San Juan Architecture
by Mariola Bitner
Title
San Juan Architecture
Artist
Mariola Bitner
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Thank you for viewing my artwork!
One of the many arched windows at the Fortin de Ballaja now the headquarters of the Museum of the Americas in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. This structure dates back to the 17th century and was used by the Spanish as a horse and military stable.
Inaugurated in 1992, the Museo de Las Americas in San Juan is a non-profit organization located in Norzagaray Street, San Juan. The museum is run and maintained through funds received from the Legislative Assembly and the Friends of the Museum private organization. The goal of the museum is to provide permanent and seasonal exhibitions whereby the public can gain an understanding of the history and culture of the Americas. It covers art from the pre-Columbian era to the present and a variety of artists from Latin America, the United States and Puerto Rico are showcased at the Museum. The Museum of the Americas is located in the Old Quarter of Ballaja which is in Old San Juan. The building itself has historical value and many enjoy looking at the various aspects of its architecture before making their way up to the second floor to visit the Museum.
It is interesting to note that this quarter of the Ballaja was built by the Spanish army in the 1800s and it served as a home to some 1000 soldiers and their families until 1898. The building has three floors, each of which has a number of balconies that form galleries around an inner patio. The original rooms served as bedrooms, warehouses, kitchens, jails, stables and dining rooms. In 1989 things changed drastically when the building was bombed by North American troops. During WWII it became a military hospital and eventually it was given back to Puerto Rico to serve as a cultural and educative building. It is now being used to house the museum.
The museum currently holds two permanent exhibitions. The first is about the Indians in America and it covers the twenty-two ethnic groups that were able to survive conquest and colonization. It pays tribute to those who, despite opposition and sometimes persecution, have been able to conserve certain aspects of their traditional culture some five centuries after their people were colonized. The exhibit features sculptures, recreated habitats and scenes and a theatre. It costs $2 per a person to enter this exhibition.
Other facilities at the Museo las Americas include administrative offices, an audio-visual room, an interactive factory for children, warehouses, public restrooms, wheelchair access, private parking and a shop where you can buy crafts and commemorative articles.
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Uploaded
March 19th, 2017
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Viewed 249 Times - Last Visitor from Parksville, BC - Canada on 03/21/2024 at 8:29 PM
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Comments (16)
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Skyline Photos of America for featuring my "San Juan Architecture " in the group Weekenders!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Jannice Walker for featuring my "San Juan Architecture" in the group All Art Welcome!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Nader for featuring my "San Juan Architecture" in the group Only Doors and Windows Photography!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Rebecca Malo for featuring my "San Juan Architecture" in the group Pin Me - Daily!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Colette V Hera for featuring my "San Juan Architecture" in the group Round Circle Photography Or Paints!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Karen Silvestri for featuring my " San Juan Architecture" in the group Lady Photographers and Artists!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you Chrisann for featuring my "San Juan Architecture" in the group Weekly FUN For ALL Mediums New Work!
Mariola Bitner
Thank you John M Bailey for featuring my "San Juan Architecture" in the group Images That Excite You!
Chrisann Ellis
Mariola, Your Talent Shines!!!... Your Work has been Featured On The Home Page of Weekly Fun For All Mediums...Congrats!!!