The Davao branch of the National Museum of the Philippines is housed in a building near People's Park and covers the natural history and ethnology of the Mindanao region. The collections include geological specimens, flora and fauna of southern Mindanao, and — most compelling — artefacts and traditional crafts from the indigenous Lumad peoples of the region.
The Lumad section is the reason to come. The Bagobo, Mandaya, Manobo, and B'laan communities have produced distinctive textiles, metalwork, and ceremonial objects for centuries, and the museum has one of the better regional collections. Admission is free, and the staff are generally knowledgeable. Allow at least an hour.