Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drinking & Nightlife
13
Ahi-Bar
E2
14
Barajanda Bar
E2
E2
F3
Entertainment
17
Hotel Matum
F2
Shopping
18
Calle del Sol Indoor Market
B2
Outdoor Market
(see 18)
Sights & Activities
The center of town is Parque Duarte, a usually crowded, leafy park with a gazebo, the
cathedral to its south and Palacio Consistorial to its west.
Centro León
( 809-582-2315;
www.centroleon.org.do
; Av 27 de Febrero 146, Villa Progreso; adult/child RD$100/70,
Tue free; 10am-7pm Tue-Sun, closed Mon)
This large, modern museum built by the tobacco
wealth of the León Jimenez family is a world-class institution with an impressive collec-
tion of paintings that trace the evolution of Dominican art in the 20th century. There are
three exhibition rooms in the main building: one focuses on the island's biodiversity,
Taíno history and cultural diversity; the upstairs room displays a permanent collection of
Dominican art and photography; and the third houses temporary art exhibits. There's an
aviary out back.
An excellent gift shop sells books on Dominican history, art, culture and food, and
there's an appealing cafeteria serving up sandwiches and drinks. During the evenings, the
center offers an ever-changing schedule of art appreciation classes, art house cinema and,
sometimes, live musical events.
The Centro León is a few kilometers east of downtown. A taxi there will cost around
RD$100, or pick up a Ruta A
concho
(private car that follows a set route; RD$12) along
MUSEUM
