The Museo de Las Americas is a vibrant cultural institution in the heart of Old San Juan that is popular amongst history enthusiasts, art lovers and those wanting to know more about the culture they are immersed in. This is a great destination if you are interested in how all of the Americas developed through history.
The museum is located in a former Spanish Army barracks that once housed over 1,000 soldiers at a time. There are four permanent exhibitions featuring artifacts and stories spanning from the northern most tip of Alaska to the south of Chile.
Start your visit by walking through the museum’s permanent collections. Divided into four categories, the exhibits cover Popular Arts, African Heritage, the Indian in America and Conquest & Colonization. Each exhibition features historic artifacts and an intriguing selection of folk art. See the tools, musical instruments and masks that have been traditionally used across the Americas for centuries. See the Mexican Day of the Dead masks that have become famous in popular culture in recent decades or the Santos, carved wooden figures depicting Puerto Rican saints.
Join a guided tour of the museum’s rooftop, offered twice daily, to visit the living “green” roof. This environmentally-friendly roof uses vegetation and irrigation systems to replace insulation for buildings. It creates a sustainable, natural habitat for wildlife in the city. From here you can take in stunning views across Old San Juan and see the stunning El Morro fortress from a new angle.
The Museo de las Americas is located in the heart of Old San Juan and is best reached on foot. There is no public transportation in Old San Juan and driving can prove difficult due to narrow roads and difficult navigation. Taxis can take visitors to Old San Juan from other parts of the city for a modest fee. The Museo de las Americas is closed Mondays and a small fee contributes to the upkeep of the museum.
