What’s Left of Museo de Guimaras: From Holiday Lights to Quiet Nights and Crumbling Walls

The Museo de Guimaras was built back in 2006. It was supposed to be a home for our Province's history, culture, and art.

Good day, everyone!!

I hope you are all doing well today. Allow me to take you to the very first Museum built on the Island of Guimaras: The Museo de Guimaras, or Guimaras Provincial Monument and Museum.

I still remember when my daughter was young. I brought her here a few times. Together, we looked at old relics, Guimaras traditional clothes, and paintings created by local artists. They even hosted a few art exhibits that brought the community together. My daughter loves art, so I could still remember how happy she was back then.

Every December, this place truly came alive. It was bright, colorful, and full of energy. There were colorful Christmas lights around the building and even on the stand leading to the statue above. It was usually the exact spot where everyone gathered to watch the holiday fireworks light up the night sky. Before that roof was made, there was a balcony, and everyone was welcome to enter. I usually go up there with my family and enjoy the view of sunset.

Now, the museum stands completely closed. At first, there were "under renovation" signs posted around the building, giving us hope. But as the years passed by, those renovation signs slowly disappeared, and the building never got better. It's slowly decaying. The gov't still uses the building occasionally, especially for events, but never open to the public.

Once a symbol of our island's pride and heritage, now only warm memories remained. Every time I walk by, I wonder what will happen to this place. My daughter has grown, and now she's 17. I hope other children will get to see it open its doors again.

🌸 Texts and Images by vvodjiu@vvodjiu 🌸

🌺 The lead photo was made using ChatGPT Image Generator. All of my photos were edited in Lightroom for minimal enhancements 🌺