PONCE, PR.- The Museo de Arte de Ponce announced the start of the reconstruction of the main galleries of its Edward Durell Stone Building. This project entails the repair and structural reinforcement of the emblematic building in response to the impacts caused by earthquakes in 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 building standards.

“After six years, reaching this moment brings a deep sense of satisfaction. 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 repair 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 greater strength,” shared Maria Luisa Ferré Rangel, Chair 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 the construction company Works by Serrallés and Consertus Puerto Rico, the project manager.

“Part of our collection has been outside its galleries for a long time. After challenges and lessons learned, we are launching 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 the community. This new phase brings inspiration and hope. With great enthusiasm, we look forward to reconnecting our community with the Museum, honoring the vision and legacy of our founder Don Luis A. Ferré, who entrusted this heritage of Puerto Rico to the world: An internationally renowned collection, here in Ponce within reach of all the people,” expressed Marcos Montero, Executive Director of Museo de Arte de Ponce.

The official start of the works was marked by a Reconstruction Groundbreaking Ceremony, which brought together institutional leaders, project collaborators, government representatives, and members of various sectors supporting this initiative.

During the reconstruction period, the Museum will remain active through dynamic programming:

• Presentations at highly prestigious international institutions

• U.S. 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 (Massachusetts, USA), and the Museo Civico San Domenico (Forlì, Italy), among others.