Museo Sugbo: From jailhouse to a heritage site

Cebu is a tourist destination not only because of its beaches but also for its rich cultural heritage, and Museo Sugbo is one of the places to know more about this heritage and a part of Cebu’s history. Located at MJ Cuenco Ave, this museum used to be the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), the home of the world-famous dancing inmates. Its even older and original name was Carcel de Cebu, built in the 1870s as a jailhouse in the Visayas.

*Image is sourced from the Museo sa Sugbo FB Page.

Inside the Museo Sugbo are permanent and special galleries, the latter for certain occasions. Among its displays are some prehistoric artefact dug out from Cebu lands and are said to be coming from Chinese, Spanish, Arab (and more) settlers and traders.

The museum also features a gallery that tells about the Philippine political history. Old pictures of Cebu are also hung on some of the walls including those that may be taken during the WWII.

For entry, rates are: PhP30 (adults/Filipinos), PhP10 (students and senior citizens), PhP75 (foreigners and balikbayans). For more information, you may contact telephone # (032)239-5626.