San Juan Art and History Museum, San Juan

San Juan Art and History Museum, San Juan

The San Juan Art and History Museum is a major cultural institution located in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich and diverse history, culture, and art of Puerto Rico, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.

The museum's collection includes more than 1,100 works of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and prints, as well as a wide range of historical artifacts, including tools, weapons, pottery, and jewelry. The museum also houses an extensive library and archive, containing a wealth of historical documents, photographs, and other materials related to the history and culture of Puerto Rico.

The San Juan Art and History Museum is housed in the former Cuartel de Ballajá, a historic Spanish colonial military barracks that was built in the mid-19th century. The building is an important landmark in San Juan, and has been carefully restored and renovated to provide a beautiful and inspiring setting for the museum's exhibits and programs.

Visitors to the museum can learn about the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico, from its indigenous Taino roots to its complex colonial history and contemporary cultural traditions, and experience the power of art to reflect and shape the world around us. The San Juan Art and History Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Puerto Rico, and an important resource for the island's residents and visitors alike.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Juan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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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San Juan Art and History Museum on Map

Sight Name: San Juan Art and History Museum
Sight Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico (See walking tours in San Juan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Create Your Own Walk in San Juan

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.
Old San Juan Squares

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
Old San Juan Walking Tour

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
San Juan Historical Buildings

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
Souvenir Shopping

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

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


13 Distinctively Puerto Rican Goods to Bring Home from San Juan

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...