Alcázar de Colón restored after 70 years; new lighting begins

Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism has completed a RD$100 million restoration of the Alcázar de Colón museum in Santo Domingo's Ciudad Colonial, its first major intervention in 70 years. The project also kicked off a RD$86 million public lighting initiative across the historic center. Source: elcaribedr, listindiario

Restoration details

The work included structural repairs, new electrical and climate systems, accessibility ramps, and a modern museography still being installed. The last restoration was during the Trujillo era (1955–1956) by Spanish architect Javier Barroso. Source: diariolibree Tourism Minister David Collado stated the effort was part of a broader revitalization with the Inter-American Development Bank. Source: eldiado

Lighting project and impact

A separate RD$86 million lighting project will install 2,000 LED lamps to improve security and efficiency. Source: hoydo Collado noted that Ciudad Colonial now attracts 10–12% of tourists visiting the country, making it the third most visited attraction. Source: elcaribedr, eldiado However, some sources cite a consistent 10% figure. Source: listindiario

Apology to residents

Collado publicly apologized for the prolonged construction that hurt local businesses, saying 'I want to apologize to everyone affected by this transformation process.' Source: diariolibree The official museum inauguration is expected in the first week of August. Source: eldiado