With its two permanent halls, named Signs of Identity and Genesis and Evolution, and one temporary exhibit hall, the Leon Center achieves its objective of being an institution based on the innovative concept of artistic anthropology, where works of art, societal projects and cultural treasures can coexist within the same walls.

The Signs of Identity room guides visitors to the understanding that Dominican culture is ever in transition, as more is added to it every day. Through the images displayed, it relates that the strength of the nationality has been in its openness. The exhibit establishes an indisputable identity linked to the Caribbean, as it journeys through an encounter with everyday characters and the cultural baggage that emigration in such large numbers has wrought At the same time, it invites us to reflect on who we once were and who we have become, issuing a provocative and subtle challenge to Dominicans perhaps posing the question, 'Who will we be?'

The Genesis and Evolution hall showcases part of the award-winning entries to the E. Leon Jimenes Art Contest from 1964 to present date. A guided tour of this exhibit is a comprehensive course in Dominican art history dating back to 1889. The presentation opens new spaces for those who were pioneers of art and

today are venerable masters. The display also exalts artistic innovation. Photography, digital displays and installation art all have their place in the thought-provoking focus that characterizes the Leon Center.

As a temporary exhibit the museum will display Mark and Memory until 29 April as it recreates the Leon family's memoirs and their standards of hard work, family unity and perseverance, framed from the onset by a culture of corporative social responsibility. The exhibition provides an example of a corporate vision that shares the fruits of its efforts and contributes to development through the promotion of culture.

The exhibition stirs up pride in the knowledge that Dominicans can build a better nation, when highlighting the achievements of the nation's leading brand of beer, Presidente. The history of the Aurora cigars, which launched the Leon firm, is an essential part of the temporary display. Nevertheless, the cigars will have a permanent presence in the section of the museum devoted to the hand-made manufacture of cigars, located in a replica of the original factory that can be reached by traversing a small garden.

The first of many international exchanges that are planned opens in June 2004 to include 30 drawings from the Louvre Museum in Paris and 30 engravings