When it comes to a day out with friends, your partner, family, or just by yourself, going to a museum will always deliver an educational and fulfilling experience. Many museums around the country cater to a variety of tastes and interests, but these institutions and community spaces offer more than just an avenue to learn and be exposed to history.
For some museums, the experience continues beyond the exhibits with in-house or nearby cafes. There, guests can have a relaxing spot to unwind and take in the atmosphere with a cup of coffee or a hearty meal as they rest and debrief about their day. From garden cafes to chill spots at the heart of historic districts, check out these museum cafes that are worth a visit on your next museum outing.
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Papakape at The National Museum of Fine Arts
Housing some of the most historic and iconic Philippine paintings made by the country’s greatest artists, the National Museum of Fine Arts is a hub of culture and creativity that charts the Philippines’s artistic history. And adding to the museum’s charm is the newest Papakape branch located in the Benigno Aquino Jr. Foyer on the fourth floor of the building, overlooking the old Senate hall.
More than just being an add-on to the museum, the cafe feels like a natural inclusion of the building, where guests can enjoy the cafe’s many Filipino-inspired drink offerings amidst artworks, such as National Artist Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco’s Filipino Struggles Through History, vintage furniture, a centerpiece sculpture, and the history that lines the walls of the museum.
Papakape is located on the 4th floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts, P. Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila, and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM – 6 PM.
Cafe Dionysus at Pintô Art Museum
Pintô Art Museum has become a must-visit for many traveling to Antipolo to see its displays of Philippine art as well as its scenic landscapes and spaces that are no stranger to an Instagram feed. Adding to the experience is Cafe Dionysus, a roof deck cafe whose Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic gives the spot an inviting charm to enjoy its filling meals and refreshing drinks. It makes for a recommended way to end a visit to Pintô Art Museum as guests take in the sights and sounds of the museum and its surroundings.
Cafe Dionysus is located at Pinto Art Museum, 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo, Rizal, and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM – 6 pm.
Element Cafe at Pintô Art Museum
If a Mediterranean-style cafe at Pintô Art Museum isn’t your cup of tea, there is also Element Cafe that serves customers a variety of drinks, pastries, and meals. After exploring the museum’s many art exhibits, marvel at the scenery with one of the cafe’s lattes to make your trip to Antipolo even more memorable. Whether as a recharge or a coffee break, you won’t go wrong with adding this to your Pintô Art Museum itinerary.
Element Cafe is located at Pintô Art Museum, Grand Heights Subdivision, 1 Sierra Madre St, Antipolo, Rizal, and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM.
Jeongwon at Art In Island
There’s a reason why Art In Island has been a popular destination in Quezon City for years. With its immersive spaces, interactive exhibits, and 3D artworks, the museum is an attraction unlike any other. But if exploring all those photo-worthy moments got you tired, hungry, or thirsty, stop by Art In Island’s in-house restaurant and cafe Jeongwon. Named after the Korean word for garden, Jeongwon takes its name literally with an indoor space that combines cafe aesthetics with lush plants and flowers and an al fresco dining space that’s equally as beautiful. Here, Korean cuisine is the name of the game with staples such as Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, and Bulgogi on the menu.
Jeongwon is located at Art In Island, 175 15th Ave, Brgy. Socorro, Quezon City, and is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays, 12 PM – 10 PM, and Fridays to Sundays, 11 AM – 11 PM.
Oron by Crumbly Crust Cafe At National Museum of the Philippines – Baler
Baler, Aurora is known for its beaches and famous waves, but it just got one more reason why it’s worth visiting with the recent opening of the National Museum of the Philippines – Baler. Featuring art exhibits and displays highlighting Aurora’s culture and biodiversity, the museum also comes with its own in-house partner cafe, Oron by Crumbly Crust Cafe.
Rooted in Baler dialect meaning to converse, chat, or talk with someone, Oron offers museum visitors exactly that: a space to unwind and relax while enjoying drinks, snacks, and meals on their menu. Given that entrance to the museum is free, Oron makes for a nice treat to cap off a visit after exploring the exhibits.
Oron by Crumbly Crust Cafe is located at National Museum of the Philippines – Baler, Purok 4 Sitio Cabituculan, Baler, Aurora, and is open from Mondays to Sundays, 9 AM – 5 PM.
ClockTower Cafe at The Manila Clock Tower Museum
Among Manila’s many historical locations is the clock tower at Manila City Hall. But what most may not know is that it also houses the Manila Clock Tower Museum, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, which offers visitors a crash course on the city’s storied past and 360-degree views of the capital. Adding to the experience is the ClockTower Cafe, which is located on the 4th floor of City Hall. Its simple but inviting atmosphere makes for a chill spot to enjoy a drink and pastries while taking in the views of Manila.
ClockTower Cafe is located at Manila City Hall, Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila, and is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Los Frailes Cafe Near San Agustin Church
While the San Agustin Church isn’t technically a museum, it is a historic landmark that holds great meaning for the country’s religious and cultural history. And just a short walk from the oldest church in the Philippines is the Los Frailes Café. Visually, the café captures the colonial look of old Manila, but with a menu that’s more suited to the 21st century. You can enjoy their many drinks and meals either inside or in the laidback outdoor seating facing the courtyard, which in itself is a worthwhile experience.
Los Frailes Café is located at General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, and is open from Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 AM – 7 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM – 8 PM.
Featured Image and Photos: PAPAKAPE, CAFE DIONYSUS, ELEMENT CAFE, CLOCKTOWER CAFE, JEONGWON, LOS FRAILES CAFE, ORON BY CRUMBLY CRUST CAFE
Frequently Asked Questions
Papakape operates inside the National Museum of Fine Arts, located in the Benigno Aquino Jr. Foyer on the fourth floor overlooking the old Senate hall. It serves Filipino-inspired drinks and is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM.
Pintô Art Museum houses two cafes: Cafe Dionysus, a Mediterranean-inspired roof deck cafe, and Element Cafe, which serves drinks, pastries, and meals. Both are located at 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo, Rizal, and open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Jeongwon, located at Art In Island in Quezon City, serves Korean cuisine including Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, and Bulgogi. Named after the Korean word for garden, the space combines indoor cafe seating with lush plants and an al fresco dining area.
Yes — Oron by Crumbly Crust Cafe operates as the in-house partner cafe of the National Museum of the Philippines – Baler, offering drinks, snacks, and meals. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and museum entrance is free.
Los Frailes Café, located on General Luna St. in Intramuros, sits a short walk from San Agustin Church. The cafe blends a colonial-style interior with a contemporary menu and offers both indoor and courtyard-facing outdoor seating.
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