Museo Sugbo

Museo Sugbo is a fascinating look back at the history of Cebu since the Spanish explorers arrived in 1521. The building is an interesting exhibit in itself. It was built around 1871 and up until 2004 it served as the city jail. The building was converted into a museum in 2008.

The galleries give a feel for life after the Spanish arrived, the fight to expel the Spanish, only to have them replaced by the Americans, and then the Japanese occupation during World War II. The exhibits were being modernized while I was there, but even the old galleries with display cases chock full of memorabilia were interesting.

Sugbo is the name of Cebu in the local dialect. It's believed that “Cebu” is a colonial-era corruption of Sugbo.

Museo Sugbo is located on M.J. Cuenco Avenue, several blocks from the Independence Square Area. The museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. There is an entrance fee, currently 50 Pesos.