5 of the best Dominican Republic museums

Address: Km 5, Avenida Barceló 4, Punta Cana

Chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat in the Dominican Republic. It’s a way of life. The cacao bean has been a major part of the country’s agricultural landscape for centuries. At Punta Cana’s ChocoMuseo, you can discover this rich heritage – and taste plenty of Dominican chocolate, too, of course! Located in the Mundo Auténtico shopping complex, ChocoMuseo gives you a crash course in everything chocolate, from tree to bar. You’ll also have the opportunity to make your own Dominican chocolate during half-day workshops.

• Bonus Dominican Chocolate Experience: At Barceló Bávaro Beach’s state-of-the-art U-Spa, indulge in an energizing chocolate wrap that utilizes cocoa’s natural antioxidants to awaken feelings of wellbeing and happiness.

Address: Plaza de España, Calle La Atarazana 2, Santo Domingo

Pay a visit to one of one of the oldest buildings in America – and one of the best Dominican Republic museums. Built in the early 1500s in a gothic-renaissance style, Alcázar de Colón was the luxurious home of Christopher Columbus’ son, Diego, and his wife, Doña María de Toledo. Today, the palace is an incredible Dominican Republic museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone. As you explore, you’ll encounter exhibits of medieval and renaissance artwork, plus countless New World artifacts. Grand staircases lead towards Diego and Doña María’s well-preserved bedrooms. Enjoy the opulence of the lavish crystal chandelier-lit reception hall where the Spanish aristocracy dined and danced in the olden days.

• History buffs will also want to visit the famous Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon) in Santo Domingo, the final resting place of explorer Christopher Columbus.
• For even more trips into the past, visit the Museum of the Royal House, which is packed with artifacts and exhibits that trace the history of the Dominican Republic.

Address: Calle Isabel La Católica, Santo Domingo

Freshly opened just a few years ago in Santo Domingo, the stylish and fun Telecommunications Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Comunicaciones) is one of the newest Dominican Republic museums. It offers a fantastic voyage into a high-tech world. Via interactive exhibits and displays, you’ll trace the development of telecommunications, from radio to TV to the Internet and beyond. The vintage equipment has a retro-cool vibe, while spots like the Robotics Room give you a glimpse of the future.

Address: Carr. Navarrete Puerto plata, Altamira

David “Big Papi” Ortiz. Sammy Sosa. Pedro Martinez. Hundreds more. That’s right – the Dominican Republic has produced some of the greatest Major League Baseball players in history. You can get a look at the history of the game in the DR at Bartolo Colón Stadium’s museum. Located in the town of Altamira, birthplace of beloved Major Leaguer Bartolo Colón, the museum is packed with fascinating artifacts and memorabilia. It’s a must-visit for any sports fan. And afterwards, take a seat in the stands of the stadium and watch tomorrow’s Dominican Republic stars chasing their Big League dreams.

Address: Ave. la Marina, Santa Barbara de Samaná

The Dominican Republic isn’t just a favored vacation spot for people. Humpback whales love it here, too. Every year between December and March, thousands of humpback whales gather off the coast to mate, give birth and nurse their young. It’s truly one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Samaná’s Museo de las Ballenas (Museum of Whales) is the perfect place to learn about these magnificent mammals. The centerpiece is an awe-inspiring 40-foot skeleton of a humpback whale found in 1993. Whether you’re visiting during a whale watching expedition during whale Dominican Republic whale watching season or any other time of the year, it’s one of the greatest family friendly Dominican Republic museums.

• Nature and science lovers will also want to visit the completely unique Amber World Museum in Santo Domingo. This Dominican Republic museum shows how amber has played a huge role in the history of the country stretching back centuries.
• For more glimpses of the Dominican Republic’s natural world, the amazing Larimar Museum in Santo Domingo, showcases the rare Larimar mineral that is found only in the remote southwestern mountains of the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic museums are the perfect way to experience the culture of this one-of-a-kind island. Start planning your trip now.