Just a short walk away from the Capitol, the National Museum of the Philippines - Sulu (NMP–Sulu) plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage and ethnographic traditions of the Tausug people and neighboring ethnolinguistic groups.

Originally established as the Sulu Museum and Library in 1981, its care was entrusted to the National Museum of the Philippines in 1994, and reopened as the Jolo Branch Museum in 1997, welcoming scholars, tourists, and curious locals alike.

Inside, history springs to life through carefully curated artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into Sulu’s vibrant and varied identity. Some highlights of the museum include:

• Islamic Art and Geometry: Showcasing calligraphy and intricate designs inspired by Tausug aesthetics
• Textile Wonders: The renowned pisyabit, handwoven from cotton, silk, and gold—crafted by artisans like Julmina Sawad Juri
• Sultanate Archives: Historical records that trace maritime trade, colonial influences, and indigenous resilience
• Ceremonial Relics: Instruments, swords, and garments that tell tales of cultural pride spanning centuries

More than just a building, NMP-Sulu stands as a quiet guardian of Tausug heritage, and a living archive of a people shaped by trade winds, sultanates, and centuries of resilience.