Father Burgos Museum

This museum is the ancestral house and birthplace of priest patriot Fr. Jose Burgos. Known as Padre Burgos House, it is one of the notable historic structures of Vigan, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is a two-story structure located near the Provincial Capitol and close to St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral. It was renovated by the Filipinas Foundation, Inc. and inaugurated on May 3, 1975. In January 1989, a Contract of Lease was executed by the Ilocos Sur Historical and Cultural Foundation, Inc. leasing the memorabilia for 50 years, and turning over the administration to the National Museum.

Vigan is strategically located at the delta of Abra River and was the center of political, religious, economic, social and cultural activities in Northern Luzon for more than three centuries. This city became the hotbed of social unrest against colonial abuses. Among those who led the cause for patriotism were the Bigueños Fr. Jose Burgos, the poetess Leona Florentino, her son Isabelo de los Reyes (father of Philippine Labor Unionism) and Elpidio Quirino, the second President of the Republic.

The historic city of Vigan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 2, 1999.

Collections

Iloco-Kankanay-Itneg material culture: wooden plates and bowls; wooden coffins; burial chair; musical instruments such as drum (tambur), bamboo mouth flute (paldeng), and brass gong (gansa); weaponry such as shield (kalasag) and spears; weaving implements and wooden loom (pag-ablan); textiles; jars.

Trade ceramics; models of two trading vessels.

Dioramas of local historical events; photographs of individuals who contributed to the socio-cultural development and history of the region and of the Philippines.

Old books and historical records.

Memorabilia of Father Burgos and his family; period furniture pieces.
Oil paintings of the Basi Revolt of 1807 by Don Esteban Villanueva.

Liturgical collection.