New Rizal museum expected to draw in young kids, more tourists

Considered a modern man for his time, Jose Rizal's shrine in Intramuros, Manila recently got an update designed to hook visitors who wish to learn about the man while having fun.

Entrance to Fort Santiago's new museum is free and contains artwork, interactive displays, and copies of his work, according to GMA News' "SONA" on Friday.
 

The museum even has the hero's bullet-struck bone plate on display.

The museum re-hash was a part of the adaptive reuse policy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Under the same policy, historical buildings such as churches and other heritage sites are maintained or re-purposed to ensure their preservation.

Serena Diokno, chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, said the primary target audience of the display was the youth—hence, the tech—and gimmick-laden displays of the museum.

"Importante talaga yung paraan ng pag-display o pag-presenta ng impormasyon," Diokno explained.

"A lot of museums can be very boring. This is a very interactive museum. It was designed with young people in mind," remarked Tourism Sec. Ramon Jimenez.

Historical tourism in the region is also expected to get a boost with the new attraction, with the display already attracting an influx of new local and foreign tourists.

"The Philippines is, in fact, one of the primary sites for historical tourism in Southeast Asia dahil napakalalim po ng ating kasaysayan at ang ating kultura," said Jimenez.

He continued, "In fact, it is unique in this part of the world." — Rie Takumi/VC, GMA News