Bellas Artes de Caguas modernizes to become more accessible to the community and energy independent

It will open its first space dedicated to children, the “Reading Gallery”

Caguas, Puerto Rico (January 12, 2026) – With an estimated investment of $3.3 billion, the Caguas Center for the Performing Arts (Bellas Artes de Caguas, BAC) will renovate several of its areas to provide greater accessibility for all visitors, as well as to achieve energy independence.

The renovations include the opening of a first space dedicated to children, the installation of automatic doors, carpeting in the Carmita Jiménez Convention Hall, painting of the building, new diaper-changing stations in restrooms, the establishment of a lactation room, a modern ticketing area, a third restaurant space, the installation of solar panels, and an additional air-conditioning unit for the Moneró Café Teatro & Bar.

“This is a time to look inward and have modern facilities that meet the needs of the entire population, which is the most important thing,” said Executive Director Ivonne Class regarding the transformations already underway.

The “Reading Gallery” is one of the projects generating the most enthusiasm, as it will be the first initiative at BAC aimed at the children’s population. The creation of an attractive space to promote reading and other creative activities centered on children’s literature will welcome families so that all members can enjoy artistic, cultural, and educational experiences when visiting the institution.

“Education begins with the very young, and the love of reading also starts early. In line with that, we are launching a very novel project here, because we previously did not allow children under three years old at the Center. Now we are opening up to that audience, and we will have a lactation room and other features, such as changing tables in the bathrooms, because we want to be a more inclusive Center,” Class emphasized.

The Carmita Jiménez Convention Hall, so versatile and highly valued by clients and visitors, will feature a more luxurious aesthetic with the installation of elegant carpeting. Automatic doors at entrances and exits will allow greater accessibility to the institution, along with the reconfiguration of restroom spaces.

The Moneró Café Teatro & Bar, established as one of the preferred spaces for a diverse audience, will receive a new air-conditioning unit in the coming weeks to make the venue even more welcoming.

Architect Emilio Martínez designed the new ticketing area, which will create a modern rotunda on the first level of BAC. The space vacated by the ticket office will be leased for a third restaurant with the purpose of expanding the gastronomic offerings. Currently, La Cueva del Mar is located on that same first level, and “Smash & Crispy” (formerly Huachinango) will open soon.

“What we want is to give people options by offering a range of price points, so we are evaluating concessionaires to meet the needs of that third restaurant,” said the executive director.

The installation of solar panels is another of the most important projects for this year. The Autonomous Municipality of Caguas has already completed the requirement for certain guarantees, so it is expected that during these first months of 2026 the start date for the installation of the equipment will be announced. This will result in greater efficiency and energy independence, as well as savings on electricity costs.

In terms of artistic and cultural events, the 2026 agenda highlights the third edition of the International Writers’ Congress, to be held from April 23 to 25 and dedicated to the Spanish language. The first series of free outdoor concerts will also begin under the Levitt Music Series concept, thanks to a grant obtained through the Levitt Foundation. This grant will directly benefit Josy Latorre’s bohemian series and the Paseo de los Artistas event presented by Yavier Hidalgo.

Productions to be presented on BAC stages include the musical “Chicago,” the return of the talent competition “Objetivo Fama,” creative workshops for veterans, and the first miniature-scale event, in collaboration with the Caguas Department of Culture.

“We want a very vibrant Center, always hosting many events, but putting our heart into culture, in its many branches, and that is something we are working on very strongly,” Class noted. “I see a Center that is moving in new directions and becoming more relevant to the daily life of the average citizen; not just as a spectator, but as an integral part of what is being done,” she added.

The schedule of all events confirmed to date is available at bellasartesdecaguas and on BAC’s Facebook (@bellasartescaguas) and Instagram (@baccaguas) accounts. Interviews with the talents appearing in BAC venues can also be found on the podcast available on the YouTube channel BellasArtesDeCaguas-PR.