Discovering Ormoc Museum: History and Art

Join me as we explore the heritage that Ormoc City offers to locals and tourists alike!

Introduction to Ormoc Museum

The Ormoc City Community Gallery and Art Museum is a historical landmark showcasing the city's tangible and intangible heritage. It proudly displays Ormoc's rich history, art, and heritage. The Museum was formerly an Old City Hall Building.

The Museum stands on Aviles Street, near Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Across the Museum is the Children's Park. At the back of the building, facing Ormoc Bay is the Museum's facade, filled with Christmas displays and decorations.

The place is also called as the People's Museum because it truly shows the "City With Beautiful People." In addition, everyone is welcome to check out the place because it's free. You just need to register your name, age, and address before thoroughly enjoying the place.

Historical Gallery

The Museum is divided into several sections. The first section is named PRELUDE TO FREEDOM- World War II and the Battle of Ormoc Bay:

As Irwin J. Kappes wrote, the Battle of Ormoc Bay was "One of the fiercest - and most pivotal - battles of the Pacific War is also one of the least known. It was, in fact the only naval engagement of the war in which the enemy unleashed the full fury of shore, sea-based, air, and undersea weapons all in one short, desperate action."

This section displays the historical gallery of the events during the Second World War. The pictures show the numerous newspapers of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the deployment of American Naval soldiers in the Pacific Region, the battle between the Americans and Japanese, The Filipinos joining the fight, and more.

In addition, the photos of Imperial Japanese flags and American flags are also shown in the gallery.

Only a few artifacts from the war were displayed in the Museum. One is a wartime bicycle named 1940's Dayton Huffman Men's Cruiser Tank Bike. This is one of the rarest vintage military vehicles used for transportation by personnel engaged in dispatch or messenger service (as per the bicycle's description in the Museum).

Another artifact is Japanese money distributed in the Philippines during World War II. The Japanese government issued a flat currency in several denominations.

Emergency notes circulated by the Philippine National Bank during this time also exist.

Lastly, war weapons were used during this time.

Boat and Recovery Galleries

At the back of the historical gallery are minimal displays of boat paintings by different Ormoc painters from the 1900s until now.

Across it is the gallery of 6200: Mission Possible - Devastation and Recovery from Super Typhoon Yolanda. It's a short gallery showcasing how Mayor Richard Gomez and his wife, Lucy Torres, with the help of other officials and numerous volunteers, helped the people get back to their feet from the devastation.

Fine Arts Gallery

The fine arts gallery has minimal descriptions written on its notes since visitors are expected to deeply immerse themselves in the paintings and sculptures. It's nice to reflect upon its meaning, context, historical background, and why it was made. It's a feast for the eyes and mind. Some artworks are written by National Artists of the Philippines and donated by the Gomez family.

These are paintings of the different places found in the island of Leyte.

These are contemporary depictions of the female nude.

The Museum only has two floors, so expect the visit to be short. However, while there are only minimal displays, it's certainly a place that will thoroughly introduce you to Ormoc's background. It showcases fascinating histories that will make you reflect upon the people's sacrifice, the devastation caused by nature, and the beauty of artworks by several Ormoc artists, which will make you deeply ponder its meaning.