Museo Dabawenyo

11/06/2026

In commemoration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, please be advised that Museo Dabawenyo will be closed tomorrow, June 12, 2026.
​As we pause to honor the sacrifices of our heroes and celebrate the rich history and freedom of our nation, we encourage everyone to spend this meaningful day with family and loved ones.

Have a safe and blessed Independence Day celebration, everyone! 🇵🇭

10/06/2026

Martaban jars, locally known as 'gusi' or 'tapayan', were more than just storage vessels—they were symbols of wealth, status, and cultural identity. Originating from Southern China and Myanmar, these treasured stoneware jars found their way into the lives of Indigenous communities in Davao and Mindanao, including the Bagobo, Mandaya, and Tagakaolo peoples.

Another trade item, a storage jar, which has an ochre glaze and a dragon entwined around its body. In Chinese mythology, dragons are benevolent creatures who emerge from the waters and rise to the skies to make rain fall to nurture agricultural crops. They symbolize power, strength, and good fortune.

Through these jars, ancient communities became part of vast maritime trade networks, connecting Mindanao to the wider world through commerce, tradition, and ritual.

Reference:
Ladrido, R.C (2022). Tapayan, gusi or martaban: Tales of stoneware jars in the Philippines. Vera Files. https://verafiles.org/articles/tapayan-gusi-or-martaban-tales-of-stoneware-jars-in-the-philippines

08/06/2026

In light of the recent earthquake that affected parts of Mindanao, Museo Dabawenyo will be temporarily closed tomorrow, June 9, 2026.

​This precautionary closure is being implemented to conduct thorough safety inspections of our facilities and to ensure the utmost safety of our visitors and staff against potential aftershocks. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize public safety.

​Please stay tuned to our official page for further updates regarding the resumption of museum operations. Stay safe, everyone!

01/06/2026

30/05/2026

A Successful Opening for Calle San Pedro: The Art in/of the City!

On May 29, 2026, Calle San Pedro: The Art in/of the City officially opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of a vibrant celebration of Davao City's history, culture, and identity. The opening program featured an inspiring message from Sir Rhys Lacia, who warmly welcomed guests and visitors to embark on a unique journey through the city's stories and heritage.

Through a rich collection of photographs, paintings, sketches, and video narratives, the exhibition brings to life the people, places, and events that have shaped Davao through the years.

A special highlight of the opening was the presence of Mr. Oscar Casaysay, the head of the Culture and Arts -Davao, who joined the first guided tour of the exhibit. The enthusiasm and curiosity shown by visitors, art enthusiasts, students, and history lovers made the occasion even more meaningful. Their participation serves as a reminder that while we continue to move forward, there is always value in looking back and learning from the stories of our past.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the opening day a memorable success. The exhibition will continue until June 30, 2026, and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors in the weeks ahead.

Where: G/F Community Center of the First Companions (The Blue Building), Ateneo de Davao University
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Opens on: Monday–Saturday
Free Admission (Valid ID required for campus entry)

Come explore, discover, and reconnect with the stories that make Davao what it is today. See you at the exhibition!

26/05/2026

We are pleased to invite the public to Calle San Pedro: The Art in/of the City, a curated exhibition celebrating our local history and culture through a vibrant fusion of visual mediums. Come and experience the city's stories captured through photographs, paintings, sketches, and video narratives.

Exhibition Run: May 29 to June 30, 2026
Viewing Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Monday through Saturday
Admission: Free and open to the public

G/F Community Center of the First Companions (The Blue Building)
Ateneo de Davao University
Roxas Avenue, Davao City

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀:
Admission is absolutely free, but please remember to bring a valid ID to present upon entering the campus premises.

We look forward to seeing you there!

26/05/2026

PUBLIC ADVISORY

​Please be advised that in observance of Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), Museo Dabawenyo will be temporarily closed to the public on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

​Regular museum operations and guided tours will resume the following day, Thursday, May 28, 2026.

​Thank you for your understanding. Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters!

20/05/2026

The abacus, derived from the Greek abax and Latin abacus, is one of the earliest known counting tools, believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia around 2700–2300 BCE. Over time, this computational framework spread across different civilizations, evolving into variations such as the Chinese suanpan and the Japanese soroban. These East Asian counting systems later became part of Davao’s local historical and cultural landscape in the early 20th century.

The abacus is a manual counting tool popular among early Chinese businesses in Davao City. The Chinese opened bakeries, sari-sari (variety) stores, rice and corn mills, and engaged in shipping and logging. The abacus is the forerunner of the adding machine and the digital calculator.

Reference:

Lee, K. (n.d.). History of the abacus. Toronto Metropolitan University. [https://www.ee.torontomu.ca/~elf/abacus/history.html]

18/05/2026

Please be advised that Museo Dabawenyo is closed today following the heavy rainfall last night.

The safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to your scheduled visits, and we appreciate your understanding.

Regular operations are expected to resume tomorrow. Stay safe!

𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
(Proclamation No. 01, series of 2026)

In order to give way to clearing operations and ensure the safety and welfare of individuals affected by flooding incidents in the city due to heavy rainfall brought by Easterlies and ITCZ on Monday evening, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔:

1. Face-to-face classes and school activities in ALL LEVELS in all public and private educational institutions in the city are hereby suspended;

2. Work in all national and local government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations in Davao City, is suspended, EXCEPT for offices performing safety and security, health, social services and disaster and emergency response services;

3. Private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work but are encouraged to do so for the welfare and safety of their employees.

Copy of Proclamation No. 1 may be accessed here: https://davaocity.gov.ph/transparency/proclamation/
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18/05/2026