Dominican Republic Museums

As in many Latin American countries, the capital city, Santo Domingo, is home to most Dominican Republic museums.

Despite the rich history of the country, there are less Dominican Republic museums than you would expect.

However, the variety and quality of content of the Dominican Republic museums ranging from the Folklore museum to the Taíno art museum, makes up for the quantity and the different art collections are impressive.

Dominican Museums

The Dominican Republic museums below are in the Santo Domingo area, unless otherwise stated.

Museo Alcazar Colón

Museo Alcazar Colón
Diego Columbus, son of the intrepid explorer lived in this house which was contructed around 1510. The museum is literally a step into the past with furniture and art from colonial times. A few pieces date back to the 13th century.

Museo de Ambar, Puerto Plata
One of two Amber museums in the Dominican Republic, this one is considered the main one, exhibiting fossils of plants and insects in amber, a semi precious stone made from hardened tree resin. Not all of the amber is on display, however one of the highlights which is displayed is a 40cm lizard in a 42.5cm peice of amber, dating back 30 to 40 million years. The Victorian building casing the museum is impressive.

Museo Arqueológico, Altos de Chavón
The Archaeology Museum is located in a town, well known for its architecture, which makes it look like a Mediterranean village. The museum is one of the best museums outside of Santo Domingo and has displays artefacts from the indigenous Taíno people.

Museo de Arte Folklórico Tomás Morel, Santiago
Founded in 1962 in a Victorian building built 150 years previous is the Folklore Museum which is renowned for its extraordinary collection of masks, all of which have won awards at the Santiago carnival. Other rooms in the Folklore Museum are dedicated to moving written work of poets, religious magic, interesting antique pieces, all relating to folklore legend.

Museo Arte Moderno

Museo de Arte Moderno
Many people say that this is one of the best modern art museums in Latin America due to the freshness of ideas and quality shown in the pieces.

Museo de Arte Taíno, Puerto Plata
Set up as a museum to protect and preserve the Dominican Republic's cultural heritage, the museum contains artefacts and works of art of the Taíno, the indigenous people of Hispaniola and other Caribbean islands, who lived in relative peace before the arrival of the Europeans.

Museo de la Familia Dominicana
In a building from the 1530's, one of the first buildings built of stone, this museum recreates life of times past with bronzes, porcelain, paintings, photographs and furniture. The aim of the museum is to reflect the lives of Dominican Republican families, highlighting their historic culture and values.

Museo del Hombre Dominicano
One of the most important Dominican Republic museums which includes priceless precolumbian artefacts of the Taíno, including clothing, ceramics and art produced by the indigenous people. The museum also illustrates the history of the Spanish conquest and the enforced slavery of the people.