Museums across the Philippines are opening their doors with free admission days, heritage walks, workshops, and interactive activities in celebration of International Museum Day 2026.This year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” highlights the role of museums in fostering dialogue, understanding, and cultural connection.Ahead of International Museum Day 2026 on Monday, here are some museum events and promos happening around Metro Manila and beyond:Yuchengco Museum Yuchengco Museum has announced free admission for all visitors on May 17 and 18.Guests can explore several exhibits including:Pasulong: Recent Sculptures by Anton Quisumbing Nakita sa Makati by Bernie Bacosa The World According to Jaime de Guzman Agimat at Anting-Anting Art-In-Progress by Marco Y. SantosThe museum said the initiative aligns with the theme focused on dialogue and understanding between communities.UP Manila Museum of a History of IdeasOn May 18, UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas is offering free activities centered on Ermita’s rich cultural and educational history.Activities include:8:30 a.m. - Museum Walk and Talkback with Curator Dr. Achanzar-Labor 9:30 a.m. - UP Manila Heritage Buildings tourThe museum said the program aims to reconnect visitors with Ermita’s historical identity before World War II.FEU MuseumFEU Guides invites the public to join its free Special Heritage Campus Tour on May 18.Tour slots are available at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.Visitors can explore the university’s architecture, history, culture, and heritage spaces as part of the global IMD celebration.Metropolitan MuseumThe Metropolitan Museum of Manila announced free admission from May 19 to 31.Visitors may register online, while walk-ins are also accepted with onsite registration.Current exhibitions include:Seams of Memory by Winna Go Omocha: Japanese Toys Today Femme HommageThe museum also features interactive stations such as toy play areas, self-portrait drawing areas, and the “Museum Mayhem!” game.National MuseumThe National Museum of the Philippines unveiled a nationwide lineup of activities across its Central and Regional Component Museums.Programs include:Launch of the NMP Passport and Mobile App Guided tours and interactive gallery games Traditional games and weaving workshops Arts and crafts activities Heritage quiz bowls and cultural lecturesRegional museums in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will also host localized events highlighting Filipino heritage, arts, and traditions.Ayala Museum As part of National Heritage Month, Ayala Museum is giving visitors access to all museum galleries when they avail of a 2F exhibitions ticket.The promo runs Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., until May 28.Visitors can explore the museum’s iconic dioramas, pre-colonial gold collection, textiles, ceramics, and modern art exhibitions in one visit.Here are the ticket rates:Regular local rate: P200 Discounted rate: P120 Foreigners: P300Ateneo Art GalleryThe Ateneo Art Gallery will offer free admission for all visitors on May 19, Tuesday, in celebration of International Museum Day.It will also hold a banig weaving workshop titled “Where is the Middle of the Sea?” facilitated by Carol Anne McChrystal with Allyza Tresvalles, Arcelie Venzuela, and Norma Babierra.The workshop will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ben Chan ArtSuite, Areté, Quezon City.Participation fee is P300, and attendees must bring two to three cleaned tetrapak cartons.—JCB, GMA News