Casa Gorordo Museum reopens
Enhancement of museum meant to keep up with technology while promoting culture, history
CASA Gorordo Museum reopened its doors to the public yesterday, more than two years after it was closed in late 2013 to give way to an enhancement project.
The upgrading of the museum was aimed at elevating visitors’ experience by incorporating more interactive presentations and digital technology.
“The objective of the project was to incorporate new elements to the museum experience, making it more interactive and fun,” said museum curator Florencio Moreño. “We’re mixing a little bit of old and new. Apart from the artifacts, we have upgraded our exhibits with the use of new technologies.”
The museum now has enriched artifact collections reflecting the lifestyle of Cebuanos from the late 1800s to the preWorld War II years.
The new features of the museum include a 3D map that showcases the history of Cebu City; one will also get to know how a balay nga tisa (house with tiled roof), such as Casa Gorordo, was built through a short film that will be shown at the mini-theater; and interactive exhibits.
“Museums, like ours, have to continue to stay relevant. With these upgrades, we can ensure that we can keep up with the changing times,” said Moreño.
Dominica Chua, chief operating officer of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), said that it is also the intention of the foundation to promote the importance of history and culture to the kids and millennials through the museum.
She said that the museum is offering a special tour package designed for kids.
The museum shop also underwent enhancement and now offers Casa Gorordo Museum-branded merchandise that cannot be bought from any other stores.
Casa Gorordo Museum is a historic house owned and managed by RAFI through its Culture and Heritage Unit.
The house was built in the 1850s and it was originally owned by Alejandro Rosales Reynes. It was bought by Juan Isidro Gorordo, a Spanish merchant, in 1863. Four generations of the Gorordo family have lived in this house, including Bishop Juan Gorordo, the first Cebuano bishop.
After it was acquired by RAFI, the house was first renovated between 1980 and 1981. It was officially opened to the public on Dec. 15, 1983.
The National Historical Institute con- ferred on the Casa Gorordo Museum the title National Historical Landmark in 1991.
In 2005, a major second renovation was undertaken to replace aging elements.
For the new admission rates, the museum offers flat rates for local and foreign guests.
The museum offers different tour pack- ages, ranging from P80 to P180. The P180 rate will include free use of tablets, free earphones, a booklet, a souvenir item, and a free drink at the museum cafe.
A 20 percent discount will be given to senior citizens, students (13 to 18 years of age), and undergraduate college students.
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Tuesday to Sunday.
For more information about Casa Gorordo Museum and other programs of the RAFI Culture and Heritage Unit, call (032) 411-1767 or email rafi.chu@ rafi.org.ph, or visit the foundation’s Facebook page at RAFI-Casa Gorordo Museum.