SSU Museum and Archive
About This Museum
Tucked away on the fourth floor of Samar State University's administration building, this isn't your typical hushed, imposing museum. It feels more like walking into the province's collective memory, a vibrant and sometimes heartbreaking scrapbook curated with palpable local pride. You'll find everything from ancient fishing traps woven from rattan to faded photographs of a cityscape that no longer exists. The energy here is deeply personal, telling the story of Samar not through dusty textbooks, but through the actual objects its people have used, cherished, and left behind.
Collection Highlights
The museum truly shines with its ethnographic treasures: intricate 'banig' mats with patterns unique to Samar, traditional farming tools, and a compelling exhibit on the pre-colonial 'pintados' tattoo culture. Don't miss the archival section, where you can pore over fragile maps and documents detailing Catbalogan's transformation from a small port to a bustling city.
Visitor Information
Just head up to the 4th floor of the main admin building at Samar State University—it's easy to find. Since it's run by the university, it's best to check their social media for open hours or to arrange a visit, as access can be tied to the academic calendar.
Architecture & Building
Housed within the modern, functional concrete frame of a university administration building, the museum itself is an unassuming space that prioritizes content over container. The real architecture is in the careful arrangement of artifacts within.
Contact & Location
Address: 6700, Catbalogan, Samar, Eastern Visayas, Philippines
Phone: +63 926 868 7526
Website: Visit Website
