Here's a Sneak Peek at the New National Museum of Natural History

When the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila announced that it was opening a third building within its complex, everyone was ecstatic. The new National Museum of Natural History, which features a Tree of Life design beneath the majestic glass dome, will be dedicated to the Philippines' rich flora and fauna and natural history.

IMAGE Dominic Galicia Architects Facebook

Tree of Life Courtyard (as of January 2017)

It was expected to open in mid-2017, but the inauguration didn't take place until September 30. Hopefully, it can finally welcome the public by the end of October. Until then, we look at the following photos that not only give us a sneak peek of the museum's 12 galleries, but also its restored Neo-classical architecture that traces its roots to 1939. It was originally the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce, then later housed the Department of Tourism.

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

Replica of Lolong, the world's largest saltwater crocodile in captivity until its death in 2013 in Agusan del Sur. It was 6.17 meters long and weighed 1,075 kilograms.

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

Different species of locusts

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

The Tailed Green Jay is known for its brown wings with apple-green spots. They are found all over the Philippines and nearby countries like Thailand, Taiwan, Borneo, and Burma.

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

Taxidermy of various bird species will be on display

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

The museum's collections are curated across 12 galleries.

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

Dominic Galicia Architects and Periquet-Galicia, Inc. are the teams of architects and interior designers behind the project.

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

Most of the Neo-classical designs are restored as close as possible to the original.

IMAGE courtesy of Trickie Lopa

The Philippine Pearl (a.k.a. South Sea Pearl) was declared a national gem in 1996 through Proclamation No. 905.

The National Museum of Natural History is on the eastern side of Rizal Park near Agrifina Circle, right across the National Museum of Anthropology (a.k.a. Museum of the Filipino People) and National Museum of Fine Arts (a.k.a. National Art Gallery). For more information, follow National Museum on Facebook.

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.