There are interesting small museums all over Puerto Rico. There are museums in Puerto Rico dedicated to hammocks, mundillo or bobbin lace, tobacco and more. The museums of everyday life we feature here are dedicated to showing family homes and living conditions throughout history. Many are homes of famous people that have been restored and feature original or period furnishings. All include insights into Puerto Rico’s history, even going back to the Taíno Indians. A visit to any one will allow you to understand a bit more of the culture of the Island.
Museo Casa Blanca- Old San Juan
1 C. de San Sebastián, San Juan
This home was originally built for Ponce de León, Puerto Rico’s first governor in 1521. It’s the oldest residence in Old San Juan. Today it’s a museum of everyday life in the 16th and 17th century. This residence has a fascinating history and a privileged location with great views of the bay.
Make sure you walk around the grounds to discover the fountains and reflecting pools surrounded by vegetation. It also served as the governor’s residence up until the 17th century. It was replaced by the Palacio Santa Catalina, the current seat of government.
https://goo.gl/maps/DzQpR5frJ2N4Auun6
Hacienda Los Maldonado- Salinas
PR- #1 Km 79.1
Museums began as “cabinets of curiosities” in the 16th century where individuals would display their collection of objects. this would probably be the best way to describe Hacienda Los Maldonados. The owner has spent the last 40 years putting together a museum of Puerto Rico that provides insights into modern day life.
He features Taíno Indian, Spanish and African objects in various structures in his compound. A woodworking artisan by trade he even has on display a Guinness record 16 foot tall pilón or mortar and pestle that he carved. a visit here will give you a good insight into Puerto Rican culture.
Open Saturday and Sunday. No need for reservations.
https://goo.gl/maps/m1inqWD2fHfD3oLy5
Hacienda Lealtad- Lares
PR 128, Km 41.8
Puerto Rico’s coffee past is a fascinating world. At this Hacienda you get a taste of what it was like to live in a prosperous coffee farm in the 1880’s. It includes a waterwheel used to generate electricity and many furnishings and paintings. Even more fascinating is the role the Hacienda played in one of first revolts against Spanish rule that occurred in Lares. Tours are available. Call to reserve (787) 551-8181
https://goo.gl/maps/4ip5fbo1hjgtWVj39
Hacienda Buena Vista- Ponce
PR 123 Km 17.3
This well restored 1830’s coffee Hacienda has seen many uses throughout its history. It was originally a plantain and root vegetable farm. Later corn was grown and a waterwheel driven mill was installed. Later on another water powered mill was added, and is now the only remaining Barker hydraulic turbine, the first reaction type turbine ever made. Take a tour of this fine example of Spanish and Criollo architecture. You’ll see how both the owners and the slaves lived and get an inside look at Puerto Rico’s agricultural past.
For tour reservations, visit paralanaturaleza.org or call 787.722.5882
https://goo.gl/maps/63yMa9hR6qQzJj7cA
Casa Luis Muñoz Rivera- Barranquitas
10 Muñoz Rivera St., Barranquitas
This is the home where Luis Muñoz Rivera a famous Puerto Rican poet, journalist, and politician was born in the 1800’s. It has been restored and features items and artifacts used by him including his nicely restored 1912 Pierce Arrow. This small museum in Barranquitas is a nice example of criollo architecture. Make it part of a trip to experience the Central Mountains of Puerto Rico.
https://goo.gl/maps/MNZnkfMbKHhB3AoH7
Casa Museo José Celso Barbosa- Bayamón
16 Calle Barbosa, Bayamón
José Celso Barbosa was a doctor, journalist, senator and active politician in the late 1800’s. His home has been restored and features many items he and his family used. It’s literally a snapshot of Puerto Rico as it was when before, during and after the US invasion. Besides the antiques you get an insight into Puerto Rico’s history.
https://goo.gl/maps/JsRfLeTSCgYDojBB9
Casa Cautiño- Guayama
1 Calle Santiago Palmer, Guayama
This is another 1800’s house museum. Inside you’ll find furnishings, artwork and other items the Cautiño family has collected over the years. It’s neoclassical style was popular in the late 1800 and harks back to an era when the southern ports were generating great wealth through coffees, sugar and more. During the Spanish American War it was used by the Americans as a headquarters.
https://goo.gl/maps/XVJDGddNzddQZimp8
Batey del Delfín de Yagüez- Mayagüez
PR-106 k.m. 6.6, Quemado, Mayagüez
A Batey is an ancient Taíno Indian ceremonial court and there are several that have been discovered on the island. Caguana in Utuado, Tibes in Ponce and the Batey del Delfín in Mayagüez among others. This one is unique since it’s the only one that has been described as an “aquarium” owing to the fact that among the discoveries there are dolphins, whales, octopus and other marine animals carved in stone. It is believed the Taínos were present from the 13th to the 16th century. After the Taínos, the Spaniards settled in this area to grow coffee and sugar cane. When you visit you can explore the recreation of Taíno houses or bohios, typical jíbaro homes made of palm fronds and even horse or ox drawn machinery linked to sugar production.
