NATURAL WONDERS
The National Museum of Natural History is set to house a wealth of flora and fauna to captivate the public
A new centre of learning is set to open its doors this year at the new National Museum of Natural History, the most recent expansion to what is now being referred to as Manila’s Museum Precinct.
Located at the former Department of Tourism, the Museum will house an extensive collection of biological fossils, taxidermy specimens, and a number of botanical artefacts.
The museum’s “Tree of Life” aesthetic was developed in tandem by architect Dominic Galicia and interior designer Tina Periquet. Inspired by DNA, the fundamental building block of life, the structure’s centrepiece is a central atrium topped by a glass dome supported by a stylised steel double-helix rising six floors high. Galleries and offices open onto the atrium and will be cooled throughout by an energy-saving system.
With an estimated cost of Php 1 billion, the museum’s redevelopment began in 2013. It will form a cultural trifecta with the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum for the Arts.