Expanding Museum Hours in Davao City
National Museum of the Philippines-Davao Extends Operating Hours for Kadayawan Festival
The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao (NMP-Davao) is set to extend its operating hours for the Kadayawan Festival on August 15-16, 2025. Normally, the museum operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but for these special days, it will be open until 7 p.m. [1]
The extended hours are designed to give more time for both local and foreign tourists to visit and appreciate the museum's exhibits during the festival celebrations. Admission is free upon presenting a valid ID, which covers the entire visiting group or family. [1]
NMP-Davao, located at People's Park Compound, J. Palma Gil St., Barangay 4A Poblacion District, Davao City, is the fourth national museum in Mindanao and is recognized as the largest in the region.
According to the museum's records from January to June 2025, a total of 181,026 visitors have been recorded. Most of these visitors were adults, comprising 45.1 percent or 81,728. [2] Junior high school students made up 6.6 percent of the visitors, totaling 11,923, while senior high school students accounted for 8.0 percent, or 14,476. [2]
Elementary pupils represented 7.8 percent of the visitors, totaling 14,107, and college students made up 23.8 percent, or 43,140. [2] Toddlers or preschoolers accounted for 5.1 percent, or 9,313, and senior citizens made up 3.5 percent, or 6,339. [2]
The first four floors of NMP-Davao are dedicated to exhibits, while the fifth floor is designated for Museo Dabawenyo. Visitors are not allowed to bring beverages, water containers, or tumblers into the museum to protect the exhibits. [2]
Group tours are available at the NMP-Davao, and reservations must be made online through the museum's official email. Mini-fans are prohibited in the museum due to strict temperature and humidity control measures. [2]
The NMP-Davao encourages visitors to celebrate the Kadayawan Festival by visiting the museum to learn about the rich heritage of Mindanao. The museum's Facebook post announcing the extended hours and free admission was made on Friday, August 15, 2025. [1]
[1] National Museum of the Philippines-Davao Facebook Post, August 15, 2025. [2] Data provided by the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao.
During the forthcoming Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, visitors can extend their exploration of Mindanao's heritage by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao, which will be operating until 7 p.m. on August 15-16, 2025. After appreciating the museum's displays, tourists might appreciate combining their trip with a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle and home-and-garden practices, as well as the unique travel opportunities that the Philippines' southern region offers.
