WATCH: National Museum of Natural History virtual tour

MANILA, Philippines — In time for International Museum Day on May 18, the National Museum of Natural History officially opened its doors to the public in Manila.

Situated right across the Rizal Park playground, the museum is the country’s first museum for flora and fauna.

The museum retains its neoclassical façade as a former Agriculture and Commerce Building in the 1940s and as a Department of Tourism edifice in recent years.

Inside, the museum’s centerpiece is the tree-shaped dome “Tree of Life,” which seemingly branches out into platforms leading to the other floors.

From fossils like the remains of the world’s biggest crocodile in captivity (Lolong), to nature-inspired artworks, biographies of Filipino scientists, and multimedia interactive displays, the museum offers a world-class educational experience for the entire family.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, so it could get very crowded in the weekend.

During the opening weekend, it took around an hour to two hours before visitors could get inside because of the long queues. Nonetheless, those who are pregnant, senior citizens, or persons with special needs can proceed straight to the entrance and need not fall in line.

All bags will be subject to an x-ray scan and the bigger ones are asked to be deposited at the baggage counter. Every visitor or group is also asked to register first before exploring the museum.  — Video by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo, editing by Kat Leandicho