The Santo Domingo Cathedral Museum is now open to the general public on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 6pm.
The museum houses a vast collection of religious artifacts and artworks. The interactive elements and multimedia displays throughout the museum bring the exhibits to life, making the experience both informative and engaging.
President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje were among the first visitors when they participated in the official inaugural of the museum that is located across the street from the first cathedral in the Americas. Minister of Tourism David Collado served as host as the museum works fell under the Ministry of Tourism’s Interamerican Development Bank-funded Colonial City revitalization project, Programa Integral de Desarrollo Turístico y Urbano de la Ciudad Colonial de Santo Domingo (PIDTUCCSD).
The IDB program completed the funding for the museum works that had been underway for decades by architect Esteban Prieto who endeavored to showcase the treasures of the Santo Domingo Cathedral. The Cathedral Museum underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion, transforming it into an immersive and engaging cultural hub. The revitalization project, which cost US$2.4 million, encompassed the architectural refurbishment of the entire facility, the curation and development of new museographic content, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology.
The museum’s rehabilitation included the restoration and modernization of all its spaces. The Museum has 12 exhibition halls equipped with interactive, educational, and immersive elements. Additionally, all the artifacts on display have been carefully restored and adapted to their new surroundings.
The new museographic approach delves into the rich history of the First Cathedral of the Americas, Santa María la Menor, from the laying of its cornerstone to its architectural transformations over the centuries. Visitors can now embark on a captivating journey through time and explore the cathedral’s profound impact on the Dominican people’s faith and cultural heritage.
During the unveiling ceremony, President Luis Abinader reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to preserving and safeguarding the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, recognizing its immense value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He expressed his gratitude to the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo for its collaboration in bringing this project to fruition.
General admission is RD$200 for adults and RD$100 for children. Private tours can be arranged as well as group visits.
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11 June 2024