History Unveiled At The Archdiocesan Museum Of Cebu

​One of the biggest contributions of the Spaniards in the country is Christianity. The Philippines is currently the biggest Christian-dominated country in Asia. This influence is evident n the churches in the different towns and cities in Cebu. Some of these churches also house a museum where various religious artifacts are displayed. One of these museums is the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu. 

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu

The Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu or simply the Cebu Cathedral Museum is situated right across the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.  It houses numerous religious artifacts from the Spanish period. The museum opened in November 2006 and is managed by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The building where the museum is housed was built in the 19th century. It is one of the few structures in Cebu that survived the Second World War. The structure was built during the time of Bishop Santos Gomez Maranon. Bishop Maranon was known to be a builder of churches and was the bishop behind the construction of the churches in Naga and Oslob. He also built the convent in Sibonga and the bell tower of the church in Argao. 

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Museum Galleries 

The Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu has six galleries displaying different religious items and artifacts.  The first gallery contains illustrations and pictures of the growth of Catholicism in Cebu. The second gallery features the memorabilia of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal. The third gallery shows how the Spaniards built the churches in Cebu. The fourth gallery shows several statues of saints. The fifth gallery contains different items used in a Roman Catholic Mass, including chalices and priestly vestments, among others. The sixth gallery features a sample of the bedroom of a priest. 

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

The building was initially used as the convent of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral before it became a school building of the University of San Carlos. The structure was later converted into a cooperative store. When the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was being renovated, the building served as a temporary chapel. 

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​A garden at the back of the structure is used as a venue for events religious events. It also serves as a venue for garden weddings along with garden wedding receptions. The museum was one of the stops during the annual Gabii sa Kabilin of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. 

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Getting to the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu

To get to the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu, you should get on a jeepney headed for the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. These jeepneys include those marked 02B, 04H, and 17C, among others. If you are coming from Mandaue or Mabolo area, you can get on a jeepney marked 21A. These jeepneys pass either along the side or in front of the cathedral. The museum is located on the left side of the cathedral. 

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu is one of the few museums that will pique the interest of culture and history enthusiasts. It also demonstrates the rich religious heritage of the people of Cebu.

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Have you visited the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.