Museo de Sugbo, or the Cebu Provincial Museum, holds a unique history of its own. Designed by Domingo de Escondrillas (Cebu’s only architect at that time), the structure was built in 1871 as the Carcel de Cebu, or the provincial jail. The carcel was originally intended to be the main prison of the Visayas Island, which would account for the establishment’s large size. The exhibitions run in chronological order, beginning with an introduction to Cebu’s pre-colonial period. See bones, silverware and tools that date back to the Stone Age. Learn about centuries-old trade and bartering negotiations with the Arabs, Chinese and Thais. See how life changed in the Philippines following the arrival of the Spanish in 1521.

Attraction & Features:

Comprises of several galleries in a sturdy old coral-stone building.

The American-era gallery contains an interesting collection of letters;

and memorabilia from Thomas Sharpe, one of 1065 teachers known as Thomasites.

An archeological gallery with gold and ceramic artifacts of San Diego shipwreck.

It has four galleries, including the presidential gallery with portraits of the Philippine presidents.