Centro Cultural Baudilio Vega Berríos facts for kids

The Centro Cultural Baudilio Vega Berríos is a special place in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. It's a cultural center where people can learn and enjoy arts. This building is right in the middle of the city. It's next to the City Hall and the Teatro Yagüez. The center stretches from Candelaria Street to Ernesto Ramos Antonini Street.

What the Cultural Center Looks Like

The Cultural Center of Mayagüez is a two-story building. Its front has many beautiful arches. Building it cost one million dollars. This money came only from the city's funds. The center was built under the leadership of Baudilio Vega Berríos. The building was named after him.

Inside, the center has many cool features. There is a theater that can hold 700 people. It also has a library and a history museum. You can find rooms for reading and meetings too. There is even a modern cafeteria for snacks.

History of the Cultural Center

The Centro Cultural Baudilio Vega Berríos stands where the town's fire station used to be. The idea for the Cultural Center started in 1958. It began as an organization led by Amador Ramírez Silva. This was part of a bigger plan by the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture.

Many people and groups in Mayagüez helped. They gave money and support. This made the dream of the center start to come true. The city government has always been a big help to the organization.

In 1960, Mayagüez was getting ready for its 200th birthday. A special committee suggested building a place. This place would bring together all the cultural activities of the city. Finally, in 1968, the Cultural Center officially opened its doors.

Baudilio Vega Berríos was the Mayor of Mayagüez at that time. During the opening, he shared his thoughts. He said that everyone in the city wanted a place for culture and fun. People from all jobs and walks of life felt this way. So, the building was made to be the city's Cultural Center. It replaced the old city theater using new building methods.

On September 3, 1983, the Cultural Center was named in honor of Baudilio Vega. This happened when Benjamin Cole was the Mayor.

Today, the Cultural Center of Mayagüez is a busy place. It has a public library and a cultural theater. It also hosts a tourist office. Plus, it's home to the Municipal Bomba School, where people learn this traditional dance.