Peruse Pre-Raphaelite treasures, European artworks and Puerto Rican masterpieces in the light-filled galleries in one of the largest art museums in the Caribbean.
The Museo de Arte de Ponce is Puerto Rico’s most prestigious art institution, housing an awe-inspiring collection of artworks, ancient relics and artifacts. See 3,000-year-old pottery fragments then fast-forward through the ages and check out modern masterpieces. Explore the galleries dedicated to classical European painters and reflect in the sculpture-studded gardens.
Notice the museum’s crisp white walls and elegant architecture. Commissioned by the philanthropist Luís A. Ferré in the early 1960s, the museum building has been praised for its beautiful design features. As you explore the galleries, note each room’s hexagonal shape. This maximizes the capturing of natural light in the galleries and gives each room an airy atmosphere. Check out the main hall, with its central display of American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s painting Brush Strokes in Flight. From here, you can choose from 14 different galleries to explore.
You’ll find a distinguished collection of 14th to 20th-century European art, with a focus on Pre-Raphaelite, Italian Baroque and Spanish Golden-Age artists. See exquisite paintings by Frederic Leighton, Eugène Delacroix and Edward Burne-Jones. With almost 4,000 artworks in the collection, the Museo de Arte de Ponce regularly loans its precious pieces to art institutions around the world. The museum’s extensive Puerto Rican and Latin American art collection has a magnificent holding of work spanning the 18th to 21st centuries. Check out contemporary local talent and see some of the country’s great masters. There are also collections of ancient pottery, archival prints and fascinating photographs.
Rent a handheld audio guide and get a deeper insight into the museum’s collection and special items. Guided tours are available twice a day in Spanish and English. The museum has a café where you can grab a freshly made coffee and small snacks.
The Museo de Arte de Ponce is located in Ponce’s historic center. It is easy to reach when exploring the historic district on foot, as well as by public bus. There is a small parking lot on site. Admission and audio guides are inexpensive and discounts are available for children, seniors and students.
