The Casino of Puerto Rico is the work which best demonstrates the architectural knowledge and ability to manage

the proFrench vocabulary, its opening was prescribed for the Feast of San Juan on June 24, 1917. The most colorful festivals of the time were held at the Casino de Puerto Rico since it opened in its original location near the Plaza de Colon in Old San Juan. The square and its surroundings were full of musical airs, which overflowed the terraces of the building, bright and colorful when you gave those splendid dances. People wore their finest clothes for the occasion. Women wore long dresses, gloves, elaborate hairstyles and jewelry in bulk. Men, of course, dressed in tuxedo. Among the most popular festivals held there was the "White Christmas", the New Year's Eve, Ball of Debutantes, Dance, Holy Saturday and carnival dances. These were in full swing with the best orchestras and performers of popular music in the country. The Casino came to have an illegal gambling room in lower overlooking the Plaza Coln, but it was not for long. In the 20's, also had a miniature golf course was well received by the public. Currently the Casino of Puerto Rico remains subject to the original plans. The building is a rectangular volume with three balconies, entries. The main facade overlooks the Avenida Ponce de Len and integrates a driveway. The two-tier structure is of a French-style and consists of friezes, cornices, moldings, pilasters, Ionic capitals and garlands of flowers and fruit. A central staircase gives access to a variety of rooms decorated with mirrors, wall reliefs and painted to imitate marble (trompe l'oeil). The facades are divided into two levels: first level sober, with stripes on the walls, small windows and a second level ornate and luxurious with a composition of Corinthian columns, portholes, wreaths, consoles, French doors and the use of a "cartouche" on each door. The dome of the structure is of wood covered with copper and five balconies surround him, three of these are portals. The square and the Spanish-style gardens are symmetrical combining elements that duplicate the columns of the east wing of the building. The elegant banquet hall of white marble, with an impressive chandelier of twelve by nine feet, creates an elegant atmosphere. This magnificent building can accommodate 400 people. In 1941, the Association transferred the building to the United States Armed Forces to serve as the social hub of the United Services Organization (USO). After the facilities were transferred to the government of Puerto Rico becoming the School of Music, Department of Education. In 1955, the building housed the first headquarters of the Institute of Puerto Rican and a cultural center made theater and art exhibitions were mounted to 1970. In 1982, he began the restoration of the Casino and was transferred to the Department of State. The Reception Center is named after the late president of the Casino Association of Puerto Rico, Dr. Manuel Pavia and used to entertain distinguished visitors. It is also used by various civic and cultural groups and government agencies requesting the facilities to hold activities that result in improving the quality of life and contribute to social and cultural activities of the people of Puerto Rico.
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