Take a glimpse of Manila’s bygone era
- Calvo Building, 270 Escolta Street, Binondo
- Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12nn
- +63 02 2414762
A century of Manila’s history
Escolta Museum (or Calvo Museum) is located in the Calvo Building and displays an extraordinary collection of memorabilia from Old Manila, showcasing what Manila looked like back in the day. Photos show how the locals lived and partied. Other unique mementos are a vintage bottle collection, movie ticket receipts, newspapers, and postcards. Catch a glimpse of Manila’s heyday - from the luxurious lifestyles of socialites to the brutal reality of the Battle of Manila. Built in 1938 by the Calvo-Mortierra family, the building boasts outstanding Beaux Arts architecture designed by Fernando Ocampo. Interestingly enough, it was also the site of the original headquarters of GMA-7, one of the leading broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
Ancient elevator still operating
Look out for the old elevator right inside the Calvo Building. It is said to be one of the oldest existing elevators in Manila and one of the few that visitors can still ride! Use it to take you up to the Escolta Museum.
PAN///
Near the Calvo building is the Panpisco Building wherein its glass front displays an art exhibit. The art space is called PAN/// and was established by 98B COLLABoratory. Here, it displays different artworks made through various art collaborations of different forms depending on the artist’s exhibition. You get free admission simply by passing by!