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- Not everyone is practicing common courtesy when visiting the National Museum of Natural History
- Taking photos are okay, but people should prioritize the information that the museum has to offer
The National Museum of Natural History opened its doors to the public last May 18 during the International Museum Day.
Crowds gathered to the building, which is a part of the National Museum Complex, to view old and new materials including Lolong’s skin and skeleton, botanical illustrations and paintings, a globe that shows the earth’s biosphere, a mini-mangrove forest and beaches, a marine life exhibit, and so much more!
But it seems like not everyone is there to appreciate the displays, information, and artifacts that can be seen inside the establishment.
A Twitter user named Maria Bernadette Tuason (marievelous) recently posted her disappointment regarding visitors’ discipline and attitude inside the museum.
Several issues were mentioned in the series of tweets. It includes the confusion regarding the lines upon entering the establishment, people’s priority of having an “Instagram-worthy” photo inside the museum, visitors sitting, touching, and even walking on the displays, and basically their disinterest when it comes information being offered.
“1. When I got to the museum, I accidentally fell in the wrong line cause its only for senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women and (questionably) parents of infants. This whole family (8+) consisting of only one infant told the guard they should be lining there???
2. The regular line was really long, but I was happy that a lot of people are becoming more interested in the arts. Until when I got inside, most of the people I saw were just taking photos of themselves in basic IG poses (walls, stairs etc). ~ don’t get me wrong, taking photos is okay, but there’s always a time and place for everything, and that shouldn’t be your priority in such a place.”
2.5 let’s add the fact that a lot of people came into one room (evidence of humans), took photos with the door/window and left?! without even trying to look at the displays?!
3. Speaking of displays, LOL at how many people still TOUCH, SIT, or WALK on the displays a n u n a san yung disiplina?
4. Another
#DoItForTheGram moment when we saw this one girl cross over the “restricted” divider, just so she could have a perfect shot by the ramp.5. Yung I was quietly reading something about dugongs and other whales when someone asked me to move so she could get her photo taken. Awaw utut mo teh di ako umalis ng mga 5 minutes HAHAHA”
“6. When we were quietly reading about Lolong’s replica when someone just blocked our view just to take A SELFIE WITH THE DESCRIPTION!!!! as in hindi selfie with Lolong, guys. Selfie with the description a n u n a
7. Let’s add na rin one thing that happened just outside the museum: someone who bought taho threw her trash in the gutter but the trash can was just 20-30 steps away?! ANUNA PILIPINAS, YOU WANT CHANGE BUT DON’T WANT TO CHANGE!!!
So in conclusion: NMNH was amazing, with even full-sized, moving displays of primitive thinking, undisciplined individuals basked in modern clothing and technology.”
“But all negativity aside, please do visit it! The exhibits are great and if you’re into travel like me, you’d get a better understanding of the places you’ll go! Just do it responsibly cause with what’s been happening, idk until when it would look as magestic as when it’s new.”
Screenshots were shared on Facebook by a person named Yohana Rosales Frias, who is someone that works in the museum. She wrote:
“As someone who works at the #NationalMuseumPH, I share this person’s sentiment.
😭 Please be considerate and follow the museum rules. There’s nothing wrong with selfies, but courtesy should STILL be the PRIORITY. Let us PLEASE be civil when visiting public venues.”
Although the admission is free, remember that visitors should still follow the rules and regulations inside the museum. The National Museum of Natural History has a lot to offer and the best way to enjoy that is to prioritize the displays and always practice common courtesy.
