The Baguio Mansion House
Presidential Museum
The Baguio Mansion House
Presidential Museum
Presidential Museum
Presidential Museum
Originally built to be the seat of power of the American Governors–General during the summer months in the country, the Baguio Mansion House eventually became the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines since the Commonwealth period.
Situated at the Eastern part of Baguio City, the mansion was completed in 1908 at the insistence of William Cameron Forbes and named after his ancestral home in Massachusetts, United States. It was designed by American architect William Parsons in accordance with the “City Beautiful Movement," an architectural reform philosophy prevalent in North America at that time.
The Mansion House stood witness to several significant events
in the country’s history. In 1910, it was used for the special sessions of the Second Philippine Legislature. With the inauguration of the Commonwealth, it served as the temporary residence of the first American High Commissioner, Frank Murphy. President Jose P. Laurel evacuated here during the liberation of the Philippines.
During World War II, parts of the structure sustained significant damage from persistent bombing and strafing, rendering it nearly uninhabitable. It was restored in 1947 and expanded with more guest rooms and conference areas.
The Baguio Mansion House was originally built as the summer headquarters for American Governors-General. Eventually, it became the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, starting during the Commonwealth period.
Located on the eastern side of Baguio City, the mansion was completed in 1908, thanks to William Cameron Forbes, who named it after his family home in Massachusetts, USA. It was designed by American architect William Parsons, following the ideas of the “City Beautiful Movement,” a popular architectural trend in North America at the time.
Over the years, the Mansion House has witnessed some key moments in Philippine history. In 1910, it hosted special sessions of the Second Philippine Legislature. When the Commonwealth government was established, it temporarily became the residence of the first American High Commissioner, Frank Murphy. During the liberation of the Philippines, President Jose P. Laurel sought refuge there.
World War II took a toll on the mansion, leaving parts of it heavily damaged by bombings and air raids. It was restored in 1947, with new guest rooms and conference areas added.
Before and After
Baguio Mansion House is open to the public on Tuesdays to Sundays, from 8am to 5pm. Admission is free.
Private tours are done strictly by reservation. Walk-ins may be accomodated, depending on the availability of tour slots.
Baguio Mansion House is open to the public on Tuesdays to Sundays, from 8am to 5pm. Admission is free.
Private tours are done strictly by reservation. Walk-ins may be accomodated, depending on the availability of tour slots.