Museo de la Porcelana/ Museum of Porcelain

The Museum of Porcelain in the Colonial Zone, Dominican Republic is an institution dedicated to the preservation, history, exhibition and science of pottery art. It contains many original pieces of porcelain from all over the world The privately run museum is the only porcelain museum in all of Latin America.

The Museo de la Porcelana opened its doors in July 1989. There are 10 different galleries in the museum. Each gallery holds examples of ceramic art from various eras and countries. Exhibits include ancient pieces from before the colonial era and valuable porcelain pieces from China, England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United States.

Included in the exhibits are a fascinating collection of porcelain dolls, figurines and dishes. There is even a collection of ceramic cats in the collection. All in a magnificently kept environment, including tree-lined interior patios, reflecting pool and a beautiful balcony. You will also find a library, a repair and restoration workshop, and spaces for cultural and artistic events.

Some pieces in the collection consist of items from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de la Constitución / Our Lady of the Constitution that sank in 1641 after a storm in the waters of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Many of the items in the Porcelain Museum were donated by the museums’ founder, Violeta Martínez López, who passed away in 2016 at 87 years of age. The museum is now kept up by The Violeta Martinez Foundation Inc. The highly informative staff will guide you through the fascinating museum and its galleries.

The Building

The house was built in 1920, for the Lebron Morales family. It is modeled after the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, Spain.

The courtyard is so tranquil with its reflecting pool. The building has beautifully scalloped arches with ceramic details in an Arabic-Spanish style. The house was donated by the Vicini Cabral family for use as the Museo de la Porcelana.

Hours and Entrance Cost

Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday thru Saturday. Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: RD $100 per person and RD $50 for children and students with I.D.

Contact: 809-688-4759

Directions

Calle Jose Reyes #6, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is on Jose Reyes between Padre Billini and Arz. Nouel not far from the Church and Convent of Regina Angelorum.

Interesting Facts

Violeta Martínez was sent by her family in exile to New York after she was imprisoned for the first time with her friend Minerva Mirabal. There she learned about the restoration of ceramics as her love for all things ceramic grew.