MUSEO SUGBO: A TRIP TO CEBU’S HISTORY

Are you a history lover, or a person who likes discovering and unfolding histories? Are you interested to take a trip to Cebu’s History and unravel its past, then, Museo Sugbo is the right place to go!

A FACT ABOUT MUSEO SUGBO

Museo Sugbo, located along MJ Cuenco Avenue, is one of Cebu’s most visited museums. It was once the Cebu Provincial Jail during the American era, built in 1871 where criminals were incarcerated including some Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution and Japanese occupation.

This centuries-old structure was designed and conceived by a Spanish architect in Cebu, Domingo Escondrillas. It was originally called ‘Carcel de Cebu’, having the major purpose of being the main prison for the Visayas. It was renovated in 1892 and more buildings were added. In 1946 it became the Cebu City Jail and it served its purpose until the provincial government built a much bigger and modern prison.

For a short while, the Department of Education (DepEd) occupied the building until the governor decided to turn it into a place where Cebuano heritage and history can be preserved. Thus, it is called Museo Sugbo (Cebu Museum).

A TRIP TO CEBU’S HISTORY

There are eight exhibition galleries inside the museum, all of which are fully air-conditioned. The last time we visited the museum, they allowed us to take pictures and videos, but strictly without flash.
There are Four Permanent Galleries, Three Special Exhibition Galleries and One Changing Exhibition. All these exhibition galleries are housed in four separate buildings that showcase important objects and artifacts.

Witness over a thousand years of history, from the Stone Age up to the age of barter with Chinese, Thai and Arab traders; from the Spanish colonization up to the Revolution of 1898; from the war against the Americans up to their influence of democracy, public infrastructures and education; from the Japanese invasion and brutal occupation up to the American liberation.

The National Historical Institute Museum of Philippine Political History (MPPH)

The MPPH contain two large permanent galleries, the Political History Gallery and the Presidential Gallery, located in a separate building. These galleries outline the political development of the Philippines.
The Political History Gallery traces through Philippine’s political history. The Presidential Gallery, on the other hand, presents the14 Presidents of the Philippines with their political portraits and signatures etched in a 24-karat gold plated metal, with displays of important objects and artifacts during their respective reigns.

The National Museum (CEBU BRANCH MUSEUM)

Another two large galleries, permanent and a changing gallery, housed in another building just across the MPPH, offers rare artifacts from various excavations conducted in Cebu.
The permanent exhibition gallery contains archaeological artifacts, including gold and ceramics from excavation at Plaza Independencia and Boljoon, as well as the famous San Diego shipwreck of 1600. While in the changing gallery, you can find travelling exhibits and special collections of the National Museum.

Explore, Discover and Unfold History…

In my opinion, a history geek or not, you should pay a visit to Museo Sugbo. Aside from feeding your brain with all the facts of the past, it is also one way of understanding and appreciating Cebu and somehow, the Philippines. Rest assured that you will leave the museum full of information and you will definitely be satisfied by your trip to Cebu’s history!