10 Best Museums in San Juan

Las Americas Museum lies on the western tip of Isla San Juan. It’s a vibrant museum with 4 permanent exhibitions, located inside the majestic Cuartel de Ballajá, a 19th-century army barracks. You’ll love the gallery featuring popular arts in the Americas. Delve into traditional tales of magic and religion, and discover exquisite clothing and pottery made by hand.

History buffs will be fascinated by the section on the evolution of the Puerto Rican nation, especially the arrival and influence of the Spanish on the island. This museum is known for its delightful shop too. Browse everything from colorful folk art and tote bags to unique tarot cards and pet bandanas, all influenced by the Caribbean and the Americas.

Casa Blanca dates back to the 1520s and was built for the Spanish explorer and conquistador, Juan Ponce de León. Although he never lived in this magnificent house, his descendants did. You can now visit this beautiful museum and admire the architecture and immaculate whitewashed walls. Explore the different rooms, taking in the period furniture and the numerous artifacts on display from the 16th and 17th centuries.

With its cool, tiled floors and light ocean breeze, it’s a wonderful choice to visit on a hot summer’s day. The gardens provide lots of shade too, and you’ll be enthralled by the fountains, the stunning views, and the tranquility of the outdoor space. Have your camera ready for some epic holiday photos.

MADMi – Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar is a beautiful museum showcasing middle-class lifestyles in Puerto Rico during the first half of the 20th century. Step through the doors of this pink and white building, and immerse yourself in interesting artwork, sculptures, artifacts, and furniture spread over numerous rooms. 

Snap an Instagram-worthy photo of the gleaming, red Studebaker truck sculpture, which will take your breath away with its size and pristine condition. This art and design museum is known for its special events such as pop-up boutiques by local artists and designers, as well as temporary exhibits by Puerto Rican painters. So, be sure to check their online calendar. 

Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art is in northwest San Juan and it’s instantly recognizable by its stunning, neoclassical Georgian architecture. This former school dates to 1918 and it’s a beautiful red-brick building with imposing white columns and a magnificent inner courtyard. Admire a vast collection of contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean as you stroll through the galleries.

Art lovers will enjoy viewing around 1,200 works, covering a wide range of mediums, including canvas, metal, paper, and acrylic paint. Known locally as the “MAC,” the museum has a strong community focus too, and you’ll see people turning up for yoga classes. Before you leave, shop for books and jewelry in the small boutique. 

Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame is one of the best museums in San Juan for sports lovers. Explore the framed artwork, giant posters, and memorabilia, which showcase the history of Puerto Rican sports and celebrate the achievements of hundreds of athletes. The museum is pristine and a joy to stroll around. Admire the accomplishments of sporting greats, such as the tennis player Gigi Fernandez.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of the impressive statue of Sixto Escobar, Puerto Rico’s first world champion boxer, in front of the building. The museum offers free admission and it’s conveniently located close to the coastline. Why not combine your visit with a trip to the beach or the vast park nearby?

The Museum of History, Anthropology, and Art, also known as Museo de Historia, Antropologia y Arte, sits on the Rio Piedras campus of the University of Puerto Rico. You’ll love the diverse exhibitions, and you can enjoy a fascinating guided tour discovering famous works of art, including the 19th-century painting El Velorio (The Wake) by Francisco Oller. Archaeology lovers will delight in the Ancient Egypt section too. The huge, wooden sarcophagus on display is a popular attraction.

The museum is a great choice for those with children as it’s known for its family-friendly events. Kids can try hieroglyphic stamping, participate in a paper bead workshop, or watch a presentation by a local caricaturist on how to create cartoons.

The Carolina Children’s Museum, or Museo del Niño de Carolina, is a vast and vibrant space where kids will have so much fun, they won’t even realize it’s a museum. They’ll be stimulated and entertained by over 100 interactive exhibits, covering topics such as nature, music, volcanoes, marine life, and planets.

Budding actors will love the theater zone where they can dress up and perform a short play. Future Formula One drivers can speed around a go-karting track, and kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the American Airlines plane, especially the cockpit. There’s plenty to occupy younger children too, including a colorful outdoor playground and lots of arts, crafts, and games.

Admission to Felisa Rincon de Gautier House and Museum, or Casa y Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier, is free. This museum is dedicated to one of the most iconic Puerto Rican women of the 20th century. Stroll the cobbled streets of Old San Juan to find this colorful building, showcasing the life and career of Doña Fela, as she was commonly known.

For 22 years, this remarkable woman was the first female mayor of San Juan. Tour her legendary collection of fans and hats with knowledgeable guides and admire pictures of her with world figures. Discover over 100 keys she received to cities and learn the crucial role she played in shaping the lives of Puerto Rican women.

Bacardi House, or Casa Bacardí, is one of the most popular museums in San Juan thanks to its blend of history and tasting experiences. You’ll love touring the pristine grounds of this rum distillery and museum in Cataño. Choose from one of the exciting experiences on offer, including a legacy tour where you’ll discover why the bat was chosen as the brand’s iconic logo.

Savor the rum on a tasting tour and learn some neat bar tricks to impress your friends in a mixology class. Then, head to the food kiosk for delicious Caribbean food whilst soaking up the views of the gorgeous grounds. Visit the gift boutique for some colorful cocktail shakers, bucket hats, and rum glasses.

Museo del Mar, or the Museum of the Sea, is an intriguing museum tucked away in the heart of Old San Juan, close to the cruise piers. If you’re a fan of anything nautical or curious about Puerto Rico’s maritime history, you’ll enjoy visiting this beautiful museum. There are hundreds of maritime objects on display, including objects from the Titanic, coins, and a vast collection of lifebelts.

Children will love the short films on the touch screens and the magnificent ships in bottles, as well as the model boats. Be sure to check the website before arriving for regular special events. To discover San Juan’s maritime history, take one of the popular walking tours of the docks.