Learning Bits and Pieces at Museo Ilocos Norte

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, 

the more places you'll go." ~ Dr. Seuss

The museum marker with the official logo

Want to immerse yourself in the richness of the cultural heritage of the Ilocanos? To do it the long and expensive way, you will have to visit the 21 towns and 2 cities of Ilocos Norte. But if you’re in a rush (and out of budget), simply head on to Museo Ilocos Norte for a quick glimpse of the province’s treasures.

Museum entrance

 

 Museo Ilocos Norte was established in 1999 to serve as a learning center of Ilocos Norte traditions. Inside the museum, you can find a variety of artifacts that described the ways of living of the Ilocanos, Yapayaos, Isnegs and Igorots. The structure that houses the different collections and exhibits is known as the Tabacalera, a building erected in 1878 to serve as an administrative center of the tobacco monopoly in Ilocos Norte during the Spanish period.

View from the replica house's veranda

The blogger at the veranda.

The living room

The museum houses several collections and galleries of the famous abel Iloco (Ilocos textile), hand-made baskets, farming and fishing implements, musical instruments, and jars, among others. You can experience how it feels like living in the traditional Ilocano ancestral house with the replica located at the building mezzanine. The museum also features changing galleries and exhibits which usually run for 3 months or so. You will definitely learn a thing or two about the towns, traditions, culture, music, and history of the province when you visit the museum.

The strands forming the abel Iloco

Aside from the exhibits, you can also visit the library for more information about Ilocos Norte, the souvenir shop called Sarusar (Ilocano term for storage place) for some great Ilocano finds or the restaurants and food shops just outside the museum for some unique dining experience.

Entrance to the museum is 50 pesos for adults and 20 pesos for students and teachers. Good thing I was bringing my ID and was able to avail the teachers’ rate.

Ilocano Music

The Tabacalera

A creative canopy just outside the museum

Museo Ilocos Norte is located on the corner of Gen. Luna and Llanes Sts., just beside the Provincial Capitol. For more information, visit www.museoilocosnorte.com.