Museum of Philippine Maritime History

Museum of Philippine Maritime History: The Museum of Philippine Maritime History is nestled on the ground floor of the Iloilo Customs House in Iloilo City, Philippines. The Iloilo Customs House is a neoclassical structure that was built in 1916. The building served as a venue and witness to the economic development of Iloilo. In recognition of the Customs House’s heritage value, it was restored by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2017 and 2021.

And on January 13, 2023, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines launched the maritime museum in the City of Love, Iloilo City. The museum comprises six (6) galleries that narrate different parts of our nation’s vast maritime history and culture. Galleries will transport us to different experiences and perspectives to appreciate our maritime heritage.

It is also worth mentioning that the Philippines is the leading provider of seafarers around the globe. The Province of Iloilo contributes to the large sum of graduates who are skilled in the field of maritime navigation and trade. The museum pays tribute to the brave Filipino souls who traversed our inland and international waters. It is no doubt that Filipinos are master navigators of the high seas.

Note: Text sourced from the NHCP Museum of Philippine Maritime History Facebook Page.

“The Museum features the history of the Filipinos’ close relationship with the sea and other bodies of water from the arrival of the Austronesians thousands of years ago to the present. It will feature miniature boats, as well as original and reproduced artifacts,” excerpts from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines website.

About the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine history and heritage through its administration of national shrines, museums, research and publication, conservation, and marking of historic sites and structures.