President Abinader inaugurates Casa del Cordón Taíno Cultural Center

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje officially inaugurated the Casa del Cordón Taíno Cultural Center in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, marking a significant contribution to Dominican cultural heritage. Organized by Banco Popular Dominicano as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the center is housed in the historic Casa del Cordón, a two-story stone building dating back to 1503 and recognized as the first of its kind in the New World.

The center, created in collaboration with the García Arévalo Foundation, features a permanent collection of 350 pre-Hispanic archaeological pieces, offering a deep dive into the art and life of Taíno society and the island’s first inhabitants. The project was developed by Spanish archaeologist Carlos León Amores and architect Jorge Ruiz Ampuero, with local firm Estudio Reid managing the architectural design. Alongside the permanent exhibits, the center includes a temporary showcase of Dominican visual arts curated by María Elena Ditrén, and it plans to host conferences and cultural activities to enrich the visitor experience.

The event was attended by prominent government officials, including Culture Minister Milagros Germán and Tourism Minister David Collado, alongside Banco Popular executives. The Casa del Cordón Taíno Cultural Center will open to the public on November 21, offering a revitalized cultural space in the heart of Santo Domingo.