The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao (NMP-Davao) announced it will reopen to the public on July 2, 2026, following a comprehensive safety assessment by the Office of the City Building Official (Ocbo) after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8, 2026.
Building Declared Structurally Sound
NMP-Davao confirmed that the iconic durian-shaped building did not sustain structural damage. However, visible cracks appeared on wall surfaces on different floors as a result of stress absorption from the earthquake. The museum stated, “Your safety and peace of mind remain our absolute priority. We want to fully assure the public that the museum building remains entirely structurally sound, secure, and safe for all of our visitors, staff, and treasured collections.”
Ongoing Repairs and Visitor Experience
Visitors may notice ongoing repair and maintenance work on affected exhibits during their visit. The museum emphasized that these efforts are part of ensuring safety and comfort. All reservations, including group tours and scheduled visits, were cancelled during the closure, and staff are coordinating with tour coordinators for schedule adjustments.
Earthquake Details and Previous Closure
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake originated offshore of Maasim, Sarangani, at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, 2026, and was felt in parts of Mindanao. Phivolcs issued a tsunami warning following the quake. NMP-Davao temporarily closed its doors on June 8 as a standard safety procedure. This follows a previous three-month closure after a strong doublet earthquake hit the Davao Region on October 10, 2025. While no structural damage occurred then, some artifacts fell and required repair, and inspectors found cracks in paintwork and hairline cracks. Museum officials addressed these issues and ensured electrical and mechanical systems were in good condition before reopening.
Museum Operations and History
NMP-Davao is open Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. Visitors must present one valid ID upon entry. The museum prohibits bringing beverages, water containers, or tumblers inside to protect artifacts. The museum opened to the public on December 1, 2024, becoming the fourth national museum in Mindanao and the largest in the region. It is located inside the People’s Park Compound along J. Palma Gil Street, Barangay 4A, Poblacion District, Davao City.
