The Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña is a museum in Ponce, Puerto Rico, that showcases the development of Puerto Rican music, with displays of Taíno, Spanish, and African musical instruments that were played in the romantic danza genre, the favorite music of 19th-century Puerto Rican high society, as well as the more African-inspired bomba and plena styles. Also on display are memorabilia of composers and performers. The Museum traces the rich musical history of Puerto Rico through memorabilia of prominent musicians and displays of the musical instruments associated with the three genres of music that originated in this Caribbean island.Plan your Museum of Puerto Rico Music visit and explore what else you can see and do in Ponce using our Ponce trip itinerary planner.
The building that houses the museum is known as Casa Serrallés and it was the former downtown residence of Juan Eugenio Serrallés and his family, owners of Destilería Serrallés and makers of the Don Q rum.
In 1986, the Ponce Municipal Government purchased the Castillo Serrallés to turn it into the Museum of Puerto Rican Music. However, the idea of turning Castillo Serrallés into a music museum was subsequently discarded.
In 1991 the first headquarters of the Museo de la Musica Puertorriqueña were located at 70 Cristina Street in what is now the Centro Cultural de Ponce. The pastel villa building was built by a well known architect named Juan Bertoli Calderoni, who also built many other buildings throughout Puerto Rico. It was designed in the neo-classic architectural style, specifically a French style architecture.
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Museum of Puerto Rico Music reviews
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This nice small museum has artifacts related to music that you won't see anywhere else. The best part of the experience was talking with the guide who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. He..... more
This nice small museum has artifacts related to music that you won't see anywhere else. The best part of the experience was talking with the guide who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. He..... more »
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This small museum dedicated to the various traditions of Puerto Rican Music is housed in mansion a few blocks from the Parque de Bomberos. The collection consists mostly of art, musical instruments...
This small museum dedicated to the various traditions of Puerto Rican Music is housed in mansion a few blocks from the Parque de Bomberos. The collection consists mostly of art, musical instruments... more »
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This gem of a museum is packed with interesting instruments and exhibits, but the best part is the docent. We left with a more complete understanding of the Puerto Rican music influences and heritage than of any American music genre! Fascinating and comprehensive. Our family (a music teacher, teen musician, and avid listener) loved this museum. Good for middle school and up. Maybe skip for younger kids as the museum is not air conditioned and the tour is about an hour. Anyone else, consider it a must see in Ponce! Also the building itself is quite beautiful.
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Listed as "temporarily closed," but was open on Feb 16th, 2022. The guide was very passionate about the history of items on display as well as Puerto Rico's musical history. The building also had lovely architecture, from the beautiful flooring to the ornate ceilings.
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