| Original caption: “Complete demolition of the Legislature Building. One of the finest government buildings in the Far East, it was the pride of the Philippine Government. Filipino citizens pass the building and look in abject wonderment at the results of total war.” United States forces bombed Manila 18 times between September 21, 1944, and February 23, 1945. Along Padre Burgos Street heading southwest, the monumental Old Legislative Building is presently the National Museum of Fine Arts. The building designed by Ralph Harrington Doane (October 2, 1886 – November 6, 1941), Antonio Mañalac Toledo (June 14, 1890 – 1972) and Juan M. Arellano (April 25, 1888 – December 5, 1960), was built between 1918-1926. Doane, with the assistance of Toledo, designed the building originally as the National Library. The building began its construction in 1918, but was delayed for lack of funds, and was it decided it should become the Legislative Building. In February 1945, Japanese forces used the building and its premises as a stronghold and modified it with defensive installations. Obstacles, roadblocks, trenches, pillboxes and barbed wire surrounded the building. Artillery and heavy machine guns were strategically installed on the building floors. For several days through February 27, the American forces bombarded the building with artillery fire. The building’s north and south wings were heavily damaged. The building was rebuilt in 1949, maintaining its original building footprint and 4-story height, but with less ornate façade articulation. As the present National Museum of Fine Arts, new additions north and south of the building footprint serve as the museum building’s administrative offices, and public spaces. | |
| Image Filename | wwii2036.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.28 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 2924 x 2408 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Army Signal Corps |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | March 1, 1945 |
| Location | |
| City | Manila |
| State or Province | Luzon |
| Country | Philippines |
| Archive | National Archives and Records Administration |
| Record Number | NRE-338-FTL(EF)-2802(10) |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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