What to See at the Puerto Rico Art Museum on Your Visit

If you are an art lover and enjoy museums you must visit the Puerto Rico Art Museum in San Juan.

The Puerto Rico Art Museum (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, or MAPR) is one of the most important cultural institutions on the island.

Located in Santurce a district of San Juan, this museum showcases Puerto Rican art from the 18th century to contemporary times, offering visitors an in-depth look at the island’s artistic evolution.

The museum is housed in a historic building that was originally a hospital in the 1920s.

The beautifully restored structure maintains its neoclassical architecture while integrating modern design elements.

The art museum opened in 2000 and it has since become a cornerstone of Puerto Rico’s art scene.

As Puerto Ricans and art lovers, we try to visit the museum when they bring new temporary exhibitions.

Visitor Information:

• Location: 299 Avenida De Diego, Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Monday & Tuesday)
• Admission: Adults $15, Residents with ID $12, Seniors & Students $7, Free for children under 5
• Parking: On-site hourly paid parking is available for visitors.
• Museum Shop: As of the time of this posting, the museum shop is under renovation.

Permanent Exhibition: Puerto Rico Plural

The Puerto Rico Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of works by Puerto Rican artists spanning several centuries.

The permanent collection is organized thematically and chronologically, allowing visitors to explore the artistic heritage of Puerto Rico and its historical influences.

Key Artists and Their Influence

• José Campeche y Jordán (1751–1809): One of the first great Puerto Rican painters, Campeche was known for his religious paintings and portraits of colonial elites. His works reflect the island’s Spanish colonial past and are a highlight of the museum.
• Francisco Oller (1833–1917): A leading figure in the Impressionist movement in Puerto Rico, Oller’s paintings blend European styles with local themes, particularly landscapes and everyday life in Puerto Rico.

• Rafael Tufiño (1922–2008): Often called “the painter of the people,” Tufiño depicted the working class and Afro-Caribbean influences in his bold, colorful prints and paintings.
• Francisco Rodón (1934–2021): Renowned for his striking portraits of cultural and political figures, Rodón’s work captures the essence of his subjects through dramatic use of color and detail.
• Arnaldo Roche Reabell (1955–2018): A contemporary Puerto Rican artist, Roche’s powerful works explore identity, history, and social issues through textured, layered compositions.

• Antonio Martorell (b. 1939): A multidisciplinary artist known for his prints, paintings, and installations, Martorell’s works often address Puerto Rico’s social and political issues with a bold and expressive style.

Thematic Organization

The museum’s collection is structured into different sections that highlight various periods and styles:

• Colonial and Religious Art: Featuring works from the Spanish colonial period, including religious icons and portraits.
• Modernism and National Identity: Showcasing how Puerto Rican artists adapted European modernist styles while reflecting the island’s unique culture.
• Contemporary Art: Highlighting works from the late 20th century to today, addressing themes of migration, identity, and political issues.

Must-See Paintings

• “El Gobernador Don Miguel de Ustariz” by José Campeche: A prime example of colonial portraiture.
• “La Plena” by Rafael Tufiño: Celebrating Puerto Rico’s Afro-Caribbean music and dance.
• “Luis Muñoz Marín, 1977” by Francisco Rodón: A powerful and introspective portrait of Puerto Rico’s first elected governor, this painting captures the depth of his character through Rodón’s signature expressive brushstrokes and dramatic use of color. (This is my favorite painting in the museum)
• Various Works by Arnaldo Roche: His layered, textured paintings challenge viewers to reflect on identity and history.

Ponce Art Museum’s Presence at MAPR

Due to the earthquakes that affected the southern region of Puerto Rico in 2020, the Ponce Art Museum remains partially closed for renovations.

Fortunately, the Puerto Rico Art Museum has dedicated a small exhibition space to highlight some of Ponce’s masterpieces.

Visitors can see select works from the Ponce Museum’s impressive collection, including European and Puerto Rican art, ensuring that these cultural treasures remain accessible despite the ongoing repairs.

As it’s a small space the artwork changes from time to time.

The Ponce Art Museum first displayed its most famous piece, Flaming June by Frederic Leighton, at MAPR when this small exhibition opened.

However, The Met in New York exhibited it from October 2022 to February 2024.

After that, the Royal Academy of Arts in London took over the display from February 2024 to January 2025.

Temporary Exhibition: “Relator con Amargura” by José Lerma

The Puerto Rico Art Museum changes its temporary exhibitions several times a year, typically rotating them every few months to showcase diverse artists and themes.

Their current temporary exhibition is “Relator con Amargura” by José Lerma.

José Lerma was born in Seville Spain in 1971 and grew up in Puerto Rico.

Known for his innovative use of materials and storytelling through art, Lerma’s exhibition explores themes of history, power, and identity through visually striking compositions.

His works incorporate elements of portraiture and abstraction, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.

The works in this exhibition feature ambiguous elements that invite multiple interpretations, sometimes leaving the viewer confused.

I’ve seen multiple temporary exhibitions in this museum but I have to say that this one is one of my favorites.

I loved the use of colors, phrases hiding in his work, and his unique painting technique.

To see the museum’s current temporary exhibitions, check their official website before your visit.

The temporary exhibitions have an additional cost of $3 USD.

Outdoor Sculpture Garden

Beyond the galleries, the museum’s lush outdoor sculpture garden is a perfect spot to relax.

Featuring a path lined with 14 large sculptures, it offers a peaceful setting for visitors to enjoy nature and art together.

The garden is set within a 2.5-acre landscape that includes a pond, native trees, and diverse tropical flora and fauna.

The garden is an ideal place for a break, with benches and shaded areas where you can rest.

Many visitors also bring snacks to enjoy the serene environment before or after exploring the museum.

The sculpture garden is free to enter via the sidewalk next to the parking area.

Art Lovers Will Not Want to Miss This Museum

The Puerto Rico Art Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the island’s rich artistic heritage.

From its permanent collection showcasing legendary Puerto Rican artists to its engaging temporary exhibitions and beautiful sculpture garden, the museum offers a well-rounded experience for art lovers.

If you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico make sure to include this museum on your itinerary.

As a local, this is one museum that I try to visit every year at least once.