The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is among the largest art museums in the Caribbean. The collection is so vast, spanning from the 17th century to the present, that an east wing had to be added. This addition includes a five-story stained glass window created by local artist Eric Tabales. The museum also houses works by José Campeche, recognized as the island's first great painter. Founded in 1984, the Museo Arte Contemporáneo, not only displays works of modern art but also uses film and photography to document the creation of art and the impact it has on local culture. The museum offers events, performances, gatherings and workshops throughout the year.
Located on a separate small island, Old San Juan has emerged as the epicenter of fine arts in Puerto Rico. Galleries have sprung up all through the streets of Old San Juan, and the recent arrival of the Puerto Rican Public Arts Project has brought commissioned art to the open spaces of the town. More than 20 museums participate in the local gallery night, allowing visitors to wander through the various spaces. The Canvas Art Gallery displays the work of numerous local, modern artists of world renown. Radamés Rivera focuses on masters and up-and-comers throughout Latin America. Botello Gallery strives to find Puerto Rican contemporary artists and catapult them to international recognition.
Often cited as the greatest collection on the island, the Museo de Arts de Ponce (MAP), is located among the restored colonial buildings of the island's second largest city. The museum building itself was designed by Edward Durell Stone, who also designed New York's Museum of Modern Art. MAP houses works by local greats like José Campeche and Francisco Oller y Cestero, as well as a permanent collection showing pieces from North America, Europe and Russia. Exhibitions have included collections of Impressionist paintings and the work of Andy Warhol.
