PASIG CITY MUSEUM

Pasig City is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines dating back to 1572. It is, undeniably, one
of the most historical places in the country. Along the busy streets of Plaza Rizal, F. Concepcion lays a
building that has seen a lengthy period in the history of Pasig and in the history of the Philippines. The
structure is eye-catching as it stands at about three-storey high.

The Pasig City Museum is home to a collection of historical artifacts and objects from different
periods in the historical development of Pasig City. Not only that it shelters Pasig’s historical pieces, the
structure, itself, is historical. The Pasig City Museum formerly was an old school mansion owned by the
former Pasig City Mayor Don Fortunato Concepcion. It was originally made as a gift to Felizardo
Dimanlig, Don Concepcion’s wife.

Being built in the year 1937, the building delineates plenty of Spanish Architectural features. It
was influenced by the Spanish-Baroque style, it is also known for having terra-cotta roofs, and it is one of
the three remaining structures in Pasig that still uses the material. The structure consists of marble stairs
and a 15th century wooden floor from the Pasig Cathedral.

The building is also known for its historical importance and great involvement in historical events
such as the visit of the late former President Manuel L. Quezon and the raising of the American flag after
the war against Japan. It also became the Japanese headquarters during World War II and it also served as
a detention center during that time.

In 2001, the government of Pasig decided to buy the building and turn it into a museum.
Preserved in the museum is the timeline of the history of Pasig. The museum exhibits artifacts related to
Pasig City’s rich history. One of the most notable pieces of art and history present in the museum is the
‘Mutya ng Pasig’, a statue of a mermaid known from a famous folklore, she was said to be the entity
responsible for the cleanliness of Pasig River. The Pasig City Museum safeguards a small collection of
the artworks of famous national artists such as Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino.

The Pasig City Museum is indeed a very treasured part of the Philippine history and arts. The
structure and its artifacts are living remnants of the country’s bittersweet history. It showcases the rich
and diverse art that once trended in the past and is now the foundation of the continuous development of
Philippine Art. From its artifacts, the museum’s floor, stairs and roofs to its deco art style and Spanish-
baroque architectural feature, it surely is a sight to see where Philippine arts came and was founded from.
The museum is a glimpse of the history of Philippine arts and it should be preserved more for the future
generations to see the beauty and wonder of the past.