[2025 Cebu Attraction] Travel Guide for Cebu Provincial Museum (Updated May)

Museo Sugbo is a provincial museum in Cebu City, Philippines. I find it interesting that this museum was once the provincial jail of the city. This museum is located in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC). There are six galleries located in different buildings on the premise. Taking pictures and videos inside the galleries are strictly prohibited. Cebu is the oldest city of the Philippines, going to this museum let you discover a lot of things about the history of the country. There are various artifacts that are displayed. There's a section where you can make a wish as well. Entrance Fee: Adult: Filipinos: Php 30.00 Foreigners: Php 75.00 Students: Filipinos: Php 10.00 Foreigners: Php 50.00 YES! Locals and foreigners have different fees 😩 #tripblazers #travellocal #cebu #philippines #museum

Every place has a story to tell and Cebu, which is in fact the richest province in the Philippines in terms of earnings, has also the richest history in the country. From its earliest ancestors who showed both bravery and patriotism to their hospitality and peace-loving nature, Cebu has it. Everything that is left of the early government, currency, bombs, modes of communications, edicts, and whatever that symbolizes and shows the earliest lives of the Cebuanos are preserved in this place.

Have you been to the Cebu Provincial Museum? If you haven’t, then you must visit this historical place. Preserved and displayed in this museum are bust of Cebuano personalities who have made important contributions in their respective fields of expertise. Also, you will find the old laws, tools, money/curriencies, jars containing valuables, bombs used in the olden times, and many more. A quick tour will really give you a glimpse into the province’s rich history and culture.

🔅The Museo was designed by Domingo de Escondrillas in in 1869 (he used to be the only architect in Cebu that time). It was originally proposed to be the main prison for the Visayan District because of its somewhat considerable size when it was constructed.The construction started in 1871. It was believed that the coral blocks from the demolished Parian Church ⛪were used to build parts of the gaol. 🏛️Inside the Museo, there are four galleries located in two different buildings. In the building of the Museum of Philippine Political History, 🗿The political history gallery and the presidential gallery is located. The political history gallery displays the political history of the country from the early period of Filipino groups until the present time. The presidential gallery showcases the Philippine presidents with their portraits and signature that is engraved in a 24-karat gold plated metal. 💲Fees in the Museo Adult: Filipinos: Php 30.00 ⁉️Foreigners: Php 75.00 🇺🇸The American-era gallery contains an interesting collection of letters and memorabilia from Thomas Sharpe, one of 1065 teachers known as Thomasites who arrived in the early days of the American period to fulfil President McKinley's pledge to 'educate the Filipinos'. Walking through this museum is just like taking a walk through the history! #mytripvlog #awesomepic #summervacation #cebutrip #cebuphilippines #philippines

The old Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center now houses Museo Sugbo (CPDRC). Cebu's provincial jail was originally known as "Carcel de Cebu." The Cebu Provincial Museum now occupies the space. In 1869, Domingo de Escondrillas designed the Museo (he used to be the only architect in Cebu that time). Because of its size at the time of construction, it was originally intended to be the main prison for the Visayan District. Construction began in 1871. The coral blocks from the collapsed Parian Church are thought to have been utilized to construct parts of the gaol. What Can You Find In The Museo? A small fee will be collected at the Museo's entrance, which will be used for maintenance. As a guide, a map of the area with vital information at the back will be provided (can be a remembrance too). There are four galleries at the Museo, which are split between two buildings. The political history gallery and the presidential gallery are both housed in the Museum of Philippine Political History's building. The political history gallery depicts the country's political history from the early days of Filipino organizations to the present day. The presidential gallery displays the images of Philippine presidents as well as their signatures, which are engraved in 24-karat gold.a The MPPH's other two galleries are located on the opposite side of the building. Various archeological items from Cebu excavations, including gold and ceramics from the renowned San Diego shipwreck of 1600, are on display in these galleries. The wishing well, which is located near the National Museum Galleries, will bring the museum's tour to a close. It's known as the Well of Wisdom, Love, and Luck. During the Spanish period, it was thought to be the supply of water for the Visayas District's jail complex.

#cityplaybook Kick off the morning hiking up Osmeña Peak, Cebu’s highest point, for a sunrise moment above the clouds. Grab a local breakfast from a roadside carinderia. Then drive to Lambug Beach in Badian for a laid-back beach day—bring snacks, music, and chill under the palm trees. In the afternoon, stop by Moalboal for snorkeling with sardine runs or turtles at Panagsama Beach. End the day with a beach dinner and cold beer as the sun drops into the sea. Easy, breezy, unforgettable.

#cityplaybook Begin your day in Cebu City with a traditional Filipino breakfast—tapsilog or danggit-silog. Walk through history at Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro. Explore the Casa Gorordo Museum to get a sense of colonial Cebu. Grab lunch in Colon Street or nearby. In the afternoon, ride a jeepney to Taoist Temple for views and peaceful vibes. As the sun sets, go up to Tops Lookout for sweeping views of the city, then wrap up the day with lechon and halo-halo.

#cityplaybook Start before sunrise and head south toward Oslob—but skip the whale shark swim if you're eco-conscious. Instead, visit the Tumalog Falls for a refreshing morning dip. Continue to Sumilon Island for a few hours of kayaking or lounging on its shifting sandbar. Have lunch with a view, then go west to Kawasan Falls and try canyoneering if you’re up for the thrill. Return via the scenic Barili road, grabbing local snacks on the way. This day is for the adrenaline junkies.

#musem

📖 Domingo de Escondrillas designed the Museo in 1869 (he used to be the only architect in Cebu that time). 📖 Sugbu or Sugbo was derived from the Old Cebuano word for "scorched earth" or "great fire."

CebuQueen City of South is highly recommended tourist spot.A lot of places to visit with our hostile people.

Enrich your mind with knowledge about the past while having fun at the same time here in Museo Sugbo. Here you can learn lots of insights about how our forebears lived before, during, and after the Spanish Era. Read some letters written by Legazpi himself to the King of Spain (that's if you can understand Castilian, hehe), see an actual bomb used by the Americans during World War 2 (its really huge), and a lot more! #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

I love Museums very much. I don't even remember how many times I've already been to Museo Sugbo, but yes, I love this place a lot. They showcase 16 galleries of artifacts starting from the pre-colonization period of the Philippines up to the Japanese colonization era. ✨ #wintergetaway