Curious collections – Manila Bulletin

Ancient artifacts, age-old artworks, and themed dioramas—these are just some of the things that come to mind when we think of museums. They allow visitors to get a glimpse of what life was like before. But apart from showcasing general culture and heritage, many museums around the world also focus on a specific subject, theme, or interest.

Dubbed “niche museums,” they offer deep insight into a narrow topic, making them particularly appealing to enthusiasts or curious visitors. Prime examples include Japan’s Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, Croatia’s Museum of Broken Relationships, and Denmark’s Lego House. The Philippines, too, has a handful of niche museums, spotlighting people’s passions, cities’ heritage, and Filipino creativity. Ahead of International Museum Day on May 18, we’re highlighting some unique museums located across the archipelago.

Located on Cuadra Street in Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City, the Puzzle Mansion chronicles Georgina Gil-Lacuna’s life as a puzzle collector. It showcases over 1,500 puzzles in various sizes and formats—including 2D, 3D, and 4D—and features intricate replicas of famous artworks by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Michelangelo. One of the museum’s most beloved pieces is “Around the World,” a single jigsaw puzzle made up of 42,000 pieces.

D’Bone Collector Museum

First opened in Davao City in 2012, the D’Bone Collector Museum recently expanded its gallery to house over 700 bone specimens. Highlights include a 41-foot-long sperm whale skeleton alongside terrestrial specimens like the Philippine brown deer. Founded by American-born naturalist Darrell Dean Blatchley—who has made the Philippines his home—the museum aims to educate visitors about animal life and promote environmental conservation.

Echoing Marikina City’s shoemaking heritage, the Marikina Shoe Museum was founded in 2001 and is best known for displaying First Lady Imelda Marcos’s extensive collection—over 700 pairs crafted by luxury brands such as Christian Dior and Gucci, as well as local designers. Beyond Imelda Marcos’s shoes, the museum offers a broader narrative of footwear history, including traditional Filipino designs and contributions from notable personalities.

Manila Clock Tower Museum

The Manila Clock Tower, standing nearly 100 feet tall as part of Manila City Hall, was designed by architect Antonio Toledo in the 1930s and has witnessed significant historical events, including World War II’s devastation. In December 2021, the tower was converted into the Manila Clock Tower Museum and officially inaugurated in October 2022. Visitors can explore the clock’s inner mechanisms on the sixth floor and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from the top level.

Located in San Pablo City, Laguna, the Komikero Komiks Museum was established in 2016 by Gerry Alanguilan, a renowned comic-book artist known for his work with Marvel and DC. The museum offers an intimate look at the evolution of Philippine comics, highlighting its cultural significance and artistic achievements. Among its highlights are original works by Filipino komiks pioneers such as Francisco V. Coching, Alfredo Alcala, Alex Niño, and Nestor Redondo.

Housed in a restored ancestral home in Taal, Batangas, Galleria Taal is the country’s first camera museum. It showcases Emmanuel “Manny” Inumerable’s collection of over 130 vintage cameras—from 19th-century models to rare pieces like a 24-karat gold-plated Nikon FA SLR—and features historical photographs capturing pivotal moments in Philippine history, including a rare image of Dr. José Rizal’s execution.

As we celebrate International Museum Day, let these off-the-beaten-path destinations remind us that culture isn’t only preserved in grand institutions, but also in the unique, personal stories waiting to be discovered in every corner of the country.