RESTORATION CAMPAIGN
A Visionary Legacy
Founded by Luis A. Ferré (1904–2003), the Museum first opened its doors on January 3, 1959, in a colonial home in Ponce. As the collection grew, Ferré envisioned a new structure to house Puerto Rico’s first world-class museum.
In 1965, the Museum inaugurated its Edward Durell Stone-designed building, a modern architectural landmark. Today, the collection includes close to 5,000 works of art and is celebrated for its outstanding examples of Baroque, Pre-Raphaelite, and Victorian painting, alongside an unparalleled selection of Puerto Rican and Latin American artists.
Restoring a Cultural Landmark
In January 2020, Puerto Rico was struck by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake, followed by numerous aftershocks that caused significant structural damage to the Edward Durell Stone building.
After extensive evaluations, it was determined that a comprehensive seismic retrofit would be needed. Since 2020, the Stone building has been closed, but the Museum has remained active through traveling exhibitions and programs in its adjoining Annex Building.
Galleries Before 2020
The Retrofit and Repair Process
Our meticulous retrofit and repair plan addresses several key areas to preserve the building’s iconic aesthetics while enhancing its functionality, sustainability, and structural integrity.
The Future: A Revitalized Landmark
Upon completion, the Edward Durell Stone Building will be transformed. It will not only retain its historical relevance and architectural significance but also emerge as a highly functional, seismic compliant, and structurally sound modern facility.
Invest in the Museo de Arte de Ponce and Puerto Rico
THE CAMPAIGN
Now more than ever, the successful launch and completion of this project depend on the generosity of private donors, foundations, and institutional partners. For this reason, we have launched a Restoration Campaign to raise the $25 million needed to ensure the Museum reopens and continues to serve as a vital cultural beacon in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond. With this support, we will be able to reopen the Museum to the public by 2028.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
The restoration of the Ponce Museum of Art offers a significant opportunity for our friends and partners to create a legacy within the museum. A named space honors generosity, reflects leadership, and permanently connects it to the institution's mission and future. A named gallery or space becomes part of the Museum's history and a lasting tribute to the vision, commitment, and belief in the transformative power of the arts.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR PHILANTHROPY
Be a part of this historic effort to restore the building and preserve the Ponce Museum of Art, a cultural landmark, a guardian of history, and an inspiration for future generations of artists. Your support will help strengthen the Museum's role as a vital center for art, education, and community engagement. Please join us in preserving our past and shaping our future.
GIFTS TO THE CAMPAIGN
Donations of any level will help us reach this important milestone. Please consider joining the campaign with a contribution. All gifts will be acknowledged in various ways, from the Donor Wall at the museum entrance to campaign materials, and more. Click here to make your donation today or contact us for more information.
For more information about the Restoration Campaign and how you can participate, please contact Marilyn B. Hernandez, Philanthropy Consultant for the Campaign, at mhernandez@museoarteponce.org.