Top 5 History Museums in Puerto Rico

Museo de la Historia de Ponce

Ponce

Once the house of the Salazar family, the building that houses the Museo de la Historia de Ponce was built in 1911 and designed by architect Blass Silva Boucher using a neoclassical and Mudéjar style. It became a museum in 1992 in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of Ponce’s founding (1692). Since then, the museum has become one of the most active cultural centers on the island. Its exhibitions provide a look at the historical evolution of the second largest city in Puerto Rico, from the indigenous period to modern times. Topics include the ecology of the area, the growth of the city, its economic development, role in national politics, and more.

Museo Castillo Serrallés

Ponce

The beautiful Castillo de Serrallés in Ponce is magnificent evidence of the development of the sugar cane and rum industries during the early 20th century. The home of the Serrallés family, owners of the Don Q rum distillery, was at the time considered a “Spanish Revival” mansion. The interior of the house has been preserved so visitors can appreciate the lobby, rooms, patio, and terrace in its original condition, altogether a reminder of the cultural and economic changes that the southern side of the island was experiencing during the time. The permanent exhibition titled "La Hacienda Mercedita" shows the family’s 300-acre sugarcane plantation, where the Snow White sugar brand and Don Q rum were created. Visitors can also enjoy the magnificent landscape and beautiful panoramic views of the city of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea.

Museo Casa Blanca

San Juan

Near El Morro in Old San Juan, right around the corner from Casa Blanca and San Sebastián streets, you will find el Museo Casa Blanca, an elegant house that once was home to Ponce de León’s family. The house shows architectural tendencies of the 16th century along with an outstanding view of the Old City with beautiful gardens, living rooms and bedrooms originally used by the family. La Casa Blanca was the first fortification in San Juan. Although Juan Ponce de León himself couldn’t live in the residence, his family did until the mid-18th century. Later, the house was occupied by Spanish and American army commanders. Furniture and artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries are part of the current exhibition.

Find more things to do in Old San Juan. 

Museo de las Américas

Old San Juan

The history and culture of the American continent, with an emphasis on Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage, can be found at el Museo de las Américas in Old San Juan. Located inside of the historic Cuartel de Ballajá, a former barracks for Spanish soldiers, the museum has four permanent exhibitions: Popular Arts in the Americas, African Legacy, El Indio in America, and the Conquest and Colonization, which mark the cultural evolution of what Puerto Rico is today.

The museum displays pottery, musical instruments, basketry, among other relics made in different American countries, as well as the santos de Puerto Rico, which are the saints venerated by Puerto Ricans. There are also temporary exhibits covering a range of topics. The museum is nearby other major historic attractions, including the Fort El Morro, so it’s an easy addition to any history-related itinerary.