What we provide


The museum is open to all for the purpose of study, research, and enjoyment.

The GALLERIES:

Lumadnong Dabawenyo – Gallery 1-A
Davao’s Distinguished Indigenous Peoples

The IP exhibit hall showcases the eleven distinguished tribes and communities of Davao City:  the Bagobo-Tagabawa, Jangan or Klata, Obo, Matigsalug, Ata-Manobo, Kagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Tausug, Sama, and the Iranun.  Each of these tribes are  represented  in the present set-up of local  governance in the city of Davao.   Highlighting  the   gallery  is  the life- sized  diorama  of the  eleven  indigenous  peoples celebrating  oneness  amidst diversity of cultures and traditions.

Duhwow, Dabaw, Davao -Gallery 1-B
Davao City History

The roots of Davao’s development is diverse, indigenous and global.  The gallery showcases bits and pieces of historical awards, mementos, tokens, coins, photos, illustrations, and documents to impress upon the living the Dabawenyo spirit which will continue to propel children of the people of Davao towards the future. Different glimpses of Davao’s history  from the Spanish period to the American then Japanese leading to the city’s charter are also seen here and highlighted by the life-sized replica of President Manuel L. Quezon signing Davao City’s charter.

The Hall of Fame – Gallery 1-C
Datu Bago and Oyanguren Strip

In this hall the bust of Datu Bago is seen face  to face with that of Don Jose Oyanguren’s and the story of Davao from two different points of view.  Also included in this hall are the photos of remarkable Dabawenyos who received Davao’s highest award and honor through the years—- the Datu Bago Award.

Nanay Soling Duterte Hall -Gallery 2-A
The Undivided Davao History

The photos of the old schools, churches, houses, centers and buildings, as well as maps and some aerial shots of Davao City in the past are showcased here.

Soledad Roa Duterte, fondly called Nanay Soling, is the better half of the last undivided Davao Governor Vicente Duterte.  She envisioned the whole idea of Museo Dabawenyo which first opened last March 14-16, 2008.

Bahaghari Space – Gallery 2-B
Changing Exhibitions

This is the gallery of monthly changing exhibitions which showcases Davao arts, culture, trade and industry.  The gallery serves as a venue for local artists and artisans as well as  local  inventors to    showcase     their works.  Businesses, schools, civic organizations, and other groups are welcome to hold their exhibitions here as arranged with the Museo Dabawenyo Administrator and/or the Head of the Cultural Promotions and External Relations Section.

Dabawenyo Tsino – Gallery 2-C
The Chinese Heritage of the Davaoeños

This hall showcases the Davao Chinese heritage and the history of its own Chinatown, which is the biggest in the world in terms of land area.

The Hall of Peace -Gallery 2-D
Audio-Visual Room

The Audio-Visual Room features the photos and the documented efforts of peace builders around the world.  This is to commemorate the first exhibition hosted by Museo Dabawenyo last May 22-June 1, 2008 by Peace Counts—a group of journalists based in Stutgard, Germany.  This archival unit of Museo Dabawenyo may showcase and host exhibitions or book launchings of authors in Mindanao and the world.

Bantawan
Museo Dabawenyo Tent
Workshop Space and Waiting Area

The covered front yard of Museo Dabawenyo is an Art Space for the children and youth of the city in their conscious efforts to discover and chart their own potentials.  The Kaliwat Theatre Collective who is at the forefront of Davao’s cultural scene helps facilitate this art space by giving arts and skills workshops. For schools and big group tourists, the space also serves as a waiting area.  The Bantawan is also used during opening programs of exhibitions and other special events.  Davao-based performing groups such as the Davao Community Rondalla and the Davao Community Orchestra hold their music rehearsals at the Bantawan every weekend.

Handumanan
Museo Lobby
Museo Dabawenyo Souvenir Shop

At the lobby, after the tour, guests interested to bring home tokens and souvenirs are invited to browse the items on display at the Museo Dabawenyo Souvenir Shop.  The items for sale are handcrafted and made by local artists and craftsmen and beneficiaries of Magnegosyo Ta Day.  Also available in the shop are books and Music Albums.

What are the requirements


MUSEUM TOUR GUIDELINES
  • For group tours, the Museo Dabawenyo requires that a reservation be made either in writing or by telephone, preferably a week in advance, w/ telefax no. 222-6011.

  • The Museo Dabawenyo may be constrained to cancel w/o prior notice any reservation when unforeseen problems occur such as but not limited to brown-outs or rallies within the vicinity of the building.
  • The Museo Dabawenyo may accommodate as many students as possible at one time from one school, provided that prior arrangements or representations are made with the Museum Education Division.
  • The museum visit would take around 30-45 minutes.  The group must arrive at the museum not later than 11:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.  Museum hours are 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., from Mondays till Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays and selected holidays.
  • Teachers and parents or tour guides accompanying their respective classes are requested to maintain discipline and proper decorum among their students.

EXHIBITORS’ GUIDELINES

Letter of intent to exhibit at the Museum,addressed to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, City Mayor thru: Mr. Orly L. Escarrilla, Acting Administrative Officer, Museo Dabawenyo with address at cor. A. Pichon and C.M. Recto Sts.,  Davao City,  with the following attachments:
  • Brief and clear summary of the project (its concept and how the exhibition space will be used;
  • Digital copies of works, labeled with the name of the artist, title and date of work, medium and size;
  • Bio data; and
  • Statement of the Artist.

After evaluation and approval, the exhibitor must secure a Special Mayor’s Permit at the Permits and Licensing Division (Business Bureau) of the City Government of Davao before the execution of the said exhibition.

MUSEUM RULES

  • All visitors are required to register at the reception.  For schools or big groups, a representative should register the visitors indicating the name of institution, address, age, gender, ethno-linguistic group (if applicable) and the institution head’s name.  This may be prepared before coming to the museum and must be submitted to the guard-on-duty at the reception desk.
  • Big bags, packages or boxes should be left in the buses or deposited at the check-in counter with the guard.
  • Silence must be observed in the galleries and along the corridors.
  • Smoking and eating are strictly prohibited inside the museum premises.
  • Taking of pictures inside the galleries, stepping on the pedestals, touching of artifacts and artworks are strictly prohibited.

How much does it cost


Admission to the museum is FREE OF CHARGE.

For exhibitors, a Special Mayor’s Permit is required and may be secured at the Permits and Licensing Division (Business Bureau) of the City Government of Davao.

Who can avail


Dabawenyos and visitors alike.