José Rizal University Visiting Hours Tickets and Metro Manila Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

José Rizal University (JRU), located in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, is a distinguished academic institution and a prominent historical landmark. Founded in 1919 by Don Vicente Fabella, the first Filipino Certified Public Accountant, JRU embodies more than a century of commitment to educational excellence and national development. The university was renamed in 1922 to honor Dr. José Rizal, the country’s national hero, whose advocacy for education and civic responsibility continues to inspire JRU’s vision and mission (JRU Official Website; Wikipedia).

As a hub for culture, history, and academic life, JRU welcomes students, history enthusiasts, and travelers alike. This guide provides detailed information about the university’s historical roots, campus features, visiting hours, accessibility, and nearby historical sites, making it an essential resource for anyone planning a visit.

Table of Contents

Founding and Early Years (1919–1941)

JRU began as the Far Eastern College School of Accounts, Commerce, and Finance, established by Don Vicente Fabella during the American colonial era (JRU Official Website). Fabella’s vision was to provide quality education for Filipinos aspiring to enter the fields of business and finance. The school initially operated in Quiapo, Manila, before moving to a larger campus on R. Hidalgo Street. In 1922, to honor Dr. José Rizal’s ideals of education and national identity, the institution was renamed José Rizal College (CandyMag).

The college quickly established a reputation for academic rigor and inclusiveness. Notably, future Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay graduated from JRU in 1932, further cementing its place in the country’s educational landscape (GMA News).


Wartime Closure and Postwar Revival (1941–1949)

During World War II, JRU closed its doors in protest of Japanese occupation and attempts to control Philippine education (CandyMag). This principled stand reflected its enduring commitment to national dignity. After the liberation of the Philippines, the college reopened in 1946 and, in 1949, moved to its current, larger campus on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong, enabling further growth and modernization (GMA News).


Expansion, Accreditation, and University Status (1950s–2000)

In the decades following the war, JRU expanded its academic offerings to include law, liberal arts, education, and graduate studies (Wikipedia). The university received ISO 9001-2008 certification and the highest level of accreditation from the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) (EdArabia). In 2000, JRU was granted full university status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), signifying its stature as a comprehensive higher education institution (GMA News).


Centennial and Historical Recognition (2019–Present)

In 2019, JRU celebrated its centennial anniversary, marked by the unveiling of a National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) marker at the Alumni Building. This recognition highlights JRU’s significant contributions to Philippine education and national history (GMA News).


Campus Layout and Features

JRU’s Shaw Boulevard campus masterfully blends heritage and modernity. The iconic Alumni Building, a symbol of the university’s rich history, stands alongside contemporary academic buildings, state-of-the-art laboratories, and green spaces (JRU Official Website; EdArabia).

Academic Facilities

  • Modern Classrooms and Laboratories: Equipped with multimedia technology for interactive learning.
  • University Library: A comprehensive resource hub for students and researchers (JRU Campus Life).
  • Research Centers: Support faculty and student research.

Student Life and Co-Curricular Spaces

  • Student Organization Offices: Home to various academic, leadership, and interest-based groups (JRU Campus Life).
  • Arts and Culture Venues: Including the JRU Chorale, Dance Troupe, and Teatro Rizal.

Athletics and Recreation

  • Gymnasium and Sports Complex: Venue for NCAA games and university events.
  • Outdoor Courts and Fields: For various sports and recreational activities (JRU Campus Life).

Heritage and Symbolic Landmarks

  • José Rizal Memorials: Statues and plaques honoring Dr. José Rizal’s legacy (Tourist Secrets).
  • NHCP Marker: Recognizing JRU’s historical significance.

Visiting José Rizal University: Practical Information

  • Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Confirm schedules during holidays and special events (JRU Campus Life).
  • Admission: Free general entry. Special events or guided tours may require advance registration or tickets.
  • Guided Tours: Arranged through the admissions or public relations office (JRU Admission).
  • Accessibility: The campus is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
  • Getting There: Accessible via public transportation—MRT Shaw Boulevard or Boni Avenue stations, jeepneys, and buses.
  • Visitor Guidelines: Register at the main gate, wear modest attire, and observe campus policies.

Nearby Attractions and Mandaluyong Historical Sites

  • Vicente Fabella y Fernandez Historical Marker: Commemorates a key figure in Philippine history.
  • Sevilla Bridge: Historic bridge between Mandaluyong and Manila (Mapcarta).
  • Santuario del Santo Cristo: A centuries-old church in neighboring San Juan.
  • Rizal Park (Luneta): Home to the José Rizal Monument, a short commute from JRU and a must-see for history buffs (Seasia).

Legacy and Community Impact

JRU’s mission is deeply rooted in Dr. José Rizal’s ideals—emphasizing education as a force for national progress and transformation. As a non-sectarian, non-profit university, JRU is dedicated to making education accessible, fostering ethical leadership and civic engagement, and supporting community-oriented initiatives (Manila Standard; JRU Official Website). Its centennial celebrations and the NHCP marker installation underscore its enduring importance in Philippine society (GMA News).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of José Rizal University?
A: The campus is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, general admission is free. Special events may have ticketing requirements.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment through the admissions or public relations office.

Q: Is the campus accessible for persons with disabilities?
A: Yes, there are ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: How can I reach JRU using public transportation?
A: Take the MRT to Shaw Boulevard or Boni Avenue stations, then a jeepney or taxi to the campus.

Q: What nearby attractions are recommended?
A: Explore Mandaluyong’s historical markers, Sevilla Bridge, Santuario del Santo Cristo, and Rizal Park in Manila.


Conclusion

José Rizal University is more than an academic institution—it is a living legacy of Dr. José Rizal, a testament to the transformative power of education, and a vibrant center for culture and community in Mandaluyong. With its accessible visiting hours, heritage-rich campus, and proximity to other key historical sites, JRU offers an inspiring and meaningful experience for all visitors. Whether you are exploring its academic offerings, attending a special event, or tracing the footsteps of the country’s national hero, JRU is a must-visit landmark in Metro Manila.

For up-to-date information, event schedules, and campus news, download the Audiala app and follow JRU’s official channels. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the enduring heritage and community spirit of José Rizal University.


References

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Metro Manila

Abad Santos Avenue
Abad Santos Avenue
Abs-Cbn Broadcasting Center
Abs-Cbn Broadcasting Center
Adriatico Street
Adriatico Street
Angelicum College
Angelicum College
Anonas Station
Anonas Station
Araneta Center–Cubao Station
Araneta Center–Cubao Station
Arch Of The Centuries
Arch Of The Centuries
Archives Of The University Of Santo Tomas
Archives Of The University Of Santo Tomas
Arellano University
Arellano University
Arnaiz Avenue
Arnaiz Avenue
Asia Pacific College
Asia Pacific College
Asian Social Institute
Asian Social Institute
Ateneo De Manila University
Ateneo De Manila University
Ayala Avenue
Ayala Avenue
Ayala Station
Ayala Station
Ayala Tower One
Ayala Tower One
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Bahay Tsinoy
Bahay Tsinoy
Balintawak Station
Balintawak Station
Battle Of Manila
Battle Of Manila
Betty Go-Belmonte Station
Betty Go-Belmonte Station
Betty Go-Belmonte Street
Betty Go-Belmonte Street
Boni Avenue
Boni Avenue
Boni Station
Boni Station
Bridgetowne
Bridgetowne
Broadcast City
Broadcast City
Broadway Centrum
Broadway Centrum
Buendia Railway Station
Buendia Railway Station
Buendia Station
Buendia Station
Camp Aguinaldo
Camp Aguinaldo
Camp Crame
Camp Crame
Chino Roces Avenue
Chino Roces Avenue
|
  Christ'S Commission Fellowship
| Christ'S Commission Fellowship
Ciit College Of Arts And Technology
Ciit College Of Arts And Technology
Circumferential Road 5–Kalayaan Avenue Interchange
Circumferential Road 5–Kalayaan Avenue Interchange
City Of Manila Building Historical Marker
City Of Manila Building Historical Marker
Club Filipino
Club Filipino
Coconut Palace
Coconut Palace
Colegio De San Lorenzo
Colegio De San Lorenzo
Colegio De Sta. Rosa-Makati
Colegio De Sta. Rosa-Makati
Commonwealth Avenue
Commonwealth Avenue
De La Salle Araneta University
De La Salle Araneta University
Del Pilar Street
Del Pilar Street
Diego Cera Avenue
Diego Cera Avenue
Discovery Primea
Discovery Primea
Doña Soledad Avenue
Doña Soledad Avenue
Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital
Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital
Eastwood City
Eastwood City
Elj Communications Center
Elj Communications Center
Embassy Of Germany, Manila
Embassy Of Germany, Manila
Embassy Of Indonesia In The Philippines
Embassy Of Indonesia In The Philippines
Embassy Of Israel, Manila
Embassy Of Israel, Manila
Embassy Of Norway, Manila
Embassy Of Norway, Manila
Embassy Of The United States In Manila
Embassy Of The United States In Manila
Exportbank Plaza
Exportbank Plaza
Far Eastern University - Diliman
Far Eastern University - Diliman
Feati University
Feati University
Fernando Poe Jr. Station
Fernando Poe Jr. Station
Filoil Ecooil Centre
Filoil Ecooil Centre
Gateway Mall
Gateway Mall
Gilmore Station
Gilmore Station
Glorietta
Glorietta
Greenbelt (Ayala Center)
Greenbelt (Ayala Center)
Greenhills Shopping Center
Greenhills Shopping Center
G.T. International Tower
G.T. International Tower
Guadalupe Station
Guadalupe Station
Hidalgo Street
Hidalgo Street
Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Temple
Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Temple
Intercontinental Manila
Intercontinental Manila
Intramuros
Intramuros
J. Ruiz Station
J. Ruiz Station
José R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
José R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
José Rizal University
José Rizal University
Jose W. Diokno Boulevard
Jose W. Diokno Boulevard
Kalaw Avenue
Kalaw Avenue
Kalayaan College
Kalayaan College
Kamuning Station
Kamuning Station
Katipunan Station
Katipunan Station
La Mesa Dam
La Mesa Dam
La Mesa Ecopark
La Mesa Ecopark
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ
Las Piñas Church
Las Piñas Church
Lawton Avenue
Lawton Avenue
League Of Women Voters Of The Philippines, Inc. Historical Marker
League Of Women Voters Of The Philippines, Inc. Historical Marker
Legazpi Active Park
Legazpi Active Park
List Of Ambassadors Of South Korea To The Philippines
List Of Ambassadors Of South Korea To The Philippines
Lkg Tower
Lkg Tower
Lopez Museum
Lopez Museum
Loyola Memorial Park
Loyola Memorial Park
Lung Center Of The Philippines
Lung Center Of The Philippines
Mabini Bridge
Mabini Bridge
Magallanes Station
Magallanes Station
Makati Avenue
Makati Avenue
Makati Coliseum
Makati Coliseum
Makati Shangri-La
Makati Shangri-La
Manggahan Floodway
Manggahan Floodway
Manila American Cemetery And Memorial
Manila American Cemetery And Memorial
Manila Central Post Office
Manila Central Post Office
Manila Chinese Cemetery
Manila Chinese Cemetery
Manila Hotel
Manila Hotel
Manila Metropolitan Theater
Manila Metropolitan Theater
Manila North Cemetery
Manila North Cemetery
Manila Observatory
Manila Observatory
Manila Philippines Temple
Manila Philippines Temple
Manila South Cemetery
Manila South Cemetery
Manuel L. Quezon University
Manuel L. Quezon University
Manuel S. Guerrero Historical Marker
Manuel S. Guerrero Historical Marker
Mapúa University
Mapúa University
Marikina Church
Marikina Church
Marikina River Park
Marikina River Park
Masjid Al-Dahab
Masjid Al-Dahab
Mckinley Road
Mckinley Road
Meralco Avenue
Meralco Avenue
Millennium Transmitter
Millennium Transmitter
Museo Pambata
Museo Pambata
Namei Polytechnic Institute
Namei Polytechnic Institute
National Center For Mental Health
National Center For Mental Health
National Museum Of Anthropology
National Museum Of Anthropology
National Museum Of Natural History
National Museum Of Natural History
National Museum Of The Philippines
National Museum Of The Philippines
National Planetarium
National Planetarium
New Bilibid Prison
New Bilibid Prison
New Era University
New Era University
Nielson Field
Nielson Field
Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Ninoy Aquino Stadium
North Avenue
North Avenue
North Avenue Station
North Avenue Station
North Bay Boulevard
North Bay Boulevard
Okada Manila
Okada Manila
Old Legislative Building Historical Marker
Old Legislative Building Historical Marker
Olivarez College
Olivarez College
One Ayala
One Ayala
One Corporate Centre
One Corporate Centre
One Roxas Triangle
One Roxas Triangle
One San Miguel Avenue
One San Miguel Avenue
Pablo Ocampo Street
Pablo Ocampo Street
Parish Of The Holy Sacrifice
Parish Of The Holy Sacrifice
Paseo De Roxas
Paseo De Roxas
Pbcom Tower
Pbcom Tower
Petron Megaplaza
Petron Megaplaza
Philamlife Tower
Philamlife Tower
Philippine General Hospital
Philippine General Hospital
Philsports Arena
Philsports Arena
Philsports Complex
Philsports Complex
Philsports Football And Athletics Stadium
Philsports Football And Athletics Stadium
Pinaglabanan Shrine
Pinaglabanan Shrine
Plaza De España
Plaza De España
Pmi Colleges
Pmi Colleges
Polytechnic University Of The Philippines, Parañaque
Polytechnic University Of The Philippines, Parañaque
Port Of Manila
Port Of Manila
Power Plant Mall
Power Plant Mall
Quezon Avenue Station
Quezon Avenue Station
Quezon Bridge
Quezon Bridge
Quirino Avenue
Quirino Avenue
Rcbc Plaza
Rcbc Plaza
Recto Avenue
Recto Avenue
Rizal Avenue
Rizal Avenue
Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
Rizal Memorial Coliseum
Rizal Memorial Coliseum
Rizal Memorial Stadium
Rizal Memorial Stadium
Rizal Technological University
Rizal Technological University
Robinsons Cybergate
Robinsons Cybergate
Robinsons Equitable Tower
Robinsons Equitable Tower
Robinsons Summit Center
Robinsons Summit Center
Rockwell Center
Rockwell Center
Rufino Pacific Tower
Rufino Pacific Tower
|
  Saint Mary'S College Of Quezon City
| Saint Mary'S College Of Quezon City
Salcedo Park
Salcedo Park
San Beda University
San Beda University
San Carlos Seminary
San Carlos Seminary
Santo Domingo Church
Santo Domingo Church
Santolan Station
Santolan Station
Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Shaw Boulevard
Shaw Boulevard
Shaw Boulevard Mrt Station
Shaw Boulevard Mrt Station
Skycity
Skycity
Skyway
Skyway
Sm City Fairview
Sm City Fairview
Sm City North Edsa
Sm City North Edsa
Sm Megamall
Sm Megamall
Smart Araneta Coliseum
Smart Araneta Coliseum
St. Francis Square
St. Francis Square
|
  St. Luke'S Medical Center - Quezon City
| St. Luke'S Medical Center - Quezon City
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In The Philippines
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In The Philippines
Technological University Of The Philippines
Technological University Of The Philippines
The Beacon – Arnaiz Tower
The Beacon – Arnaiz Tower
The Enterprise Center Tower 1
The Enterprise Center Tower 1
The Gramercy Residences
The Gramercy Residences
The Medical City Ortigas
The Medical City Ortigas
The National Museum Historical Marker
The National Museum Historical Marker
The Residences At Greenbelt – San Lorenzo Tower
The Residences At Greenbelt – San Lorenzo Tower
The Session Hall Of The Senate Of The Philippines Historical Marker
The Session Hall Of The Senate Of The Philippines Historical Marker
The Shang Grand Tower
The Shang Grand Tower
The Stratford Residences
The Stratford Residences
The World Centre
The World Centre
Tiendesitas
Tiendesitas
To The Heroes Of The City Of Manila Historical Marker
To The Heroes Of The City Of Manila Historical Marker
Tomas Morato Avenue
Tomas Morato Avenue
Tower 6789
Tower 6789
Tramo Street
Tramo Street
Trump Tower Manila
Trump Tower Manila
Unionbank Plaza
Unionbank Plaza
Universidad De Manila
Universidad De Manila
University Of Asia And The Pacific
University Of Asia And The Pacific
University Of Makati
University Of Makati
University Of Perpetual Help System Dalta
University Of Perpetual Help System Dalta
University Of Santo Tomas Hospital
University Of Santo Tomas Hospital
University Of The Philippines
University Of The Philippines
University Of The Philippines Diliman
University Of The Philippines Diliman
Untv Broadcast Center
Untv Broadcast Center
Ust Plaza Mayor
Ust Plaza Mayor
Valenzuela City General Hospital
Valenzuela City General Hospital
Veterans Memorial Medical Center
Veterans Memorial Medical Center
Villamor Airbase
Villamor Airbase
Wack Wack Golf And Country Club
Wack Wack Golf And Country Club
Ynares Sports Arena
Ynares Sports Arena
Zuellig Building
Zuellig Building