Puerto Rico – Museums & Universities

Visitors to San Juan who desire to understand more about the history, art and culture of Puerto Rico are recommended to visit one of the cities museums. Various museums include exciting, interesting and interactive exhibits that cover Puerto Rican heritage as well as history and artifacts related to the greater Caribbean. While many of the museums located throughout Puerto Rico are smaller, this translates to less crowds and the ability to get up close and personal with museum curators who can shed more light on the exhibits.

The Pablo Casals Museum

Pablo Casals was a famous cellist who spent the last 17 years of his live in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His most beloved music piece was finished in the city, titled El Pessebre. The museum is located in Old San Juan and includes various artifacts related to his life and music. This includes many of his personal musical effects including a piano and cello he used, as well as various tapes located in the musical library on site. The museum is located in a historical 18th century building and is recommended as part of the larger walking tour paths in Old San Juan.

Address: Cuartel de Ballajá, Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: +1 787 723 9185
Operating Hours:
– Currently closed – under renovation
Admission Cost:
– Currently closed – under renovation
Website

 

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Located centrally in San Juan, this art museum is one of the largest in the entire Caribbean and one of the most popular museums in Puerto Rico. Visitors will be able to enjoy artwork from various local artists including periods that extend from the 17th century to the modern day. The museum houses a total of 24 galleries, as well as a workshop for children. A restaurant and gift shop are also on site. Be sure to stroll through the outdoor garden which includes various artistic sculptures. Exhibits change regularly, so repeat visitors will enjoy consistently new experiences at the museum.

Address: 299 Avenida de Diego, Santurce, Puerto Rico 00909
Phone: +1 787 977 6277
Operating Hours:
– Monday 8:00am – 5:30pm
– Tuesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
– Wednesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
– Thursday 8:00am – 5:30pm
– Friday 8:00am – 5:30pm
– Saturday 1:00pm – 5:30pm
– Sunday 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Admission Cost:
– Adults: $6
– Children: $3
– Children under 5: FREE
– Students with ID: $3
– People with disabilities: $3
– People over 65: $3
Website

Museo del Mar

Located in Old San Juan, this museum focuses on the rich maritime history of Puerto Rico. Visitors will be able to explore various seafaring artifacts including coins, models ships and historical shipping tools. A unique aspect is the largest collection of lifesavers in the world as per the Guinness Book and World Records. Ship models include some of history’s most famous such as those sailed by Christopher Columbus as well as modern day cruise ships. A mock-up of the Battle of San Juan also tells the story of one of the islands most famous fights against the English back in 1797.

Address: 360 San Francisco St. San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: +1 787 977 4461
Operating Hours:
– Monday Closed
– Tuesday Closed
– Wednesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost: (taken from Google)
– Adults: $6
– Children: $3
– Children under 5: FREE
Website

Universities

University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras

The largest university in Puerto Rico, this institution was the first higher education public university campus in Puerto Rico and was established in 1903. The university serves more than 18,000 students, of which 20% are graduate students. Recognized as a “high research activity” institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, school is best known for its College of Business Administration including a Graduate School of Business Administration .Various other colleges including those focused on social sciences, natural sciences, humanities and information technology, among others.

Address: 14 Ave. Universidad Ste. 1401, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925-253
Phone: +1 787 764 0000
Website

 

Ana G. Méndez University

Previously the Turabo University, this is one of Puerto Rico’s mid-sized college campuses however also one of its fastest growing. Located in eastern Puerto Rico and housing various satellite facilities across the country, more than 100 unique academic programs are offered including technical certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, masters and even doctorates. Both in person and online education is offered, with an estimated nearly 10,000 students actively enrolled in the school. Popular majors including those in nursing, business and veterinary sciences.

Address: Carr. 189 Km. 3.3, Gurabo, Puerto Rico 00778
Phone: +1 787 743 7979
Website