The University of San Carlos is the oldest college in the Philippines and in Asia. It was first opened in 1595 by the Spanish Jesuits under the name of "Colegio de San Ildefonso".
In 1967, the Museum of the University San Carlos was opened, with sections on ethnography, archaeology, natural sciences and history (including the Spanish colonial period). On display are numerous items from the pre-Spanish period including stone and iron implements, pottery, and coffins. There are also items from various ethnic groups throughout the central and southern Philippines.