HUMBOLDT PARK — The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is making significant strides in enhancing its campus with the ongoing construction of a new garden and educational space.
This sculpture garden commenced development this month on land that was initially earmarked for an archives center, a project that faced controversy and was ultimately terminated by the city in 2022. The previous structure was demolished early last year.
Last year, community residents were presented with the garden plans, which received robust approvals from various city officials, the Park District, Preservation Chicago, and several state and city agencies.
Billy Ocasio, the museum president, founder, and former Humboldt Park alderman, expressed his enthusiasm about the project.
“I created Paseo Boricua, I created the flags, so this is an extension of who we are,” Ocasio remarked, envisioning the garden as a vital component of the neighborhood’s cultural landscape.
He emphasized the ongoing need for communal spaces, stating, “There’s never enough space for everything you want, even on Paseo Boricua. … I see it as an enhancement to the whole area.”
The newly proposed garden will serve diverse community needs by hosting various programs including poetry and dance workshops, live shows, high school field trips, and community meetings.
Features of the space include movable seating arrangements designed for versatile programming, curved lighting for a welcoming atmosphere, and a rain garden which will provide a buffer between the parking lot and the main program area.
Additionally, there will be lawn areas shaded by trees and landscaped mounds.
A notable aspect of the project is a concrete mosaic mural wall that will narrate the history of Puerto Rican migration to Chicago. This wall, according to Ocasio, will illustrate the three cultural influences that shape Puerto Rican identity: African, Spanish, and Taíno.
The mural will present an illustrated journey starting from the island and concluding with the establishment of the museum, effectively serving as an educational resource.
Ocasio explained, “The mural is going to tell the history of Puerto Ricans coming from the island, and it’s going to start off with that and go through a progression of history until the migration to Chicago.”
To pay homage to the famous architect Jens Jensen, who designed the prairie garden in Humboldt Park and served as its superintendent, native plants reflective of the prairie-style landscape will be incorporated into the design.
A city permit issued on July 2 confirms that the project has conditional approval for underground plumbing and electrical work, which is vital for preparing the garden.
Upon completion, the garden and community area will be accessible to the public through the museum’s entrance located at 3015 W. Division St. The official unveiling is slated for September 8, coinciding with the museum’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to the garden, plans are underway to construct a glass atrium intended to enclose the courtyard. This new feature will allow for year-round use and increase program space by 6,000 square feet, with permit approval anticipated by October.
Furthermore, the museum is developing a new archives center, known as the National Boricua Archives and Collections Research Center, set to be located at 2533 W. Division St. and 2537 W. Division St. after securing City Council approval last summer. Groundbreaking for this center is projected for 2026, with plans to open in 2027, while fundraising efforts are still ongoing.
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