The National Museum of the Philippines has declared the Quezon Memorial Shrine as one of the country’s National Cultural Treasures, the highest government distinction that can be conferred on a cultural property.
Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 defines a National Cultural Treasure as “a unique cultural property found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is highly significant and important to the country and nation.”
Quezon Memorial- designed by Arch. Federico Ilustre of the Bureau of Public Works (now Department of Public Works and Highways) – is an equilateral triangular shrine dedicated to the late President Manuel Luis M. Quezon. It houses a museum at its base, and serves as the mausoleum of the former President and his wife, Aurora.
“Maraming salamat sa National Museum of the Philippines sa pangunguna ni Director-General Jeremy Barns. Malaking karangalan ang natatanging pagkilala na ito na sumasalamin din sa makulay na kasaysayan at kultura ng Lungsod Quezon,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Through Museum Declaration No. 29-2020, the memorial is formally confirmed as one of the nation’s cultural treasures.
Before being declared a National Cultural Treasure, the Quezon Memorial underwent several deliberations by a panel of experts from the National Museum.
The shrine, which is considered as the most significant landmark of Quezon City, has three 66-meter pylons (66 is former President Quezon’s age upon his death) which represents the three major islands of the Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Italian artist Francesco Riccardo Monti’s sculptures, the Art Deco statues of three angels holding sampaguita funerary wreaths, are also placed above the pylon.
The museum features the former President’s personal and political belongings, books, articles and documents, and photos from his youth until his death. It also has various rooms and interactive booths that offer information about Quezon and his family.
The museum, located in the Quezon Memorial Circle, is open every Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors must follow strict minimum health protocols and must bring their vaccination cards.
The Quezon Memorial is the second National Cultural Treasure located in Quezon City.
In 2012, during the enthronement rites of the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila, Sto. Domingo in Sta. Mesa Heights was declared as a National Cultural Treasure.
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