Museum of History, Anthropology, and Art (MAHA)

Additionally, MAHA serves as a dynamic venue for contemporary art exhibitions, community programs, and scholarly symposia that foster engagement with both local and international audiences.

Designed by the renowned architect Henry Klumb, the museum’s modernist building is as much an artistic treasure as its collections. It offers visitors a serene environment for reflection and discovery, allowing them to explore Puerto Rico’s cultural story in depth. With its combination of academic rigor, public outreach, and artistic celebration, MAHA plays a key role in preserving the island’s heritage while inspiring future generations.

A Living Cultural Treasure for Puerto Rico

MAHA is not just a museum; it is a living institution that celebrates and preserves the island’s vibrant culture. By linking the past with the present, the museum invites visitors to reflect on their heritage and engage with the future of Puerto Rican identity. Over the decades, the museum has served as a vital space for cultural dialogue, welcoming a wide range of visitors, from students to scholars to global tourists.

Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about Puerto Rican culture, MAHA offers an enriching experience for all.

Mission and Vision

MAHA’s mission is to deepen the understanding of Puerto Rico’s cultural identity and global connections through curated exhibits that explore the island’s history, anthropology, and art. Its vision is to promote public engagement by offering educational experiences, conducting research, and presenting dynamic exhibits that highlight the richness of Puerto Rican culture.

The museum strives to serve as an educational platform, offering accessible resources that connect Puerto Rican cultural expressions to the global context. It also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly through its partnership with UPR’s various academic departments, including anthropology, history, and art history.

Architectural Significance

Housed in a striking modernist building designed by Henry Klumb, MAHA’s architecture is a key part of its identity. Klumb, a German-American architect, played a significant role in shaping mid-20th-century architecture in Puerto Rico, with his work focusing on integrating modern design with the island’s natural environment. The museum’s design features expansive open spaces, abundant natural light, and minimalist architectural elements that are both functional and symbolic. The building’s integration with its surrounding landscape helps visitors experience the museum as a reflection of the island itself—diverse, dynamic, and deeply connected to nature.

The museum’s architecture is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Puerto Rican modernism, and it has been recognized in various academic and architectural studies. Klumb’s work is also seen in other notable buildings across Puerto Rico, further cementing his influence on the island’s architectural landscape.

Collections and Exhibitions

MAHA’s extensive collection of over 7,000 objects spans several centuries and diverse cultures. Its permanent and rotating exhibitions focus on three primary areas:

History

The museum’s historical collection offers a window into Puerto Rico’s colonial and post-colonial past. Highlights include maps, manuscripts, and artifacts from the Taíno people, the island’s Indigenous inhabitants. These pieces shed light on Puerto Rico’s evolution under Spanish rule, its transition to U.S. governance, and its contemporary identity. Key historical artifacts include a range of pre-Columbian artifacts, Spanish colonial relics, and items from the island’s early 20th-century industrial revolution.

The museum also highlights Puerto Rico’s complex political history, featuring exhibits on the island’s status as a U.S. territory and its ongoing relationship with the United States.

Anthropology

MAHA is home to a remarkable collection of Taíno artifacts, including pottery, tools, ceremonial objects, and petroglyphs. These objects provide valuable insights into the daily life and spiritual practices of the Taíno people, whose influence remains foundational to modern Puerto Rican culture. The museum also highlights African heritage, which has had a profound impact on Puerto Rican identity. Exhibits explore the legacy of the African diaspora, particularly in the context of the transatlantic slave trade, and its role in shaping Puerto Rican culture and traditions.

MAHA also houses important archaeological collections from Puerto Rico’s other Indigenous peoples, including the Caribs, as well as objects that speak to the multicultural nature of Puerto Rican society.

Art

The museum’s art collection spans centuries and diverse styles, featuring both Puerto Rican and international works. Notable highlights include:

• Francisco Oller – Often regarded as the father of Puerto Rican painting, Oller’s work bridges realism and Impressionism, and his influence can be seen in Puerto Rican art to this day.
• José Campeche – Renowned for his religious paintings and portraits, particularly during the 18th century, Campeche’s work provides a window into colonial Puerto Rican life.
• Myra Báez and Lorenzo Homar – Contemporary artists whose works reflect the complexities of Puerto Rican identity and politics. Their art often speaks to issues such as nationalism, post-colonialism, and social justice.

The museum also regularly hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists, providing a platform for new voices and exploring current social and political themes through the lens of art.

Education and Community Engagement

MAHA is committed to fostering community engagement through a variety of educational programs:

• University Collaboration: The museum collaborates closely with UPR faculty and students, offering access to its collections for research and academic projects. The museum also supports student internships and independent study opportunities.
• K-12 Outreach: MAHA organizes school visits and teacher training programs, enriching the learning experience with hands-on history and art activities. The museum’s educational materials are aligned with Puerto Rico’s national curriculum, ensuring that students gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
• Public Lectures and Symposia: Leading experts in history, archaeology, and art share their latest research through public talks. These symposia often explore pressing cultural issues, from the impact of climate change on Puerto Rican heritage to the evolving role of art in social movements.
• Workshops: The museum hosts workshops on topics ranging from art restoration techniques to exploring Taíno cultural practices and creative writing inspired by historical artifacts.

MAHA also offers multilingual guided tours, ensuring accessibility for both international visitors and the Puerto Rican diaspora.

Conservation and Research

MAHA plays an active role in preserving Puerto Rico’s cultural patrimony. With a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory, the museum ensures the longevity of its collections. It employs the latest conservation techniques to preserve fragile artifacts, particularly those from the island’s Taíno and African heritage.

In addition, the museum conducts ongoing research projects in collaboration with local universities and international institutions. These projects aim to further uncover Puerto Rico’s past, from exploring the island’s Indigenous roots to investigating its colonial-era artifacts.

Events and Programs

Throughout the year, MAHA hosts a variety of events that celebrate Puerto Rican culture, including:

• Art Exhibitions: Showcasing works by both established and emerging Puerto Rican artists. The museum frequently collaborates with cultural organizations across Puerto Rico and abroad to bring diverse voices to the forefront.
• Cultural Festivals: Featuring music, dance, and storytelling, these festivals celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and provide a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talents.
• Archaeological Symposia: Highlighting the latest discoveries in Caribbean archaeology, these events provide the public with an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and learn more about the island’s historical landscape.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation:

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays and public holidays

Admission:
Free to the public; donations are encouraged to support the museum’s educational mission.

Accessibility:
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and educational materials are available in both Spanish and English.

How to Get There

The Museum of History, Anthropology, and Art (MAHA) is located at the University of Puerto Rico’s Río Piedras campus, easily accessible from various points in San Juan and surrounding areas.

• From Old San Juan, take PR-25 (Avenida Ponce de León) and head east. After passing the main entrance of the university, turn onto the first right to enter the campus.
• Parking is available on campus, and it is recommended to check for designated visitor parking areas.