Our Story

The Gallery Inn has a rich history that is closely interwoven with the history of Puerto Rico. Made up of five 18th century buildings, the original building once housed the artillery captain who manned the defenses of El Morro Fortress against the British invasion of Puerto Rico in the late 1700s.

 

As Puerto Rico changed hands, from Spanish rule to independence to becoming a US Territory and ultimately a Commonwealth, the buildings that became The Gallery Inn stood firm and resolute as a reminder of the people’s history and strength.

 

In 1961, celebrated artist Jan D’Esopo arrived in Puerto Rico from Boston, determined to find a house to restore and make her own. The restoration program of Old San Juan had just begun, and she wanted to be a part of it.

 

As she explored the city, looking for the right place, she came upon a place in ruins, the former living quarters of an artillery captain at El Morro Fortress, and immediately knew this was it. This was the place where she would create her paintings, sculptures and life’s work. This is the place where she would meet and marry her partner Manuco. This is the place where she would raise her children, where her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would run and play. And this is the place where she would build The Gallery Inn.

 

For the next 30 years, Jan lovingly restored and expanded the footprint of the home through the purchases of adjacent buildings. By the early 1980s, The Gallery Inn was born, welcoming renown artists, musicians, and politicians, including Barack and Michelle Obama in 2008 during their campaign tour.

 

Art and music continue to resonate in The Gallery Inn today. Through a special relationship with the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico, concerts are held weekly, showcasing both famous and up-and-coming artists in its various music halls. Jan’s artwork continues to live throughout the hotel, many in the same location as they were created.

 

Today, we encourage you to visit and explore this rare gem. As you walk through the hotel, you’ll find that every corner has a story, every room has a special flavor, each of them adorned with paintings, sculptures, and memories from six decades of D’Esopo style and almost 500 years of history.

 

What was once a former miliary home in ruins became a home full of love and a welcoming retreat for visitors to Old San Juan. This is the story of The Gallery Inn.