must register through this link. A maximum of 30 participants each will be accommodated.
Ayala Museum
If you’ve been wanting to spend a day at Ayala Museum, here’s your sign to go. In celebration of National Heritage Month, this museum offers full access to all galleries for as low as P120.
Some exhibits you can learn about include the Philippine culture before the Spanish era, dioramas showing modern art, and more of the country’s heritage.
To join, simply follow Ayala Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and show the proof at the front desk on the day of your visit.
You can also book your visit in advance via this link. Discounted admission tickets are priced at P120 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Regular rates are priced P200, and P300 for foreign visitors.
This offer is available from Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until May 28.
Ateneo Art Gallery
Ateneo Art Gallery will be open to the public on Tuesday, May 19.
Some activities you can join are the banig weaving workshop titled “Where is the Middle of the Sea?” to be facilitated by Carol Anne McChrystal with Allyza Tresvalles, Arcelie Venzuela, and Norma Babierra from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ben Chan ArtSuite, 2F Ateneo Art Gallery, Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté.
This workshop is open to visitors aged 16 years and up. Be sure to bring two to three cleaned tetrapak cartons.
The participation fee for this event is P300. Register via this link on or before Monday, May 18.
Yuchengco Museum
Yuchengco Museum will open its doors to all visitors from May 17 to 18 in celebration of this year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World.”
Guests can check out several exhibits and showcases across the museum, including Pasulong: Recent Sculptures by Anton Quisumbing on the ground floor, Nakita sa Makati: A Photobook and Exhibit by Bernie Bacosa on the second floor, and The World According to Jaime de Guzman: A Hermit Painter's Last Years in Mount Banahaw on the third floor.
Also on view are Agimat at Anting-Anting: Objects of Protection & Belief from Mount Banahaw and Art-In-Progress by Marco Y. Santos. Admission is free.
University of Santo Tomas Museum
Those of you who are eyeing to explore the University of Santo Tomas Museum will be pleased to know that they have now waived their entrance fees until May 29.
The museum is open to visitors on weekdays and will be closed on Mondays and weekends.
Guests will also have the chance to win exclusive freebes in their raffle by simply dropping by and visiting their galleries.
