National Museum of the Philippines-Davao Announces Temporary Closure of Two Galleries for Maintenance
The National Museum of the Philippines–Davao (NMP-Davao) has announced a temporary closure of two of its prominent galleries to facilitate essential maintenance work. This closure is scheduled to begin on February 9, 2026, as confirmed in a recent social media update from the museum.
Affected Exhibition Spaces and Visitor Information
In a Facebook post published on February 6, 2026, NMP-Davao specified that the Kabilin Exhibit and the Ang Kiukok Gallery, both situated on the museum's fourth floor, will be closed to the public until further notice. The institution has not yet provided a definitive reopening date for these specific areas.
All other exhibits located on the lower floors will continue to operate normally and remain accessible to visitors. The museum management expressed gratitude for the public's understanding and patience during this period, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the overall museum experience through these maintenance efforts.
The museum's exhibition areas are distributed across the first to fourth floors. Additionally, the fifth floor is home to Museo Dabawenyo, which will also remain open throughout this maintenance phase.
Background and Recent History of the Museum
This maintenance initiative follows closely on the heels of the museum's recent reopening after a three-month closure prompted by a significant seismic event. A powerful doublet earthquake struck the Davao Region on October 10, 2025, necessitating the temporary shutdown.
While the museum building itself did not suffer any structural damage from the quake, the incident resulted in several artifacts being dislodged and requiring repair. Subsequent inspections revealed minor issues such as cracks in the paintwork and hairline fractures in certain sections of the facility.
Museum officials have assured the public that these concerns were comprehensively addressed prior to reopening. They conducted thorough checks to ensure that all electrical and mechanical systems within the museum were functioning optimally and safely for visitors.
Visitor Guidelines and Operational Details
NMP-Davao maintains its regular operating hours from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with free admission for all guests. Visitors are required to present one valid identification document upon entry as part of standard security protocols.
To safeguard the valuable artifacts and exhibits, the museum enforces a strict policy prohibiting the entry of beverages, water containers, or tumblers inside the premises.
Significance and Visitor Statistics
The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao officially opened its doors to the public on December 1, 2024, marking a significant cultural milestone. It stands as the fourth national museum established in Mindanao and holds the distinction of being the largest museum facility in the entire region.
The museum is strategically located within the People’s Park Compound along J. Palma Gil Street, in Barangay 4A of the Poblacion District in Davao City.
From its inauguration in December 2024 until October 2025, NMP-Davao welcomed an impressive total of approximately 300,000 visitors. This translates to a consistent monthly average ranging between 20,000 to 30,000 guests, underscoring its popularity and importance as a cultural and educational destination in Southern Philippines.
