ABOUT THE IPRC

The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture is the governmental institution responsible for establishing the cultural policy of the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Institute was created under Act 89 of June 21, 1955 for the purpose of contributing to the conservation, promotion, enrichment and disclosure of the cultural values of Puerto Rico, and aiming towards the broadest and profoundest knowledge and appreciation of the same.

The Institution began operations in November 1955. Its first Executive Director was Dr. Ricardo E. Alegría, who led the agency towards two fundamental objectives: to study and preserve our cultural-historic heritage and to stimulate, foster, promote and divulge the various manifestations of Puerto Rican culture.

In general terms, the organizational structure of the Institute responds to the functions assigned to it by law. Various programs are in charge of the following specialized aspects of culture: promotion of the arts, plastic arts, popular arts, archaeology, museums and parks, monuments and historic zones, music, publications and recordings, the theater, dance, the General Archives and the General Library. It extends its measures for cultural promotion throughout the Island by means of Cultural Centers, autonomous organizations in the various towns.

Puerto Rican Institute of Culture
PO Box 9024184
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-4184
Telephone: (787)724-0700
Fax: (787)724-8393