travel, hotel and booking Information

Puerto Ricos New Address for Art

Author: Natalia de Cuba Romero
The eyes may be the window to the soul, but when it comes to the people of a nation, art provides a glimpse into both their soul and history. Now, the rich heritage of Puerto Rico's people is accessible to everyone who visits San Juan's Museo de Arte. The US$55.2 million, 130,000 square-foot museum, which opened in July, is a gorgeous state-of-the-art facility. The museum is housed in the former Municipal Hospital Building in San Juan's Santurce neighborhood. The graceful original structure has been reborn as a repository for historical galleries and permanent collections, with the contemporary-style annex - designed to echo the spirit of the original building - housing the theater, restaurant and shops as well as traveling exhibits. The museum adds a new element of style and history to the ongoing renaissance of San Juan, and the permanent collection will be a revelation to visitors unfamiliar with Puerto Rico's rich art history. The inaugural exhibition, "Treasures of Puerto Rican Painting," which runs through January 2001, is an introduction to prominent artists including Francisco Oller (1833-1917), whose paintings depict local traditions with a French Impressionist sensibility that he acquired while studying with Camille Pissarro and Paul Cezanne. Jose Campeche, a late 18th-century classical painter whose pieces have been sold at Christie's Auction House, is also well-represented. His work ranges from portrayals of the Colonial period to elegant portraiture and loving renditions of important religious figures. "Treasures" also traces the development of Puerto Rican art from the early American period through the wild creativity of 1950s' and 1960s' poster art, and on to the present day, in which artists such as Rafael Tufiño, Arnaldo Roche Rabell and the late Angel Botello are impacting the art world far beyond the island's borders. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is located at 299 de Diego Avenue in Santurce. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Admission is US$5 for adults and US$3 for children under 12. For more information, call 787-977-6277.

[ Comment, Edit or Article Submission ]