Centro León Museum and Cultural Centre

The museum's layout gently guides visitors from one exhibit to another, but leaves plenty of room for non-linear exploration. However you explore the exhibits, expect to leave with a comprehensive view of what it means to be Dominican.

The museum’s permanent collections are mostly historical, and some are very immersive. The first exhibit is an unmissable work of art, guiding visitors on a walk underwater, looking up at river creatures and the paddle of a Taíno boat.

Centro León’s historical collections offer insight into the pre-colonial culture of the Taíno people, Spanish colonisation, the lives of African slaves, and how modern-day Dominicans retain elements of each of these three cultures and peoples.

Temporary exhibits tend to be artistic and often focus on a particular person, theme or era. For example, the "Be Oscar de la Renta" exhibition in November 2019 explored the life of Oscar de la Renta, a famous Dominican-born fashion designer.

Centro Leon was founded in 1995 by the Eduardo Leon Jimenes Foundation to “contribute to the social and cultural development of the Dominican nation.” Looking for more Dominican art and culture? Visit the annual Santo Domingo International Book Fair, held every spring.

Don’t understand Spanish? An independent walk through the museum is absolutely doable. If you want language assistance, audio devices are available that translate the explanatory signs of the exhibits into English, French, and Kreyol (Haitian Creole). You can hire the devices for $2 US, but it's best to have 100 pesos available (roughly equivalent to US $1.90 at the time of writing). You can pick up the audio device at the information desk at the front of the museum.

Speaking of pricing, museum entrance is only $3 US, and Tuesdays are free. If you'd like a guided tour so you can ask a live person your own questions about the collections, you can book a guide for $6 per person. Tour guides speak English, French, and German. Tours are by appointment, so make sure to call (809) 582-2315 first.

Don't forget that Centro León is also a cultural center!

The museum proper is open from 10-7, but after 7pm Centro León opens as a venue! Relax and mix with local Dominicans as you tap your feet to vintage concert screenings (featuring artists like Julio Iglesias) and live local bands. There are also film viewings and arts and crafts classes. While you're there, you might be surprised how many "Santiagueros" have great English skills.

Before you head out to socialize (Dominicans love visitors!) you may want to download a copy of the museum’s monthly events. That way you can time your visit to take advantage of the various activities on offer.

In all, plan to spend at least 2 hours at the Centro León. You’ll want to go through everything and also have time to enjoy the grounds. (For a makeshift picnic, you can pick up a few snacks from the cafe.)

If you love your visit as much as we did, don’t forget to drop by the little gift shop near the museum's entrance. They have curios, coffee table books and the coffee itself.

Then it’s back out the door and past the fountains into Santiago de los Caballeros. Don’t be surprised, as the sound of rushing water fades, to see the world a little differently than before.

Entrance fee $3 US

Museum opening hours: 10am - 7pm

Cultural centre hours: 7pm - late

Written by G Abdullah.

Published August 2020