This spacious pink villa designed by Juan Bertoli Calderoni, father of Puerto Rico’s neoclassical style, offers one of Ponce’s best museum experiences. A guided tour showcases development of Puerto Rico’s sound, allowing hands-on demonstrations of indigenous instruments. The collection of Taíno, African and Spanish instruments – especially the handcrafted four-string guitar-like cuatros – and careful explanation of Puerto Rican musical traditions are highlights.
The museum also hosts a three-week seminar on drum building in July, and holds regular concerts in its courtyard.