University of the Philippines Museum of a History of Ideas

The establishment of the UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas came into existence as a centennial project of the University of the Philippines during the administration of Dr. Erlinda R. Roman. The museum honors the stature of the University of the Philippines as an institution defining and implementing progressive ideas in the Philippines. The museum's collection explores the ideas the university was associated with during the period of its establishment in the early twentieth century (1900 to 1920s).

History of the Building

The building where the museum was housed was constructed in 1931 was among the first buildings of the University of the Philippines in its Manila Campus. The design of the building adapted the Neo-Classical style which was the prevalent style of the other building in the Manila Campus of the University of the Philippines. The original building served as the university infirmary from 1931 to 1947. During the Second World War, the building was used as the emergency headquarters of the administrative offices of the university.

In May 1959, by the authority of the university's president, Vicente G. Sinco, the building became the home of the College of Dentistry until April 2002. Also in 1961, during the term of Dean Jose D. Rodriguez, an annex building was constructed at its back. In April 2002, the College of Dentistry moved to its new building located at the corner of Pedro Gil Street and Taft Avenue. The Restoration of the building to its original state began in 2009.^[1]

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