Across the street from the Minillas Government Center in Santurce is the Puerto Rico Museum of Art. Inaugurated in the year 2000 by Governor Pedro Roselló González, this is the home of some of Puerto Rico’s most marvelous art.
The first floor is divided into two wings. On one side there are paintings, religious art and wood carvings from the 17th to the 19th century. On the other there is more recent art from the 20th century. There is also a small amphitheater, a restaurant and a gift shop.
On the second floor there is a gallery with pieces from the later part of the 20th century and smaller galleries with itinerating exhibits.
On the rear exterior of the building there is a beautiful 2‑acre sculpture garden with fountains, ponds, pathways and rest areas.
The museum occupies a beautiful white neoclassical building that was restored to its original splendor during the later part of the 1980’s. Originally this structure was built to house the San Juan Municipal Hospital. After that it served as the Department of Transportation offices and was condemned during most of the 1980’s.
Today the Puerto Rico Museum of Art is one of the youngest in Puerto Rico, but also one of the greatest and most beautiful. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. For more information call (787) 977‑6277.