Casa Manila Museum

See how the rich and prominent families of Manila lived during the turn of the century. The Casa Manila is a copy of a 1850’s San Nicolas House that was once located in Calle Jaboneros. At the first floor it is rented out to small businesses, like what they do during the old times. The second and third floor is a museum that exposes the Architecture and the Interior design that was lost when the old families abandoned their old domains in Old Manila.

It is shown that the prominent families flaunted their new-found wealth during the turn of the century with lots of hardwoods. Hardwoods are termite resistant and have a good natural polishing.

The furnitures, the second floor walls, beams, column, trusses and other wooden decorations are all made of precious Philippine hardwoods that are so scarce right now, blame deforestation and illegal logging. Name it: Narra, Kamagong and Molave.

Also, there are so many lifesize saints that are made of ivory and enclosed in a Neogothic Altar, that is how Santo Domingo influenced Manila Architecture after the 1863 Earthquake.

Up to the grand staircase, photography is prohibited (but I managed to sneak some private shots haha) but the exterior and the patio and are absolutely okay.

The Casa Manila Museum is one part of many colonial style houses in the Plaza San Luis Complex in Intramuros, Manila. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9AM to 6PM and Admission fee is 75 for regular and 50 for students and senior citizens. The Casa Manila is just beside the San Agustin Church.