National Puerto Rican Museums Outdoor Sculpture Garden, Education Space Coming In September

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is set to launch a new sculpture garden and educational space on September 8, coinciding with its 25th anniversary. This development replaces a controversial archives center project that was halted and demolished last year. Museum president Billy Ocasio highlighted the garden's role in enhancing cultural identity, featuring a mural that illustrates the history of Puerto Rican migration to Chicago, including influences from African, Spanish, and Taíno cultures. The garden will provide a flexible venue for community activities, including poetry workshops and school field trips, with seating and landscaping designed for adaptability. Conditional city permits for underground plumbing and electrical work have already been secured, paving the way for construction.

Ocasio also noted plans for a glass atrium to enclose the courtyard, increasing the museum's program space by 6,000 square feet. The new archives center, approved by the City Council, is anticipated to begin construction in 2026. This project aims to celebrate and preserve Puerto Rican heritage while fostering community engagement in Humboldt Park.