From a Prison to a National Museum

 

Far from the looks and usage of the original edifice, the National Museum of the Philippines Western Visayas Regional Museum stands as a testament of glorious restoration and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings in Iloilo City.

The museum is the former Iloilo Rehabilitation Center, a jail facility that was abandoned in 2006 when the inmates were transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-run Iloilo Provincial Jail at Brgy. Nanga, Pototan.

Built in 1911, the old Iloilo Provincial Jail is an Important Cultural Property - a recognition of its exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines.

In particular, the built-heritage is recognized for having exceptional cultural and architectural significance reflective of the local’s history and culture, thus, an intrinsic part of the heritage and patrimony of the Filipino people.

After the PhP 80 million make over by the Iloilo Provincial Government and the National Museum of the Philippines, this prison turned museum is in the works in amassing its collection for its galleries and exhibits but is already an exciting destination inside-out. 

From its dignified restoration in and out to the open green space on the rooftop, it's a breath of fresh air at the newly landscaped Iloilo Capitol Complex.

Run by the National Museum of the Philippines, the NM Western Visayas Regional Museum serves as the regional satellite office and museum of the agency.

The Museum features/will have seven galleries intended for permanent exhibitions on Fine Arts, Paleontology and Geology, Archaeology, Flora and Fauna, and Intangible and Tangible Cultural Heritage of Western Visayas. 

The Museum recently opened one gallery where viewers can see the Habol Panay: The Woven Artistry of Western Visayas, a permanent exhibition that showcases the textile heritage of Panay.

The main feature of the edifice is the glass dome located above the main gallery which not only provides natural lighting but also a different perspective - whether from above or below.

The second level features a multi-use room for various events and conferences as well as spaces for temporary displays along the hallway.

But my favorite is the al fresco area that surrounds the dome which gives a calming view of the whole complex.

Walking on artifical grass and from four different angles, one can view the landscaped front lawn complete with the hustle and bustle of city life plus a row of more heritage buildings in sight. 

Another side gives a visitors a view of Iloilo Provincial Capitol and another museum - Museo Iloilo.

A view of the Iloilo River and the upcoming esplanade makes up the backview while the last view is that of another landscaped garden with stage plus various government buidlings like the Iloilo Hall of Justice.

Glass walls provide the inner portion of the dome support a two-way view plus a reflective point of view creating an illusion of vastness inside out.

And at the corners of these sides stand the four original turrets which served as the watchtower back when the building served as a prison.

Perfect place to cap your visit with a selfie or groufie!

Museum Hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM (4:30 last admission of guests). Admission is FREE.

The museum is closed to the public on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday, November 1, and Christmas Day. The museum is closed every Monday for cleaning and maintenance. 

Group tours (20 guests or more) must be booked at least a week before the tour date. 

For queries, call NM WVRM at 033-327-3782 or email them at nmiloilo@yahoo.com.

Portion of the text and some photos courtesy of NM Western Visayas Regional Museum Facebook Page