The exhibit “Palayok: The Ceramic Heritage of the Philippines” is a recently opened gallery dedicated to the rich ceramic tradition of the Philippines from the earliest appearance of pottery in the region in the Neolithic (c. 4200 years ago) to the contemporary period. The exhibit highlights the significant role of ceramics in the history of Philippine society and culture. It also showcases the outstanding ceramic types and forms found in different archaeological sites, demonstrating the amazing craftsmanship of past ceramic-producing communities. It displays the various uses of ceramics from cooking pots to mortuary vessels. The gallery has several sections from the initial appearance of ceramics during the Neolithic Period to its widest variation and expansion during the Metal Age, followed by the introduction of foreign ceramics in the Philippines and eventually the contemporary production and use of pottery at present.

Some of the highlights of this gallery are the following National Cultural Treasures (NCTs): Maitum Quadrangular Burial Jar, Lena Shoal Blue-and-White Dish with Flying Elephant, Marinduque Celadon Jar, and Leta-Leta Jarlet with Yawning Mouth.