Museum of the Americas, San Juan (must see)
Located in the old Spanish Military Barracks, the Museum of the Americas is a multidisciplinary, multicultural, and multidimensional non-profit institution, established in 1992 by San Juan's famed archaeologist Ricardo Alegria. Its mission is to offer a synoptic vision of the history and culture of the American continent, with the main emphasis on Puerto Rico, through exhibition programs and cultural activities.
Dedicated to the American culture, the museum displays four permanent exhibits, namely: the Natives in the Americas; the African Legacy; Conquest and Colonization; and the Popular Arts. Additionally, there are some changing exhibitions as well, featuring paintings, carved and other sculptures, as well as many other works by artisans representing North, South, and Central America.
A true gem of curatorial design, to date the museum has hosted over 500 temporary exhibitions of art, history, and anthropology.
Tip:
The main language of the displays is Spanish, whereas some areas offer readable English translations. If you do not read Spanish, consider using the provided recorded audio tours.
It may take up to one and a half to two hours to explore all eight galleries. The museum closes at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.
Dedicated to the American culture, the museum displays four permanent exhibits, namely: the Natives in the Americas; the African Legacy; Conquest and Colonization; and the Popular Arts. Additionally, there are some changing exhibitions as well, featuring paintings, carved and other sculptures, as well as many other works by artisans representing North, South, and Central America.
A true gem of curatorial design, to date the museum has hosted over 500 temporary exhibitions of art, history, and anthropology.
Tip:
The main language of the displays is Spanish, whereas some areas offer readable English translations. If you do not read Spanish, consider using the provided recorded audio tours.
It may take up to one and a half to two hours to explore all eight galleries. The museum closes at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Juan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Museum of the Americas on Map
Sight Name: Museum of the Americas
Sight Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico (See walking tours in San Juan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico (See walking tours in San Juan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Create Your Own Walk in San Juan
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Juan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Juan Historical Buildings
One of the oldest capital cities on the American continent, San Juan, Puerto Rico, boasts an old town that is filled to the brim with heritage colonial architecture.
Chief among its historical buildings, La Fortaleza, or The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the longest-standing executive mansion in continuous use in America. At the same time, the Cathedral... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Chief among its historical buildings, La Fortaleza, or The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the longest-standing executive mansion in continuous use in America. At the same time, the Cathedral... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Souvenir Shopping
The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493 and the ensuing Spanish colonization brought into Puerto Rico a number of new crafts. Over the next few centuries, having mixed up with local traditions, they have flourished on the new turf, producing an array of colorful products that today are sought after by tourists visiting the island. While in San Juan, it would be a pity to leave town without... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Old San Juan Squares
A distinctive feature of Old San Juan is the multitude of quaint picturesque squares, many of them adorned with beautiful fountains and spectacular monuments. Each square has a unique character and historical significance, making them integral to the city's identity.
Plaza Colon, also known as Columbus Square, pays homage to Christopher Columbus and his exploration of the New World. It... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Plaza Colon, also known as Columbus Square, pays homage to Christopher Columbus and his exploration of the New World. It... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Old San Juan Walking Tour
Founded by Spanish colonists in 1509, at a site then known as "Puerto Rico" (which means Rich Port in Spanish), San Juan is the third oldest capital in the Americas established by Europeans. In 1521, the words "San Juan" were added to its official name, thus making it "San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico". This was in keeping with the custom of christening the town with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
13 Distinctively Puerto Rican Goods to Bring Home from San Juan
The uniqueness of Puerto Rico is partially associated with its political status - part of the United States yet with a Latin twist. Other than their widely-acknowledged musical talents, e.g. Carlos Santana and Ricky Martin, Puerto Rico is just as rich in many other good things. When you're in...