Museo De Arte Contemporneo De Puerto Rico
Another must-visit for art lovers, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Ricois full of cool and creative pieces that you wont want to miss. The permanent collection includes works from some of the countrys most beloved artists, as well as featuring pieces from others basedacross Latin America and the Caribbean. The changing exhibitions highlight some of the most thought-provoking work from the latter 20th century onwards, while the Living Workshop offers an insight into the processes of the artists behind the masterpieces. Here, the museum hopes to create a connection between visitors and artists.
Casa Blanca Museum Puerto
Situated near El Morro in Old San Juan, right around the corner from Casa Blanca and San Sebastián streets, you will find el Museo Casa Blanca, a fortified residence that was once home to Juan Ponce de Leóns family. The house shows architectural designs of the 16th century along with a stunning view of the Old City with beautiful gardens, living rooms and bedrooms originally used by the family. The friendly and informative staff will gladly answer any of your questions, and you can pick up a pamphlet to supplement your visit. You can also take one of the daily guided tours to truly appreciate the visit.
Museo De Las Americas Puerto Rico
The history and culture of the American continent, with an emphasis on Puerto Ricos cultural heritage, can be found at el Museo de las Américas in Old San Juan. Located inside of the historic Cuartel de Ballajá, a former barracks for Spanish soldiers, the museum has four permanent exhibitions: Popular Arts in the Americas, African Legacy, El Indio in America, and the Conquest and Colonization, which mark the cultural evolution of what Puerto Rico is today. The museum displays pottery, musical instruments, basketry, among other relics made in different American countries. It also exhibits Santos de Puerto Rico, the saints worshipped by Puerto Ricans and some other temporary exhibits covering a range of topics.
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Important Events At Catedral De Ponce
- December 12th Annual event held since 1965 with an average attendance of 10,000 people. Procession and Mass presided by the Bishop of Diocese. Attendees congregate at the entrance of the Cathedral before dawn for a procession to sing Las Mañanitas , accompanied by a mariachi band to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Ponce. Following a Holy Mass is held at the Cathedral at 5 am.
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Museo De Arte E Historia De San Juan
San Juans Museum of Art and History is a great guide to some of the key events and historical places in San Juans rich past. In fact, the building itself is in another of San Juans historic sites it used to be the location of the citys main marketplace. Today, youll find paintings, sculptures and photographs telling the story of the city, as well as a mixed-media exhibition that includes a rolling documentary film. Head to the East and West wings to discover works of art from local creators.
Museo De La Historia De Ponce
Ponce
Once the house of the Salazar family, the building that houses the Museo de la Historia de Ponce was built in 1911 and designed by architect Blass Silva Boucher using a neoclassical and Mudéjar style. It became a museum in 1992 in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of Ponces founding . Since then, the museum has become one of the most active cultural centers on the island. Its exhibitions provide a look at the historical evolution of the second largest city in Puerto Rico, from the indigenous period to modern times. Topics include the ecology of the area, the growth of the city, its economic development, role in national politics, and more.
Castillo Serrallés: former home of the Serrallés family, owners of the Don Q distillery.
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Recommended Attractions At Popular Destinations
Best Museums In San Juan
This small museum houses the pre-Colombian artifacts collection belonging to the Universidad de Puerto Rico . In addition to the artifacts, you’ll find historic documents and art. The space serves as an exposition hall for contemporary art from local artists as well. The museum, while small, is well maintained and is constantly visited by students and faculty. The admission is free of charge. The museum stands just in front of the University’s main library.
The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is one of San Juan’s most beautiful landmarks. While the exterior boasts 1920s neoclassical architecture, once inside visitors find a center of learning, a computer laboratory and a family gallery. The facility houses a grand collection of Puerto Rican paintings and sculptures. It continuously features temporary exhibitions and has a 400-seat amphitheater. The Pikayo Restaurant provides dining facilities.
At One Calle de San Sebastián, this colonial house was built as the residence of Juan Ponce de León, the island’s first appointed governor. While he never actually lived there, his family resided in the house before the government purchased it for restoration. The residence features beautiful gardens and exquisite colonial architecture. A museum is now housed in the building and it is definitely worth a visit.
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Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro also simply called El Morro, is the most famous landmark in San Juan and on the island of Puerto Rico. From history buffs to romantics to families with children, this is an amazing place for everyone. Make sure to bring your camera, youll take some fantastic photos with sweeping views of San Juan Bay as the background. The grounds of El Morro are one of the most beloved places by families where great memories are made. Be sure to purchase a kite or bring your own and not just for the kids, let your inner child free run, roll down the grass, laugh, and feel the breeze.
San Juan’s 5 Best Museums Celebrate Puerto Rico’s Indigenous Culture Art And Social Justice Movements
San Juan’s 5 best museums celebrate Puerto Rico’s indigenous culture, art and social justice movements
Lonely Planet has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico.
Pedestrian-friendly San Juan teems with various diversions. However, the capital city’s museums should be top of mind during your visit. San Juan’s art scene highlights the island’s history and the innovative spirit of those who call Puerto Rico home.
Niche museums bring to light industries, culture and people who shaped the timeline of Puerto Rico, while local museums provide inspiration and personal connection to the island through paintings, sculptures, well-preserved artifacts and detailed accounts of history-making events.
Here are five museum options for a well-rounded San Juan itinerary.
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List Of Museums In Puerto Rico
This list of museums in Puerto Rico contains museums which are defined for this context as institutions that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Museums that exist only in cyberspace are not included.
To use the sortable table, click on the icons at the top of each column to sort that column in alphabetical order click again for reverse alphabetical order.
| Name |
|---|
Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Puerto Rico
A museum with unconventional and contemporary art
| Museum Website | Cost: $5 | Hours: 11 am 5 pm, Wed-Sun
If Victorian paintings and baroque art arent up your alley, then the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico is for you.
What was once a two-floor public school is now a museum that hosts a permanent art collection dating from the mid-20th century to the present. It features art from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Puerto Rico, and the exhibits include pieces from renowned artists like Carmelo Sobrino, Myrna Baez, and Olga Albizú.
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Old San Juan Cemetery
The cemetery sits outside the 20-foot walls of fort El Morro overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Ricans consider this cemetery the ultimate location as a final resting place, many notable Puerto Ricans are buried here, and still today, families are willing to pay top dollar for a spot. You can admire the cemetery from the grounds of El Morro.
At the cemetery, youll see unique ornate marble thumbs, some depicting stories of love and family. Among notable Puerto Ricans buried at Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery: Jose Celso Barbosa, Pedro Albizu Campos, Jose de Diego, Rafael Hernandez, the infamous real pirate of the Caribbean Roberto Cofresi, among others. If you wish to enter, you may ask a taxi driver to take you and negotiate a rate to wait as you have a quick look and give you a ride back.
Casa Museo Felisa Rincn De Gautier
Learn more about life and culture in Old San Juan with a trip to the former home of Dona Felisa Rincón, the first female mayor of San Juan. The pink building has become an iconic San Juan museum with an exhibition inside which tells a rousing tale of the fight for equality between the genders. While exploring inside, youll find artefacts that give you an insight into both the personal and political life of the houses former resident.
With so much to see and even more to learn, youve got a busy trip ahead in San Juan! And dont forget that theres plenty more things to do in Old San Juan, too. Request a ride with the Uber app to easily move between museums, historic sites, must-see streets and other popular attractions and ensure you make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
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Museo De Arte De Puerto Rico Puerto
Do not miss the opportunity of exploring Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico which is amongst the largest museums in the Caribbean. Situated in an area of San Juan known for its street art and community of creatives, the museum showcases a wide range of Puerto Rican artwork from the 18th century to present-day exhibits. Admire a vast collection of paintings by the most famous national artists and check out the numerous temporary shows the museum often hosts. Along with other top museums in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Museum of Art provides an inviting and prominent home for different forms of art, including paintings and sculptures.
Museo De Arte De Ponce Puerto
The Museo de Arte de Ponce resides in almost 4,500 objects and works of art, spanning about 3,000 years. Europe, Africa and America are three regions that have heavily shaped Puerto Ricos past. According to the official website, several artworks from the museum were exhibited internationally before the museums reopening in 2010. Visitors can look at pieces from the permanent collection, and the temporary exhibits as well as a library and educational initiatives. Most of the classical artworks date back to the 17th century. Revel in these historic collections that showcase the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture alongside the pieces from Europe.Timings: : 9 AM – 5 PM
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Museo De Las Amricas: Best For Historical And Cultural Connection
Established in 1992 by renowned San Juan archaeologist Dr. Ricardo E. Alegria, Museo de las Américas explores the American experience from 1492 to the present with a thorough overview of Puerto Rican and Latin American heritage and culture. Exhibits like The African Heritage and Conquest and Colonization: Birth and Evolution of the Puerto Rican Nation offer a profound look at the impact of colonization and slavery.
Take time to peruse the well-curated selection of archaeological relics, pottery and art from the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean in the Popular Arts in the Americas exhibit. The Indian of America exhibition room was severely damaged during Hurricane Maria and is currently closed for restoration.
Museo de las Américas is housed on the second floor of Old San Juan’s historic Cuartel de Ballajá former military barracks used by Spanish soldiers in the 1800s. The museum also hosts revolving exhibits by local artists and creative workshops and community events throughout the year.
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Fortn Del Conde Mirasol
Both a fort and a museum with Vieques history
Map with live ammunition found around Vieques in Fortin del Conde Mirasol
| Cost: free | Hours: 8 am 4 pm, Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Fortín del Conde Mirasol is one of the popular places to visit in Vieques. Although its still in renovations after Hurricane María, this museum is a 19th-century fort that now hosts the Vieques Museum of Art and History.
The current exhibit includes photographs, newspapers, and posters of the protests against the occupation of the United States military in Vieques. Its a must-see if youre visiting the small island.
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Museo De Arte De Bayamn
Tour a small museum with a great collection of Puerto Rican art
| Museum Website | Cost: free | Hours: 8:30 am 4:30 pm, Tues-Sat, Closed Sundays and Mondays
Hidden inside El Parque de las Ciencias, Bayamons Art Museum is one of the best attractions in Bayamon. Although small, this museum boasts multiple exhibition halls that follow the different trends of Puerto Rican art, as well as its beginnings. Its perfect for those who want a quick and organized introduction to Puerto Ricos art.
Museo de Arte de Bayamón hosts works from famous Puerto Rican artists such as José Campeche, Lorenzo Homar, and Antonio Martorell.
Serralles Castle Museum Puerto
Located in the city known as the Pearl of the South, Ponce, this museum dates back to the 1930s. It is a Spanish Revival-style home built by the Serrallés family of the famous DonQ rum. Visitors can opt for guided tours of the museum which are given in English and Spanish. They can also visit the on-site gift shop and wine cellar. The museum has a butterfly nursery, the Vigía Cross, and a Japanese garden with benches, pagodas, and koi ponds. It also has a permanent exhibition so you can visit it anytime you want.
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Cathedral San Juan Bautista
This Cathedral is one of the most important religious landmarks in Puerto Rico, the second oldest church in the Americas, and the oldest under the US Flag. The cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Puerto Rico. Catedral San Juan Bautista dates back to 1521. The Spanish sailors walked into the city through the San Juan Gate and had the tradition of stopping at this church to thank God for a safe voyage. A tomb with the remains of Ponce de Leon and a mummified body of St. Pio are at the Cathedral. The San Juan Cathedral was also the first school in Puerto Rico.
If you happen to be here at Christmas, be sure to get here early to enjoy one of the most beautiful Christmas services on the island. Catedral San Juan Bautista is a popular place for local and destination weddings, where many celebrities have said I DO.
Cathedral Hours: Cathedral is open daily from 8 am 4 pm and Sundays from 8 am 2 pm. Location: , across from El Convento Hotel. See the map below.
