Malacañang Palace, Manila Overview

Malacanang Palace is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines. The only part open to public visits is the Museo ng Malacañang- the museum inside the building that displays interesting historical facts and fascinating memorabilia about the past presidents and rulers of the Philippines.

Boasting high ceilings, shining floors, beautiful chandeliers, capiz windows, and wooden paneling, the museum is done up tastefully in colonial architecture. It attracts tourists in addition to regular history buffs. Besides, the complex also houses a golf course, recreation hall, an American-era guest house, Bonifacio Hall, Kalayaan Hall, Mabini Hall, and several beautiful gardens. Sprawling over vast acres of land, the beautiful complex was built in the mid-eighteenth century in Bahay na bato and neoclassical architectural styles. The building was originally constructed as a summer residence for the Spanish aristocrats, but later, it was turned into a Spanish office and occupied by the Americans. Currently, it is used by the Filipino government as their principal workplace.

Buildings in the Malacanang Palace

Malacanang Palace
Malacanang Palace is the prime building and the centre of attraction in the entire complex. Currently, it has 10 existing halls, some of which have been restored and renovated from the historical times. The first hall within the palace is the Entrance Hall which the official visitors use. A lot of the decor and the furniture from the past have been replaced and quite a few have been renovated. The walls and floors have been done up in Philippine marble and straight from the centre is the Grand Staircase leading to state reception rooms.
There is also a Heroes Hall which houses several paintings especially commissioned for the place. The Rizal Ceremonial Hall, aka the Ballroom, is the largest hall in the palace and is used for state dinners and large assemblies. In addition to that, there is also a Reception Hall, State Dining Room, Presidential Study, Music Room, Private Quarters, Discotheques, and Bedroom Suites etc.
Kalayaan Hall
Kalayaan Hall, earlier known as the Old Executive Building, is the oldest part of the Residential Building which was built in 1920. The main highlight of the hall is the Presidential Museum which was earlier known as Malacañang Museum. The museum was established in 2004 when the Malacanang Museum and Library were joined together to form the bigger repository. The current name was given to it in 2010. There is also the game room which goes by the name of Garcia Room. In addition to that, there is the Magsaysay Room, Bedroom of Imee Marcos, Laurel Room, Ramos Room, and Marcos Room etc.

In addition to this, there is the New Executive Building, Mobino Hall and the Bonifacio Hall. Bahay Pagbabago is the guest house that was built for the state visitors and guests. There is also a golf course, Mabini Hall, Bonifacio Hall and Malacanang Park that is replete with lush greenery and is littered with towering trees. Besides, there are several other buildings that occupy the complex like the Legarda Mansion, Goldenberg Mansion, Laperal Mansion, Teus House, Valdes Mansion and many other beautiful gardens etc.

Presidential Museum in the Malacanang Palace

The highlight of the Malacanang Palace is the Presidential Museum, earlier known by the name of Museo ng Malacañang. This is the only place on campus that allows entry to visitors and tourists. The museum features the rich history of the Philippines and an extensive account and fascinating memorabilia about the 16 Philippines’ presidents since 1899. The main areas feature President Quezon's office, the room made for the First Ladies, and Ferdinand Marcos' original 20-page decree proclaiming martial law. Built in colonial architecture, the building has polished and shining floorboards, gleaming chandeliers, high ceilings, capiz windows and ornate wooden panels. In order to visit the museum, you will need to book the tour at least five days in advance.

Tips

Photography is allowed only inside the Malacanang Museum. However, only one camera per group is allowed.
To take a tour of the place, you need to get permissions at least 5 days in advance.