History of the Clock Tower
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is a first in museum galleries.
Text and poster courtesy of Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila
February 7, 2023
The Manila Clock Tower was designed by the famous Antonio Toledo and was completed during the 1930s. The architecture stands at a towering height of almost 100 feet, making it the largest clock tower in the Philippines.
The Manila City Hall and the Clock Tower was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The battle was a brutal and devastating conflict that took place in February of that year between American and Japanese forces during World War II. The battle was fought for control of the city and resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, as well as significant damage to the city's infrastructure. The battle was prolonged for nearly a month and resulted in extensive damage to the city, including the destruction of the Clock Tower.
Years after the brutal devastation, the clock tower was first proposed for renovation by Councilor Lou Veloso. However, the proposal was not started until the time of Mayor Lito Atienza where the renovation work actually began. The second renovation took place during the time of Mayor Estrada who had the clocks upgraded and digitalized in order to achieve synchronization with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for Philippine Standard Time.
In 2019, the time of Mayor Domagoso, the LED lights were changed to stationary white lights. In mid-2020, the portions of the clock tower and the faces of its four clocks were painted gold.
The entire interior of the tower was also renovated to transform it into an art gallery and a museum featuring the historical events and famous artists. Currently, the team handling the clock tower is planning to make a room for a coffee shop.
The clock tower was inaugurated to the public as the Manila Clock Tower Museum on December 27, 2021 and was officially opened as a prime tourist spot by Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan in October 2022. The tower is now recognized as a major tourist attraction and a historic landmark in Manila, showcasing the city's rich history, cultural heritage and the city view of Manila. It continues to stand as a symbol of the city and a testimony to Manila`s architectural excellence.
History of Museum
The Manila Clock Tower Museum is a first in museum galleries.
The Clock tower is highlighted by the Wall of Heroes that features a variety of multi-sensory exhibits of the historical event of the Battle for Manila. Showcasing five levels of what is aptly called Adaptive Reuse, that is, from simply a clock/watch tower, it was repurposed and renovated to be a world-class tourist spot.
Built through the initiative and vision of Hon. Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and was continued by Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna Pangan.
The Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) headed by Mr. Charlie DJ.
Dungo was given the responsibility with the management, supervision, and maintenance of the Clock
Tower. The project was coordinated and managed by Mr. Jose Ma. D. Belmonte.
The museum also scores a first by featuring double expositions at the grand opening featuring the exhibitions of Maestro Joe Datuin, a visual olympian and monumentalist and the Father of Assertionism, the late Maestro Rene Robles.
The inaugural exhibits also include international Filipino visual artists such as: Sherwin Paul Gonzales and Nante Carandang. Other award-winning artworks from Tawid Gallery and furniture artist Agi Pagkatipunan is also displayed and is open for viewing in the museum.
The showcases were designed and curated by Ohm David and Elba Cruz. Lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr.
Museum Rules
1. Please do not touch or move any of the equipment, displays or art works, most of which are for SALE. If you have queries, we will be most glad to assist you.
2. Please speak in low tones as a courtesy to other visitors and maintain the ambiance inside the Museum.
3. Taking of videos on the first floor and flash photography on the first, mezzanine, and the 2nd floor are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
4. Each batch of 15 will be allowed every 30 minutes ONLY.
5. No food or drink is allowed inside the Museum.
Important Dates
June 29, 2022 – Sneak Peak of the MCTM (1st and Mezzanine only) Term of Mayor Isko
October 25, 2022 – Grand Opening of the Manila Clock Tower Museum, Inaugurated by Mayor Maria Sheilah Honey Lacuna-Pangan. The Inaugural Exhibit (Oct 25,2022) on our gallery is Assertionism Epilogue – which is a new way of seeing, expressing and instructing art. Assertionism – it is an art which has power that assets, transforms and transcends. This is the only art movement founded by a Filipino artist that is recognize by the art circle internationally.
December 6, 2022 – In Collaboration with the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW). Bea Robles was featured in the Manila Clock Tower Museum as she uses her art as a tool to raise awareness on sexual harassment drawing strength from her personal experiences.
National Arts Month Celebration 2023
February 1 – National Arts Month: kickoff of the exhibit entitled: Kuwento ng Alon by Kristine Lim.
February 4-5 – Participated in the Pasinaya Festival: Paseo Museo headed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
A fashion and art exhibit inspired by, and made for the global, empowered, modern Manileña.
February 7 – Banaag and Modern Manileña is the 2nd changing exhibit of the Manila Clock Tower Museum that features outstanding and award-winning artists.
