Warm Welcome
After paying the entrance fee, we were immediately greeted by two friendly guides. Not only did they guide us to every corner of the museum, but they also gave detailed and meaningful explanations about the history of each artifact and exhibit.
Before the tour started, there was a short orientation. They explained the rules, such as being allowed to take pictures but not using flash to preserve the quality of the artifacts. A simple rule but shows great care for the museum's collection.
Location
The University of San Carlos Museum is located on the ground floor of the Arthur Dingman Building on the University of San Carlos Downtown Campus. Clearly visible from the front of the university, it is easily accessible to anyone, be it a student or a tourist.
Hours of Operation
The USC Museum is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Every Saturday, it is limited to 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It is temporarily closed during holidays, so check the schedule before visiting.
The Museum: Home of History
The USC Museum has various galleries that reflect the religious and academic history of Cebu. In the south wing, there are three main galleries:
- Biodiversity Gallery – Showcasing the rich nature of the Philippines.
- Archeology Gallery – It features ancient artifacts such as limestone burial jars from the 6th century and ancient boat coffins discovered in the 1970s in Anda, Bohol.
- Ethnography Gallery – Shows the customs and culture of the ancient Filipinos.
In the hallway is the USC Institutional History Exhibition, which allows for a better understanding of the origins and history of the university.
Rosita R. Arcenas Collections
The north wing is exclusively for the collections of Rosita R. Arcenas. Here are:
• Treasure: Collection of Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics.
• Memorial: Collection of Visayan saints or religious images.
With the simple division of the north and south wings, it is easy to explore and understand the different themes of the exhibits.
Touching Artifacts
One of the most impressive exhibits are the anthropological and archaeological displays. Here are some featured pieces:
• Ancient Boat Coffins: Ancient coffins found in Anda, Bohol in the 1970s.
• Limestone Burial Jars: Jars from the 6th century, used as containers for the remains of ancient Filipinos.
• Artificial Skull Deformation: A 16th-century practice of changing the shape of babies' skulls for beauty.
• Carved Covers: Symbolic designs for coffins — phalluses for men, roofs for women, and faces for datu.
Glimpses of Colonial Art
Apart from pre-colonial artifacts, the collection also includes works of art from the Spanish period. They serve as a testament to the deep influence of colonization on Philippine art and tradition.
Heritage Appreciation
Every corner of the USC Museum is filled with stories that illuminate our history. From simple tools in daily life, religious art, to the customs of our ancestors, the importance of remembering and appreciating our roots as Filipinos is clear.
This experience is not only entertaining, but very inspirational. It's great to see how our culture is preserved and nurtured for future generations.
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