Museums

San Juan Museums

Museums are abundant in the areas of San Juan in Puerto Rico, and hold different collections for varied interests. These San Juan museums give its visitors a feel of the history San Juan, Puerto Rico and a glimpse of its cultural heritage and their roots. And while a lot of these museums showcase art pieces and artifacts that represent the history and culture of Puerto Rico, some others offer alternative galleries as well that exhibit a more modern feel to the island.

The San Juan Museum of Art and History is considered a cultural center in the San Juan region. Featuring the art and music of Puerto Rico, the San Juan Museum of Art and History was originally a marketplace when built over 150 years ago in 1855. It was later restored and first established as a museum in 1979, and still stands today as one of the vanguards of Puerto Rican history.

Another great museum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and one that exhibits historic artifacts about the indigenous people of the Caribbean area is the Museo Del Indio found within the confines of the House of the Two Foyers, or better known in San Juan as Case de los Dos Zaguanes. The Museo Del Indio features archeological digs, as well as ceramics and other exhibits that showcase the history of the people of the entire Caribbean area.

The Casa Blanca, aside from being a museum and gallery of precious art pieces, is also known throughout the world as the oldest continuously occupied residence in the entire Western Hemisphere. It was built in 1521 and for over 250 years was the residence of Ponce de Leon's descendants. Today the mansion is considered a National Historic Monument that exhibits Puerto Rico's history, specifically from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

More history related to Ponce de Leon can be found within the Puerto Rican capital San Juan, in the Museum of Conquest and Colonization of Puerto Rico. This museum, housed inside the Ruinas de Caparra or the Caparra Ruins where Ponce de Leon founded his first settlement offers exhibits, artifacts, and historical documents.

There is also a museum focused on the life of Felisa Rincon de Gautier, the prolific and proficient former mayor of the city of San Juan who served the capital from 1946 to 1968. The Museum, known as the Museo de Dona Fela contains memorabilia from the mayor's life and is open Mondays to Fridays.

Many other museums can also be found in the area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Others worth mentioning are the Archaeologist Adolfo de Hostos Museum, the Museum of the Seas, the Museum of Contemporary Puerto Rican Art, the Instituto de Cultura Puertorrique, and the Pablo Casals Museum which features works and collections of the master composer Pablo Casals.