Banreservas rehabilitates the former Hotel Mercedes and converts it into the Banreservas Cultural Center of Santiago from November 29th

Santiago. – The emblematic building of the former Hotel Mercedes will open its doors as the Banreservas Cultural Center of Santiago on November 29, during a ceremony headed by the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader. The structure, which remained closed for more than 40 years, was rescued by the Banco de Reservas, by instruction of the president, with the purpose of delivering to the North region a rehabilitated property for artistic promotion, cultural training and the revitalization of the urban area. Its administration will be in charge of the executive president of the financial institution, Dr. Leonardo Aguilera. The announcement was made during a meeting with art and culture journalists, in which Héctor Romero, Communications advisor for Banreservas, presented on behalf of Dr. Aguilera the details of the initiative and the proposal for the inauguration. Romero explained that the CEO formed a specialized team from the cultural field to design an inaugural day that will include samples of plastic arts, an immersive experience, musical performances and other surprises.

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Accompanied by communicator Gladializa Pereyra, part of the team responsible for the new venue, Romero indicated that the transformation of the old hotel responds to President Abinader’s vision, and that Dr. Aguilera has promoted this project as a “Christmas gift for all Dominicans in this 2025“.

“Since the beginning of Dr. Leonardo Aguilera’s administration, last August, he assumed the commitment with President Abinader to work continuously, expanding the technical team in charge of the reconstruction, so that Santiago would have its Cultural Center this same year. That commitment will materialize this coming Saturday,” Romero affirmed.

Romero pointed out that the new cultural venue is structured on three main purposes: to promote artists and managers from Cibao, providing them with adequate spaces for exhibitions, training, and creative projects; to strengthen the cultural activity of Santiago, through alliances with universities, artistic groups, and local institutions that expand the offer and promote joint work; and to revitalize the historic center, reanimating one of the most representative nuclei of the city to turn it into a cultural reference that contributes social and urban dynamism to the entire area. The architectural intervention was supervised by the architect César Payán, regional director of Monumental Heritage, who ensured the structural recovery and heritage adaptation of the building. The building was reorganized by levels, with specific functions: Level 1: will have the coworking area, a cafeteria under the concept Café Banreservas, operated together with Calcalí Coffee and a cultural store (later opening) In level 2, the Museo de Arte de Santiago (MAS) will be located, with works from the Banreservas Visual Arts Collection, including pieces by regional masters and nationally recognized artists. Levels 3 and 4 and terrace, will have a permanent immersive room, virtual reality room with experiences on heritage, tourism and culture, spaces for temporary exhibitions, educational activities and artistic encounters, panoramic terrace for music, theater and stage presentations Official Opening
The ceremony on November 29th will mark the launch of the Banreservas Cultural Center of Santiago, the result of the recovery of a heritage icon and the creation of a contemporary space at the service of art and the community. After the event, the regular programming will begin, which will include exhibitions, technological experiences, educational activities and an agenda in collaboration with institutions and cultural actors from the province and the entire Northern region.