The Story Behind the Symbol:

Conjunto Escultórico PONCE

A Monumental Gesture That Says: We Are Here

At the entrance of Ponce, where Highway PR-52 meets PR-10, five towering letters —P, O, N, C, E— greet those arriving from the north. What many don’t know is that this now-iconic symbol of Puerto Rican identity holds a story just as powerful as its visual impact.

Colloquially known as Las Letras de PONCE, the sculpture’s official title is the Conjunto Escultórico PONCE. More than a set of letters, it is a monumental public artwork charged with cultural meaning, civic pride, and collective memory.

The ensemble was conceived as a visual declaration of presence and belonging. Designed by Ponce-born artist Carlos A. Rivera Villafañe and inaugurated in 2005, it was created to mark territory — to say “this is our place” with strength, clarity, and art.

Made of cor-tén steel and painted in red and black, the sculpture consists of five monumental letters. Each stands twenty feet (20’-0”) tall, eighteen feet (18’-0”) wide, and twelve feet (12’-0”) deep. The letters span both sides of the highway and are positioned so they can be read head-on when entering the city from the north.

The project originated from a national public art competition led by the Dirección de Urbanismo of the Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP) de Puerto Rico. Rivera Villafañe’s proposal was selected from among local and international submissions for its bold concept and deep connection to the city of Ponce.

He both envisioned and led the project with artistic conviction and civic purpose. To bring the work to life, Rivera Villafañe appointed Marta Mabel Pérez as project manager and assembled a multidisciplinary team of engineers, artisans, and cultural professionals.

The fabrication was carried out by Alonso & Carus Iron Works, Inc., with the structural foundations designed through a close collaboration between engineer Rafael L. Bonilla and engineer Francis Rodríguez. Oversight of the second and third phases—including the fabrication, base construction, and installation—was led by engineer Ladislao Ortíz, founder of LOA Ingenieros, C.S.P., who also developed the traffic management plan essential to the safe and efficient execution of the project.

The year-long execution (January 2004 – January 2005) included contributions from:

  • Surveyors Xavier A. De Jesús and Rodolfo Rivera Ruíz, who completed the technical fieldwork and site plans, leading to the development of a 3D animation by José Pagán

  • Geotechnical studies by engineer Alberto Almonte (A.J.A. Drilling), with support from engineer Leónidas R. Almonte Medina and his team at Turabo Testing, Inc.

  • Tree relocation planning by Laredo González (Gabriel Berriz & Associates), implemented by agronomist José Pérez Cortés, owner of Landesign

  • Concrete testing by José Luis Irizarry-Rosa, partner at PIM Group, Inc.

  • Foundation construction led by engineer Carlos Reyes, former president of Jeanmar Construction

  • Electrical systems design by engineer Héctor Ortiz

  • Fiscal and legal oversight by accountant Nelson García Nolla and attorney José I. Barreto-Rampolla

The project was formally delivered to the DTOP in January 2005. Since then, the Municipio Autónomo de Ponce has overseen its care and maintenance with the continued involvement of the artist.efficient execution of the project.

Honoring Excellence: The Culson Medal

In 2012, the Conjunto Escultórico PONCE took on a new layer of meaning. As a tribute to Olympic athlete and Ponce native Javier Culson, a bronze medal was permanently installed within the letter “C” of the sculpture—transforming the ensemble into a living altar of civic pride and athletic excellence.

Commissioned by the Municipio Autónomo de Ponce under the leadership of Mayor María Eloísa “Mayita” Meléndez Altieri, the intervention was conceptualized and carried out by artist Carlos A. Rivera Villafañe, creator of the original sculpture. With the participation of artisans and collaborators, the medal was placed as a quiet yet powerful gesture of recognition for Culson’s achievements on the world stage.

Javier Culson represented Puerto Rico as flag bearer in the 2012 London Olympic Games and won bronze in the 400-meter hurdles, marking a historic moment for Puerto Rican sports. He also became a two-time Diamond League champion, earning a place among the most celebrated athletes in Puerto Rican history.

Through this gesture, Las Letras de PONCE evolved beyond form and function. The ensemble became not just a symbol of place, but also a space for collective celebration—proof that public art in Puerto Rico is dynamic, responsive, and deeply rooted in community life.

In Memory: The Luis Raúl Tribute

In 2014, the Conjunto Escultórico PONCE became the site of a public tribute to one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved performers. Following the passing of actor and comedian Luis Raúl Martínez, the Municipio Autónomo de Ponce commissioned a symbolic intervention: the installation of a black ribbon on the letter “C” of the sculpture.

Artist Carlos A. Rivera Villafañe, creator of the original work, led the gesture—transforming the ensemble into a temporary memorial. More than a visual statement, the ribbon served as a moment of collective mourning and recognition for an artist who had touched countless lives through humor, honesty, and cultural critique.

Luis Raúl Martínez, born in Ponce, was known for his iconic characters such as Piquito, Mary Jane, Tito Párpados, Junito Popy Love, and Malín. His work shaped Puerto Rican comedy with sharp wit and fearless commentary, earning him a place in the island’s cultural memory.

As part of this homage, archival footage captures Luis Raúl speaking about Las Letras de PONCE—a moment that underscores the personal connection between the artist and this iconic public artwork.

This tribute reflects how the Conjunto Escultórico PONCE continues to evolve as a living space for remembrance, celebration, and emotional connection.