CENTRO’s Renovations at Silberman
Starting Date
End Date
After decades of being split between Hunter College campuses (51 blocks apart), the Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, the Library, the CENTRO Gallery, our research programs, and our staff will FINALLY be united under one roof to better collaborate as a team and serve the needs of our community. As an institution researching, preserving, and sharing the Puerto Rican experience, CENTRO is proud to make its home in the historic Puerto Rican enclave of El Barrio and deepen its ties to the local community.
Over the last two years, we have been dreaming about a welcoming space curated with intention that reflects our values and culture. We are excited to share that CENTRO’s footprint will expand significantly to include larger climate-controlled archival storage, new offices and conference rooms, and additional reading and seating space for researchers, visitors, and patrons. The library will also include a rare books room, new archival processing spaces and microfilm stations, a dedicated community workshop-space, and a permanent storefront located in the Library & Archives for La Bodega, where visitors can purchase books, journals, swag, stationery, and more. Our offices and spaces will also be renovated to reflect our place as a world-renowned research institute that houses some of the most important research, scholarship, and archives of the Puerto Rican diaspora.
Given the size of this project, there will be changes to the services available to patrons through Spring 2027. In October and November, our offices will be moving to the Silberman School of Social Work. During this time, our phone numbers will be changing, staff may be slow to respond throughout the Fall semester, and La Bodega orders may be delayed. All of our physical archival collections and the library will be temporarily closed to the public from November 27th, 2025 through February 28, 2026. From March 2026 through Spring 2027 the Library & Archives will be accepting limited appointments as construction continues. Please note that while we do our best to estimate our timelines, all dates are subject to change and potential delay.
Great things are on the horizon, and we cannot wait to share them with you!
Scroll down below to explore our Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will construction last?
We anticipate construction to continue through Spring 2027. However, given the nature and complexity of the project, this date is subject to change.
Will the Library & Archives be open?
Our Library & Archives will be temporarily closed to the public from November 27, 2025 through February 28, 2026. From March 2026 onwards, the Library & Archives will be accepting limited appointments through Spring 2027. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
How far in advance should I request an appointment for the Library & Archives?
Please plan to request an appointment to visit the Library & Archives at least 10 business days in advance. Additionally, please be as specific as possible in your request for the collections & boxes you’d like to view. Please note, we will not be able to pull any additional materials during your visit beyond what is requested. However, you are welcome to request additional appointments for a later date. You can request an appointment here.
Will CENTRO be accepting group visits?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate in-person group visits while our facilities are under construction. However, virtual options may still be available.
Will the Library & Archives reading room be in the same location?
Starting in 2026, the reading room will be in an alternate location. Please read your appointment confirmation for instructions on how to get to our temporary reading room.
How long will digitization requests take?
Due to CENTRO's renovation project, starting November 27, 2025 through Spring 2027 our library and archives' physical space will be temporarily closed to the public. Reproduction requests must be submitted at least 15 days in advance; audio and video requests must be submitted 30 days in advance.
Will CENTRO still be accepting archival donations?
Yes! While access to our archival collections will be limited for our patrons for a temporary time, our collection will continue to grow. If you are interested in donating your papers or a collection to CENTRO, please reach out to our Library & Archives staff.
Will CENTRO still be hosting events?
Yes, CENTRO will still be hosting events while undergoing construction. However, please double check the location before registering as they may be virtual or held at a different location.
Will CENTRO still be partnering with other institutions?
Yes, however, please note our capacity is limited. While we would love to partner with everyone, sometimes that may not be possible. However, please do not hesitate to reach out to our partnership team.
Will the CENTRO Gallery still have exhibitions?
Staring November 23, 2025, no exhibitions will be on display in the CENTRO Gallery while construction is taking place through Spring 2027. Any exhibitions held over the next year will be on display digitally or at an alternate location. To view our exhibitions currently on view, please click here.
Will I still be able to place orders through La Bodega?
Yes, however, please note orders placed between October 1st and December 1st may be delayed as we change our office locations.
Will CENTRO's mailing address remain the same?
No. Starting November 1, 2025, all mail and packages for CENTRO should be sent to:
2180 3rd Avenue
5th Floor
New York, NY 10035
Will CENTRO's contact information remain the same?
No. Over the course of the next two months, our main phone number and phone numbers for a large portion of our staff may change. If you call and don't receive a response, we recommend you follow up via email until our transition is complete. All emails will remain the same.
Project Staff
- Yomaira C. Figueroa-Vásquez CENTRO Directora
- Andrea Valentín Chief of Staff
- Jose deJesus Associate Director for Operations
Recent Updates
Renderings
Sponsors
In 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a generous allocation of $20 million in capital funding for CENTRO. Capital funds can only be used for specific purposes such as acquiring assets like buildings, land, equipment, or making improvements to existing infrastructure. These funds serve as a catalyst for growth, development, and innovation within an organization or community.