The Ponce Art Museum reconstruction project begins
The Museo de Arte de Ponce announced the beginning of the reconstruction of the main galleries of its Edward Durell Stone Building. This project involves the repair and structural reinforcement of the iconic building in response to the damage caused by the earthquakes of recent years. Following extensive structural safety studies and various fundraising initiatives, the Museum is launching the reconstruction project to ensure the protection of its collections, the safety of its visitors, and the adaptation of its spaces to contemporary construction standards.
“After six years, the arrival of this moment brings a deep sense of fulfillment. My grandfather, Don Luis A. Ferré, founded this Museum with the conviction that art transforms lives and that Puerto Rico deserved an institution of this magnitude. By beginning the restoration of the galleries that the 2020 earthquakes took from us, we reaffirm that purpose and continue his vision. This is an act of permanence: art, and his dream of a museum for Puerto Rico, not only endure, but are renewed and move forward with even greater strength,” shared Maria Luisa Ferré Rangel, President of the Board of Trustees of the Luis A. Ferré Foundation.
With an investment of $30 million, funded through individual donations, corporate contributions, and local and federal funds, the reconstruction project will be led by PRAR Architecture, headed by architect Brígida Hogan, in collaboration with Works by Serrallés and Consertus Puerto Rico, the project manager.
“Part of our collection has been away from its galleries for a long time. After challenges and lessons learned, we are beginning the project that will allow its return to the Museum. This is a moment we have all been waiting for—the staff, our Board, artists, donors, and community. This new stage brings inspiration and hope. We eagerly anticipate reconnecting our community with the Museum, honoring the vision and legacy of our founder, Don Luis A. Ferré, who gifted this heritage of Puerto Rico to the world: an internationally renowned collection here in Ponce, accessible to all people,” stated Marcos Montero, Executive Director of the Museum.
The official start of construction was marked by a Reconstruction Groundbreaking Ceremony, which brought together institutional leaders, project collaborators, government representatives, and members of various sectors supporting the initiative.
During the reconstruction period, the Museum will remain active through a dynamic program that includes:
- Presentations at prestigious international institutions
- A United States tour of the exhibition The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce
- Works exhibited at renowned institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Museo Civico San Domenico, among others.
ABOUT THE MUSEO DE ARTE DE PONCE
Founded in 1959 by Luis A. Ferré, the Museo de Arte de Ponce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, conservation, study, and exhibition of works of art. With a collection of more than 5,000 objects, the Museum is a cultural icon of the Caribbean. Its main galleries are currently undergoing reconstruction following the 2020 earthquakes in Puerto Rico. During this period, the Museum’s collection has continued to grow and has been appreciated across the United States and around the world through loans and traveling exhibitions. Information: museoarteponce.org