Arce Mansion | Vigan

Information

Landmark: Arce Mansion
City: Vigan
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Arce Mansion, Vigan, Philippines, Asia

Arce Mansion is a heritage museum and guest house located in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. It is a restored 19th-century Bahay na Bato that specializes in immersive historical experiences, allowing visitors to relive the lifestyle of the Spanish colonial era.

Visual Characteristics

The mansion exhibits classic Vigan architecture: a stone and brick ground floor with a wooden second story. The interior is decorated with authentic period furnishings, including four-poster beds, heavy wooden cabinets, and antique kitchenware. The atmosphere is designed to be lived-in rather than strictly museum-like, with soft ambient lighting and traditional decor that emphasizes its heritage roots.

Location & Access Logistics

The mansion is located at 87 Quirino Boulevard, Vigan City.

Access: It is situated within the Vigan Heritage District, just a few blocks south of Calle Crisologo.

Transport: Reachable via a short tricycle or calesa ride from any point in the city center. It is a common stop for walking tours of the ancestral houses.

Operating Hours: Generally open daily for museum tours and photo sessions, though specific times may vary for overnight guests.

Contact: +63 955 892 0333.

Key Highlights & Activities

Costume Play (Cosplay): The mansion's primary attraction is the rental of traditional Spanish-era attire. Visitors can dress as Illustrados, Friars, or Maria Claras for photo shoots within the mansion's rooms.

Heritage Dining: The mansion offers traditional Ilocano meals served in an ancestral setting. Reservations are often required for group dinners or "boodle fights."

Overnight Stays: Unlike purely educational museums, Arce Mansion functions as a guest house where visitors can sleep in antique-style rooms.

Guided Tours: Staff provide insights into the history of the house and the specific functions of various antique artifacts found throughout the property.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes dining areas, themed bedrooms for guest use, and a central courtyard.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are stable.

Accessibility: The museum section is located on the second floor, accessible via a steep wooden staircase, which may pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon is recommended for photography to capture the natural light through the Capiz windows. For those interested in the costume experience, visiting on a weekday avoids the wait times associated with the limited supply of popular outfits during weekend peaks.

Facts & Legends

The mansion is owned by the Arce family, who decided to open their ancestral home to the public to preserve Ilocano culture. A unique fact is that the mansion is often used as a filming location for period-accurate Philippine television dramas and movies due to its well-preserved state and authentic props.