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Casa Manila in Photos: A Living Museum of Philippine History and Culture
- Jenn & Leon
- Sep 3, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Casa Manila was built in 1981-1983 by the government of the Philippines.
It was designed by architect J. Ramon L. Faustmann and was modeled after a house that once stood at Jaboneros Street in the Chinese district of Binondo in the 1850s.
The house was built as part of a project to restore Intramuros, which had been heavily damaged during World War II.
Casa Manila was intended to be a living museum that would showcase the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period.
Casa Manila is furnished with period furniture and artifacts from China, Europe, and the Philippines.
The walls are painted with murals depicting scenes from Filipino history and culture, and it was inaugurated in 1983 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda Marcos.
It has since become a popular tourist destination in Manila and is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Philippine history and culture.
In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual tour of Casa Manila, share some facts, help you find the museum, and also include valuable travel resources to support your trip.
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Our Casa Manila Highlights in Photos
When we entered the main courtyard of Casa Manila, with its circular stone fountain, we were very eager to make it inside.
This felt like a historic place, and the builders did a fantastic job of making this replica feel like the original.
Honestly, at the time, we could not tell at all, and having not done much research prior, we assumed that it indeed was from the colonial era.
The ticket office is located beneath the stairway, behind the stone fountain.
The stairway is the exit, and when you purchase your tickets, you need to go directly opposite the office to find the entrance.
There is a small sign on the wall pointing you to the right, where you will find an attendant.
By this point, we were eager with anticipation and could not wait to get inside.
Filming is not allowed, but as you will see, photos are permitted.
We were also told that we must stick to the red carpet to protect the well-varnished wooden floors, although this was not necessary in the kitchen (cocina) and bathroom (baño) area.
The staircase to the main floor of the house is beautiful, with its mahogany bannisters, rolled red carpet with gold stops.
Immediately, you see a grand painting above, but there is so much ornate detail in the ceilings and walls around it that it is hard to stop the eyes dancing to other places!
The red carpet will guide you around the house, starting in a main reception area, trailing off to several bedrooms, then leading into the main living area, and perhaps the most opulent part of the museum.
The wealth of ornaments, beautiful paintings, and carved wooden cornices is just incredible.
We could only imagine how wonderful it must have been living here!
The museum is filled with many rooms, including a study, a library, and a pretty epic dining room with one of the finest dining tables you will see.
There were various musical instruments dotted around too, including a grand piano and a giant and very beautiful harp.
One could tell music was a big part of life in this home.
The sense of nostalgia is all around here.
Every inch of the place is touched with some form of art and luxury, Chandeliers, ceilings, ornate chairs, and shutters on the windows.
All that was missing was the sound of hooves clacking on the ground as a horse and carriage stroll into the courtyard outside!
When they say step back in time, they really do mean it here at Casa Manila.
Read on for some facts about this museum, and also some information on Intramuros and its incredible history in the Philippines.
Plus, find out how to get here, and as ever, our experience rating.
Five Interesting Facts About Casa Manila
1. The construction of Casa Manila was initiated by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1980s as part of her efforts to preserve and showcase the country's cultural heritage.
2. The house is made of materials that were commonly used in Spanish colonial houses, such as wood, stone, and bricks.
It was built using traditional construction techniques, with all of the wood being cut by hand, and the bricks being made from clay that was dug from the ground.
3. The house was designed to be cool and comfortable, even in the hot tropical climate. The windows are made of capiz shells, which allow air to circulate but block out the sun.
The central courtyard was a common feature of Spanish colonial houses and served as a place for the family to relax and entertain guests.
4. The house is filled with beautiful furniture and artifacts. The furniture is made from a variety of materials, including wood, leather, and metal.
The artifacts include paintings, sculptures, and textiles that come from China, Europe, and the Philippines.
These items give a glimpse into the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period.
5. Casa Manila is a popular tourist destination.
Before the pandemic, Intramuros as a whole received over 1.2 million tourists a year, with many of those visiting this famous museum.
What Is Intramuros?
Intramuros, meaning "within the walls" in Spanish, is a historic district situated at the heart of Manila, Philippines.
Intramuros was established by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi in 1571.
It was constructed as a defensive fortress, surrounded by massive stone walls and moats to protect Spanish settlers from attacks by local indigenous groups and other foreign powers.
The walls of Intramuros served as a physical barrier, separating the Spanish elite from the outside world.
Intramuros became the political, religious, and economic center of Manila during the Spanish colonial period.
The district's architecture reflects a combination of Spanish colonial and Asian influences, with elegant facades, intricate carvings, and cobblestone streets.
Designed in a grid pattern typical of Spanish colonial town planning, the central plaza, Plaza Mayor (now Plaza de Roma), served as the main focal point.
Significant structures like the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church highlight its importance as a religious and cultural hub.
Intramuros withstood the Seven Years' War between Spain and Britain in 1762 but experienced severe devastation during World War II.
It faced heavy bombing by American forces after Japan invaded and occupied the city.
Many of the original buildings and structures were either destroyed or damaged during this time, not only due to the bombing but also because of the 'scorched earth' tactics employed by the retreating Japanese army.
Intramuros was nearly completely destroyed, making Manila the second most devastated city of World War II, following Warsaw in Poland.
Following the end of the war and the proclamation of Philippine independence from the U.S. in 1946, efforts have been undertaken to preserve and restore the historical heritage of Intramuros.
Although much of the original city has been lost, Intramuros remains a beloved site, drawing tourists eager to explore the Philippines' colonial history.
It provides a unique window into the nation's past through its museums, cultural sites, and landmarks.
As a living testament to the Philippines' history, Intramuros represents the country's resilience and offers a tangible link to its struggle for liberation from foreign rule.
Casa Manila Museum Opening Times and Entrance Fee
Casa Manila is open from 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
It is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Please note that the museum may be closed on certain days for special events.
⪢ Entrance Fee to Casa Manila Museum
● Adults: 75 PHP
● Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities: 50 PHP
● Children (below 12 years old): Free
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025).
Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
All prices are in Philippine Pesos. Convert your currency here.
How to Get to Casa Manila
To get to Casa Manila in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting point.
Here's how to get there using different modes of transportation:
Take a Jeepney
Jeepneys are a popular mode of public transportation in Manila. You can take a jeepney that plies routes through Intramuros.
Look for jeepneys with signs indicating "Intramuros" or "Puerta Real," which is one of the entrances to Intramuros.
Casa Manila is within walking distance of Puerta Real.
By LRT (Light Rail Transit)
If you're using the LRT Line 1 (the Yellow Line), you can get off at the Central Terminal Station.
From there, you can walk to Intramuros, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station. Casa Manila is located within Intramuros.
By Taxi or Grab
You can easily hail a taxi or use Grab if you're in Metro Manila.
Just input "Casa Manila, Intramuros" as your destination, and the driver should take you to the museum.
Remember that traffic conditions in Manila can vary, so it's a good idea to plan and consider the time of day when traveling to avoid any potential delays.
Also, be wary of private taxis that tend to hike the price for tourists.
By Walking
If you are already within Intramuros or at a nearby location like Rizal Park, you can easily walk to Casa Manila.
Intramuros is a pedestrian-friendly area, and you can follow signs or use GPS navigation to locate the museum.
By Pedicab or Kalesa
Inside Intramuros, you can explore the area by hiring a pedicab (bicycle rickshaw) or a Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage).
These traditional modes of transport are a unique way to tour the historic district and reach Casa Manila.
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
Many tour operators offer guided tours of Intramuros, which often include a visit to Manila Cathedral.
Joining a guided tour can be a convenient way to learn about the history of the area while ensuring you won't get lost!
⪢ Contact Information for Casa Manila
● Address: HXQG+V52 Plaza Sans Luis Complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
● Contact: +63 (02) 8527 4084
● Website: intramuros.gov.ph
Where to Stay in Manila
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Manila hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
There are many places to check out in Intramuros, but here are a few within walking distance from Casa Manila that we recommend you check out:
San Agustin Church
The San Agustin Church is the oldest in the country, and one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is the only church that survived the near-complete destruction of Intramuros in WW2.
Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is a historic minor basilica and an important place of worship.
It has been rebuilt seven times, overcoming several wars and earthquakes.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago was built by the Spanish in 1571 and served as the government HQ.
The fort was also used as a prison, and it is where José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was imprisoned before his execution in 1896.
Barbara’s Restaurant
Step back in time at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Manila’s famous walled city of Intramuros.
A must-visit for great food, music, and culture. A wonderful way to immerse yourself in the incredible history and tradition of the Philippines.
Watch Us Explore Intramuros on YouTube
This video takes you on a journey through both luxury and local attractions as we wander around the city of Intramuros.
Regardless of the weather, we made the most of our day!
We visit popular tourist destinations like the Plaza San Luis Complex, home to Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, The Royal Cafe, and the Casa Manila Living Museum.
Next, we explore San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago, all while soaking in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Manila that we've grown to cherish.
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Casa Manila
Casa Manila was genuinely one of our favorite places in Intramuros.
Even though it is a 'modern replica' of what would have been, it has been done so well that you could never tell.
We think the photos show that!
From the furniture to the drapes, the candlesticks to the chandeliers, this museum took us back in time, even to the smell of the place.
As history lovers, Casa Manila is just a perfect spot to kick off an Intramuros tour.
FAQ: Casa Manila Museum – What to Know Before You Visit
What is Casa Manila?
Casa Manila is a reconstructed Spanish-era house museum located in the heart of Intramuros.
It showcases colonial Filipino lifestyle during the 19th century, with period furniture, décor, and traditional architecture.
Where is it located?
Is it a real heritage house?
What can I see inside?
How much is the entrance fee?
What are the opening hours?
How long does it take to visit?
Can you take photos inside?
Is it wheelchair accessible?
What else is nearby?
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