Rafael Hernández Colón Foundation Library, Library and museum in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
The Rafael Hernández Colón Foundation Library stands at the corner of Calle Mayor and Calle Castillo in the Ponce Historic Zone, occupying two restored buildings. The facility features an amphitheater, a constitutional history hall, and a dedicated children's library section alongside extensive research archives.
The property was established as a foundation in 1992, though the buildings previously served as the Spanish Military Hospital of Ponce in 1872 and later became a US Army facility after 1898. The structures witnessed Puerto Rico's shift through different periods of governance.
The foundation preserves over 4 million documents including photographs, speeches, and letters that reflect how Puerto Rico's political and social life has changed through the years. Walking through the collections, visitors can see how these materials tell the story of the island's past.
The location is easy to find and well set up for research or exploration, with separate areas for different age groups and interests. Plan to spend adequate time exploring the various exhibition areas, especially if you want to delve into the archives more deeply.
The building blends neoclassical design by architect Manuel Víctor Domenech with modern adaptations by Atelier 66 for the library and museum functions. This combination of older and newer architectural styles creates an appealing contrast that reflects how the space has evolved.
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