In 2020, The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture celebrates 20 years since its founding. The Humboldt Park community also celebrates 25 years since the public art project of the steel Puerto Rican flags on Paseo Boricua, known as the “Banderas,” was installed in 1995.
Postcard - Humboldt Park Stables and Police Station (1910s) by Chuckman's Collection (Chicago Postcards)The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Built in 1893, The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture was formerly the Humboldt Park Stable and Receptory building. It was designed by Chicago architectural firm Frommann & Jebsen, combining Queen Anne architecture with that of the Old German country house.
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (2020) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
The building became a Chicago Landmark in 2008, after undergoing exterior renovations since 1998 with the goal of repurposing the building for the community. Chicago’s Puerto Rican community founded the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (IPRAC) in 2000, and it was open to the public in 2009.
NMPRAC Renovations (2011) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
After the second floor was fully renovated, another gallery space was created, and administrative offices were added.
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (2020) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
In 2012, IPRAC was named the latest of the City of Chicago’s Museums in the Park.
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (2020) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
The name was changed to The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in 2014.
Banderas - Paseo Boricua Flags installation (1995) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
On Día De Los Reyes (Epiphany), January 6, 1995, a portion of Division Street in Chicago was shut down in order to install the public art monuments now known as "Banderas" on Paseo Boricua (Puerto Rican Promenade) in Humboldt Park.
Banderas - Paseo Boricua Flags by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Paseo Boricua is a six-block portion of Division Street, marked by two large steel sculpture-reproductions of the Puerto Rican flag. Since 1995 it has become a leading center for Puerto Rican culture, food, business and politics in the United States. It is the only recognized Puerto Rican Neighborhood in the United States.
Humboldt Park Stables and Bandera by Benjamin MercadoThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
At the end of Paseo Boricua stands the building that is now known as The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. Delineating this area of Chicago as a Puerto Rican Neighborhood paved the way for the creation of the only national museum focused on Puerto Rican arts and culture.
NMPRAC Anniversary Logo (2020) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
This logo was created to celebrate both the anniversary of the Banderas and the anniversary of the museum, displaying the meaningful link between the two.
NMPRAC Anniversary Video (2020) by NMPRACThe National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
This anniversary video starts with the question: "What came first, the art piece or the museum?" With the song "Planté Bandera" by Puerto Rican salsa artist Tommy Olivencia playing in the background, the video showcases the creation of the museum 20 years ago, and the Paseo Boricua flags 25 years ago.
Logo design: ESP
Video Credit: HITN
Music Credit: Tommy Olivencia “Plante Bandera”
Photo Credit: Elias Carmona and Archival photos and footage
Exhibition organized by The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Adapted to virtual format by Exhibitions and Educational Programming Assistant Dalina A. Perdomo Álvarez
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