12-06-2025
This new museum in Quezon City offers glimpse of post-war Philippines
Ever wondered what the Philippines looked like in the post-war era? No need to imagine — the newest museum in Quezon City brings the shining, shimmering 1950s to life.
Welcome to Bahay Modernismo, a heritage museum nestled within the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Built using original architectural fragments from the former Aquino family home on Times Street, this modern bungalow-style house offers an immersive glimpse into the design, lifestyle, and cultural spirit of post-war Philippines.
Curated by Gerald Lico, a professor of architecture at the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Architecture (CA), Bahay Modernismo welcomes guests with a nostalgic collection of household items and furniture from the 1950s to 1970s. A black-and-white television, vintage radio, typewriter, sewing machine, vinyl records, a phonograph, and even a few classic Liwayway magazines allow guests to travel back in time to post-war Philippines.
The heritage museum features six rooms: a kitchen, a home office, an entertainment room, and three bedrooms, each thoughtfully curated to reflect the design and charm of the 1950s era.
The museum also pays tribute to the golden age of Philippine cinema, featuring posters of classic films from the 1950s to the 1970s, along with photographs of iconic stars such as the late Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Nora Aunor, Lou Salvador, and other legends of Philippine showbiz.
The museum is open to the public for free from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — LA, GMA Integrated News
