MUSAN is an eclectic, interdisciplinary, intergenerational, community-oriented arts space in the Santurce Arts District of San Juan, Puerto Rico!

MISSION: MUSAN is dedicated to the preservation, research and exhibition of Puerto Rican art and intangible cultural heritage through our permanent collection, educational programs, outreach projects and cultural activities.

VISION: More than a traditional museum, MUSAN is a community-based cultural center that celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich artistic patrimony as an inspiration for contemporary artistic expression and its relevance to modern society.

MUSAN is a place where new ideas are encouraged...
and unexpected results are a measure of success!

HISTORY: In 2005, an online virtual museum was created to showcase Dr. José Torres Melendéz's collection of about 50 santos and information about the tradition and the history of carvers known as 'santeros'.

The website was so successful the collection was opened to the public by appointment when Richard Holm became one of the early adopters of AirBnb in 2009.  

Over the next 10 years, word of the 'secret museum' spread and visitors arrived from all over the world as the collection grew to more than 400 carvings and needed much more space.

In 2018, a non-profit corporation was established as Museo de los Santos Inc.

In 2019 a former printing plant was purchased at 1673 Ave. Ponce de Leon.  It was renovated by a 'grass-roots' group of family, friends, artists and neighbors who shared the vision for a space where santos could be displayed and young artists could display their work.  

There was never a master-plan, architect, blueprint, budget or building fund - we just went ahead and let the building, local feedback, several setbacks and lots of luck took the project that turned a neglected eyesore into what has become MUSAN.

Finally, on November 7, 2022 - we inaugurated the new arts center as MUSAN: Museo de los Santos y Arte Nacional.