Envisioned in the 1950s by the late artist Fernando Zobel de Ayala y Montojo, the Ayala Museum became a reality in 1967 as a project of the Ayala Foundation, Inc. The stunning structure where it now stands is the Foundation's gift to the Filipino people.

The National Museum of the Philippines is the repository and guardian of the Philippines' natural and cultural heritage. As one of the lead government cultural agencies, it is tasked to achieve the goals of instilling cultural consciousness and a sense of pride and nationalism among Filipino citizens through its activities covering the sciences, education, and culture.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines is the premiere institution for culture and the arts in the country. It aims to nurture and promote artistic excellence, Filipino aesthetics and identity, and positive cultural values towards a humanistic global society.

Museo Pambata hopes to answer some of the questions asked by children, and stimulate them to be even more inquisitive and eager to learn. It is a place of hands-on discovery, and a child's window to the world.

Jorge B. Vargas was the country's first Executive Secretary, having served this position during the Commonwealth period. In 1978, he bequeathed his collection of art and memorabilia to his Alma Mater, the University of the Philippines. The museum building was formally inaugurated by then Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987.