The National Museum of History and Geography has expanded its permanent collection with the addition of an oil portrait of José Reyes, the Dominican composer who wrote the music for the country’s national anthem. The painting, created by renowned artist Celeste Woss y Gil, was donated by Luis Acosta Moreta, president of the Dominican Christian Democratic Union (UDC), during a ceremony held on March 12, 2026.
The presentation took place at the museum’s Vetilio Alfau Conference Hall in Santo Domingo. The event opened with a performance of the Dominican National Anthem by the UDC Imperial Band, paying tribute to José Reyes, who composed the anthem’s music, while the lyrics were written by Emilio Prud’homme.
A New Addition to the Nation’s Cultural Heritage
José Guerrero Sánchez, director of the National Museum of History and Geography, thanked the donor and emphasized the historical significance of the artwork.
“The value of this oil portrait of José Reyes cannot be measured in monetary terms because its importance goes far beyond material worth. It is a work of profound historical and patriotic significance that will help strengthen our nation’s cultural memory,” Guerrero Sánchez said.
Carlos Andújar, Director General of Museums, also attended the ceremony and highlighted the importance of donations that enrich the collections of the Dominican Republic’s national museums and preserve the country’s historical legacy.
Honoring a National Symbol
During the presentation, Luis Acosta Moreta said the donation was intended to recognize the legacy of José Reyes (1835–1905) and encourage greater appreciation for the Dominican Republic’s national symbols.
He noted that Reyes dedicated his musical talent to the nation by composing the melody of the Dominican National Anthem, describing the work as an enduring symbol of unity, patriotism, and national pride.
Acosta Moreta also paid tribute to Celeste Woss y Gil, widely regarded as one of the Dominican Republic’s most influential painters and a pioneer in the country’s visual arts education.
Permanent Display for Future Generations
The ceremony included the signing of the official donation agreement and the unveiling of the portrait. The artwork will now become part of the museum’s permanent exhibition, where it will be available to students, researchers, and visitors interested in learning about the individuals who helped shape the Dominican Republic’s national identity.
With the incorporation of the portrait into its collection, the National Museum of History and Geography reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the country’s historical heritage and promoting appreciation for the figures and symbols that have played a defining role in Dominican history.