Visit the Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan

San Juan is not only Puerto Rico’s largest city; it’s also one of its oldest and most historic. Old San Juan offers visitors a chance to go back in time and imagine what life would have been like on this Caribbean Island a few hundred years ago in the days of pirates, wooden ships and fair maidens. It’s an intriguing look into the past that will leave you wanting to learn more about this fantastic city. Well, at the Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan, you can. This great little museum not only shows you Puerto Rican art through the ages but provides fascinating insight into the place that San Juan once was – a bustling Caribbean port town.

Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan

The Museum of Art and History in San Juan (known as Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan) is currently located at Calle Norzagaray 150 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In the 19th century, this location served as the city’s main marketplace so it is fitting that it now houses this museum. The museum building reflects Spanish colonial architecture and is in itself a beauty to behold. Upon entering, you will find artworks by both contemporary artists and those from a bygone era. The modern artworks on display are by the city’s top-rated local artists and the art exhibition is open all year around. Art here may take the form of paintings and sculptures and there is also an important collection of santos that are on display in the museum. But the museum is not just about art. A documentary film that is shown on an hourly basis will take you through the city’s history from 1521 to the present. The complementary exhibition will allow you to view old photographs from the city and a variety of artifacts relating to the topic.

The local art is displayed in the galleries in the east and west ends of the building, while the historical display has a more central location. Admission to the museum is free but donations are appreciated since it takes money to maintain the museum and funds are always short. The Museo de Arte e Historia is open from Monday to Friday between 09:00-16:00 and between 10:00-16:00 on weekends. Tours of the museum can be conducted in English and Spanish and tour guides provide fascinating insight into the art and history on display. So give the San Juan Museum of Art and History a try and discover more about the city’s culture and history for yourself.

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