La Casita Cultural Center – Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: 315.443.2151
[email protected]
La Casita Cultural Center – Syracuse University
About
Located in the historic Lincoln Building in the city of Syracuse's Near Westside neighborhood, the model concept for La Casita at Syracuse University can be traced to Spanish Harlem and the South Bronx. José (Chema) Soto set out to build a wooden structure similar to the houses that were once typical of the rural Puerto Rican regions and throughout the Caribbean. With the help of neighbors, La Casita de Chema (today, Centrol Cultural Ricón Criollo) was created as a bright, lively, and sustainable space for Puerto Rican and other Latino communities to gather, celebrate their culture and traditions, host events, play music, dance, or simply visit. Following in these footsteps, Syracuse University established La Casita Cultural Center.
La Casita's interior was designed by Syracuse University professor, architect Jon Lott, to honor the Center's mission in the New York City-based Casitas tradition. Jon Lott drew inspiration from the Rincón Criollo Cultural Center in the Bronx and developed a model that incorporates the outdoor/indoor aspect of the original Casita. The Center's different spaces were designed with input from Syracuse University faculty, staff, and students, as well as from local residents of the Near Westside.
La Casita Cultural Center – Syracuse University contributes through the membership of the Syracuse University Libraries.
Collections
La Casita's "Abuelas (Grandmothers)" exhibit was the theme of a year-long art installation highlighting the impact abuelas have on their families. Community sourced photographs, videos, poetry, and shared narratives depicting family stories about abuelas were part of this exhibit.
Balcón Criollo is a permanent and evergrowing exhibition that honors the history and culture of Hispanic communities in Syracuse and across Central New York.
An exhibition that debuted in the Fall of 2021 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of La Casita.
This 2025 exhibition at La Casita contains videos created for social media related to the exhibition, an exhibition catalog, and artwork from the exhibition.
La Casita's fall exhibition in 2018, looking into the lives of Cubans before and after the Cuban Revolution.
An exhibition in the Fall of 2017 that celebrated the history of Caribbean music and the convergence of Hispanic, African, and Indigenous cultures.
La Casita's Fall 2023 exhibition featuring Chicano artists who express Chicano futurism and Latino futurism concepts in their art.
Photographs, interviews with the artist, and art created by Juan Cruz, from his time as an instructor at La Casita Cultural Center.
A collection of memorabilia and photographs honoring Hispanics in the U.S. Armed Forces and military families.
"Latinos and Baseball" project contains videos and exhibition materials that document the impact Latino communities have had on American history and culture through the lens of baseball.
A 2019 exhibit at La Casita commemorating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month featuring a series of paintings and video interviews.
La Casita's 2024 exhibition featuring miniature art depictions of Syracuse, NY and Central New York.