There is much to see and do in and around the city of Ponce. Ponce takes pride in its history and culture. There are many museums in and around the historic center of Ponce that display art, history, music and more.
Museums
Castillo Serrallés – The baron of the Don Q Rum Empire built Castillo Serrallés in the 1930’s as a monument to his wealth. It is now a museum which chronicles the life of a wealthy Puerto Rican family and the history of the rum and sugar industries on the island. The museum is located on the same property as the La Vigia, the Japanese Gardens, and a butterfly garden. You can get admission to just the museum or to all of the attractions located here. Thurs. – Sun. 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. See website for pricing.
A striking red and black striped building, Parque de Bombas was originally built as part of an agricultural exhibit that came to the city in 1882. It later became home to the city’s volunteer fire house up until 1990. Since then, it has become a museum to honor the fire fighters of Ponce. Admission is free.
Museo de Arte de Ponce -The museum houses more than 800 paintings, 500 prints, and 800 sculptures representing 500 years of western art. Former governor Luis Ferré donated the building and the collection. Admission: adults $6, Students & Seniors $3. Sun. 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Mon. & Wed. – Sat. 10: am – 5:00 pm.
Museo de la Historia de Ponce -Housed in Casa Salazar, built in 1911, this museum chronicles the history of the city of Ponce. Fully restored to its original appearance, Casa Salazar still has its original tile floors and stained-glass windows. The house itself is worth seeing. Tues. – Sun. 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Museo de Musica Puertorriquena -This museum’s collection includes Taino, African, and Spanish instruments that were part of the evolution of the island’s Bomba y Plena folk music. Tues. – Sun. 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Monday – closed.
Casa de la Masacre de Ponce – This museum recounts the events of the 1937 confrontation between the Nationalist Party and armed policemen which ended with 19 dead. The building was the original offices for the Nationalist Party. Wed. – Sun. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Casa Alcaldia -Originally built in the 1840’s as the city’s jail, Casa Alcaldia houses City Hall. The courtyard was where for public executions took place and the galleries off of the courtyard were jail cells. Since becoming the city hall, it has been the scene of speeches from 4 former US presidents – Hoover, T. Roosevelt, F. Roosevelt, and George Bush Sr. Admission is free.
Casa Wiechers Villaronga and the Museo de Arquitectura – This house, located at 106 Calle Reina, and built by architect Alfredo Wiechers in the early 1900’s, is a prime example of the European neo-classical style. All of the fixtures are original to the house including the ones in the bathroom. Today it is the home of the Museo de Arquitectura. The museum closes at noon so be sure to get there early.
Casa Poali – This house was the birth place of famous Puerto Rican tenor and opera singer Antonio Paoli. The house sits at 2648 calle Mayor, just blocks from Teatro La Perla where Antonio had his first exposure to the theatrical arts at a very young age. The house is now a small museum chronicling his career.
Historic Sites
Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center – Here you will find the archaeological excavation of ruins dating back to the Igneris and Pre-Taino indians. In 1975 tropical storm Eloise hit Ponce and caused the Río Portugués to overflow. When the water receded, it exposed the ruins. Be sure to call ahead the day you visit to make sure it is open. They will sometimes close without notice. Admission $2.
Teatro La Perla – A small historic music hall with amazing acoustics built in 1864. It is the second largest theater of its kind in Puerto Rico. There is a small museum in the lobby dedicated to the history of the museum. Venues include concerts, operas, and plays. Visit the box office to find out what is playing.
El Vigia – A-100 foot concrete cross built on top of a lookout site used by Spanish soldiers watching for smuggling activities. You can take the elevator to the top to catch the remarkable view. Tues. – Sun. 9:30 am – 6:30 pm. Admission: children $3.21, adults $6.42, seniors (60+) $3.21
Hacienda Buena Vista – The name of this plantation translates to beautiful view which accurately describes the 482 acres that include tropical rain forest and a water fall. Salvador de Vives built the plantation and grew corn, yams, plantains, pineapples, and coffee. It became unprofitable after WWII and the government took over the lands. In 1984, the Conservation Trust purchased the hacienda and restored it to its original splendor. Open Wed. – Sun. by reservation only. Admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children. The tour is in English and Spanish, but the English tours are only at 1:30 pm.
Other Attractions
Plaza las Delicias -This is a typical Spanish colonial plaza built in the heart of the old part of the city. The plaza boasts a beautiful fountain of lions rescued from the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, as well as statues of Luis Muñoz Marín, and Juan Morel Campos. There are free zumba classes here every Tuesday at 8:00 am which are open to the public.
La Guancha -Built in the 1990’s, this boardwalk boasts a half mile of bars, restaurants, a pavilion, an amazing view, and a small public beach. The boardwalk is a very popular place for people of all ages and is often packed.
Closed at present due to earthquake damage.
Isla Caja de Muertos – This small island has spawned all kinds of legends ranging from piracy, to star-crossed lovers. The island gets its name from its shape. Caja de Muertos translates as coffin Island and is shaped like a coffin. The only way to get there is through a private company called Island Venture which offers day packages that include options such as snorkeling and diving.
Centro Cultural Carmen Solá de Pereira – Located at 70 Calle Cristina, the center hosts cultural performances and art exhibitions.