SANTO DOMINGO. – The Taíno Cultural Center Casa del Cordón, an initiative of Banco Popular Dominicano, reported yesterday, Sunday, that it registered a total of 36,597 visitors in its first six months of operation, consolidating itself as a cultural space of reference for the dissemination of pre-Hispanic heritage in the Colonial City.
Of this total, 23,831 visitors were from the general public, 7,282 were students from 72 private educational centers and 67 public schools, representing 19.8% of the total; and as for international tourists, the number reached 5,484 visitors, which is equivalent to 14.9%.
The diversity of audiences reflects the inclusive nature of the center and the interest its cultural offerings generate across different sectors of society. It is also an indicator of the contribution its presence in the Colonial City makes to cultural tourism.
As part of its cultural program, during this initial period, the center organized ten activities open to the public, in which approximately 1,000 people participated. These initiatives promoted access to art, strengthened a sense of community, and fostered an appreciation for Dominican cultural expressions.
Support for education
In line with its purpose of contributing to educational development, the center made available to the teaching sector and the general public a teaching guide associated with the permanent archaeological exhibition "Our First Settlers", available for download on its website: www.casadelcordon.com and also on the Educando portal of the Ministry of Education ( www.educando.edu.do/portal/guia-didactica-para-docentes-nuestros-primeros-pobladores/ ).
The publication offers methodological guidelines, suggested activities, and pedagogical tools that support the preparation of content before and after the tour, allowing teachers to reinforce the knowledge acquired by students during their time at the center.
Institutional strengthening
During its first semester of operation, the Taíno Cultural Center Casa del Cordón formalized its integration into key networks such as Distrito Cultura and the Association of Owners and Residents in the Colonial City (APRECC), strengthening its presence within the national cultural ecosystem.
These strategic alliances with actors in the tourism and community sectors have contributed to expanding its reach, strengthening the center's role as a benchmark in the articulation of sustainable cultural initiatives.
The center has also been visited by representatives from the cultural, institutional, business, diplomatic, community and sports sectors, consolidating its position as a space of interest for various strategic audiences.
The Casa del Cordón Taíno Cultural Center, located in one of the first stone houses in the Americas and a symbol of the island's transformation during the 16th century, houses a valuable pre-Hispanic collection, donated by the García Arévalo Foundation, comprised of hundreds of archaeological pieces. It is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
