Museums

The cultural and historical wealth of the Cuban people can be observed in the numerous museums opened for the benefit of both national and foreign visitors alike. The great variety of exhibits and collections is striking, which cover fine arts, antique weapons, panoramic views of the history of the colony, natural sciences, etc.

Art at Casa de Las Am

Name: Art at Casa de Las Am
Description: Casa de Las Americas (House of the Americas) offers the most prestigious thinkers and writers of Latin America a space for the debate and exchange of ideas. It houses two galleries: the Latin American Gallery, for the purpose of promoting young Cuban artists and the Haid
Address Calle 3
Phone: +53 7 552712

Centro Wilfredo Lam

Name: Centro Wilfredo Lam
Description: The colonial building that houses the center is located opposite to the corner of the Cathedral and was once the palace of the Pe
Address Calle San Ignacio esq. a EmpedradoLa Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 613419

Espacio Aglutinador

Name: Espacio Aglutinador
Description: This alternative art center is located in the home of Sandra Ceballos, a young graphic artist who has become a leading figure in the Cuban arts world, organizing exhibitions, retrospectives by well-established artists and poetry recitals. Her small and informal exhibition space attracts a great number of enthusiasts who are drawn by both the exhibits and by the charisma of the hostess.
Address Calle 6, entre 25 y 27 El Vedado La Habana - 10400
Phone: +53 7 302147

Carmen Montilla Tinoco Gallery

Name: Carmen Montilla Tinoco Gallery
Description: The gallery of Venezuelan painter Carmen Montilla Tinoco, considered a great friend of Cuba, is situated in an old colonial building that still conserves some of its original architecture, opposite the San Francisco Convent. Apart from her work, visitors can also contemplate exhibitions by other Latin American and Cuban contemporary artists. One outstanding piece is the mural "Flora and Fauna" by Cuban ceramist Alfredo Sosa Bravo, which can be seen in the charming patio of the house.
Address Calle Oficios No. 162, entre Amargura y Teniente Rey La Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 338768

Mariano Gallery

Name: Mariano Gallery
Description: Located in an old eclectic mansion typical of the Vedado district, this gallery offers an impressive collection of Caribbean and Latin American crafts, which invoke the heritage of the indigenous peoples of the region and the cultural influence of both Europe and Africa. Pieces such as the trees of life, Quinchamal
Address Calle 15 No. 607, entre B y C El Vedado La Habana - 10400
Phone: +53 7 552702

Roberto Fabelo Gallery

Name: Roberto Fabelo Gallery
Description: The gallery of painter and illustrator Roberto Fabelo is located on the second floor of an old colonial house formerly the San Francisco de Salles school for orphaned girls. La Mina caf
Address Calle Oficios No. 6, esq. a Obispo La Habana - 10600

Villena Gallery

Name: Villena Gallery
Description: This gallery is located in Plaza de Armas and is apart from the Rub
Address Plaza de Armas La Habana - 10600

Zaida del R

Name: Zaida del R
Description: The personal gallery of painter, illustrator, potter and engraver Zaida del Rio, originally from Villa Clara, is located on the third floor of an old colonial house where several other artists also have their galleries Her works have travelled the globe and she is also a magazines and book illustrator. She portrays the most desolate aspects of the spirit; and according to Cuban writer Miguel Barnet, her women are representations of herself under different guises.
Address Oficios No. 6, esq. a Obispo La Habana - 10600

Hands (The )

Name: Hands (The )
Description: The Manos ("Hands") Art Gallery sells Cuban crafts and goods. Many of the objects on sale are inspired by Afro-Cuban culture. Among the items on offer are cigar cases, African-style masks and leather goods such as handbags and other small articles. Purchases can only be made in US dollars.
Address Obispo No. 411 La Habana - 10600

National Museum of Fine Arts

Name: National Museum of Fine Arts
Description: Visitors to this museum will be able to enjoy one of the largest collections of visual arts in the country. There is a painting and engraving section, which displays works dating from the 16th to the 20th century. Another section is dedicated to European art, with original pieces by masters such as Rubens, Murillo and Goya, among others. One of the most important collections of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art in Latin America is also housed here. The building was completely renovated and transformed recently and re-opened to the public during the Havana Biennial Celebration.
Address Calle Trocadero, entre Zulueta y Monserrate La Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 620140

Africa House

Name: Africa House
Description: This museum is located in the old historical quarter of the city. There are two exhibition rooms constantly opened to the public. One contains a collection of objects contributed by museums in the Republic of South Africa; the other has a small display of Afro-Cuban religious objects. Cuban society is a cultural melange or fusion with an African influence that is visible in all of its arts forms such as music, painting, dance and literature.
Address Obrap
Phone: +53 7 615798

Asia House

Name: Asia House
Description: The museum is devoted to Asian culture and exhibits paintings and sculptures from this far region of the globe. The Chinese, especially those from Canton, represent the island's third most important ethnic group. For a modest sum, visitors can see intriguing objects, which demonstrate the importance of Asian culture in Cuban society reflected not only in the island's cuisine but also in the local customs of its inhabitants.
Address Mercaderes No. 111 La Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 639740

Arab House

Name: Arab House
Description: Arab House is the only place in the country where Muslims can pray. It is open to all who believe in Allah, both Cuban and foreigners. It also houses a collection of religious objects along with studies of the Koran. Each room is lined in wood and inlaid with mother-of-peal. The center includes an exhibition of elaborately decorated, gold and silver-plated Islamic weapons from the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the main exhibit is the so-called "Desert Rose", a rare quartz structure that resembles a flower that is formed once the humidity has evaporated.
Address Oficios No. 8, entre Obispo y Obrap
Phone: +53 7 615868

Lezama Lima museum

Name: Lezama Lima museum
Description: This museum offers a collection of personal effects that once belonged to the world-famous Cuban writer and poet Jos
Address Trocadero No. 162 La Habana - 10100
Phone: +53 7 634161

Jos

Name: Jos
Description: A fascinating museum and memorial dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Cuban revolutionary, writer and poet, Jose Marti. The collection consists of many of Marti's personal effects and documents. There is a viewpoint at the top floor of the memorial, which is also the highest point in the city. Fidel Castro delivers important speeches from the square in front of the monument.
Address Avenida Paseo esq. a 41 Plaza de la Revoluci
Phone: +53 7 820906

Camilo Cienfuegos Museum

Name: Camilo Cienfuegos Museum
Description: Camilo Cienfuegos was a famous revolutionary who fought alongside Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Ch
Address Pocito No. 228, esq. a Lawton La Habana - 11390

Obrap

Name: Obrap
Description: This museum contains a large selection of furniture and domestic items typical of a colonial house in 18th century Cuba. The museum is a hundred years old and is near Africa House in Old Havana.
Address Obrap
Phone: +53 7 613097

Museum of the Revolution

Name: Museum of the Revolution
Description: Situated in the former presidential palace, this museum houses a considerable collection of objects of major historical importance that cover the period from the liberation struggle against Spain to the Cuban Revolution. On display are documents, photographs, videos and two impressive life-size sculptures of Ernesto "Ch
Address Calle Refugio No. 1, entre Monserrate y Zulueta La Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 624091

The Rum Museum, Havana Club Foundation

Name: The Rum Museum, Havana Club Foundation
Description: This exciting tour of the Havana Club Foundation recreates a traditional rum distillery. The journey begins where barrels are made and then moves on to the presses, the sugar depot, the fermentation and filtration stages, the ageing process, and finally the blending and bottling. At the end of the tour, visitors can sample some unique tasting brews such as: Dry, A
Address Avenida del Puerto No. 262, esq. a Sol La Habana - 10100
Phone: +537 62 4108; +537 61 8051

Palace of the Captains-General

Name: Palace of the Captains-General
Description: The palace's colonial ambience is maintained even today and is one of the most representative examples of Cuban baroque architecture. Aside from having been one of the largest colonial structures of its time, it was also the site of the City Council of Havana for 176 years. The main courtyard and galleries lead to the different display rooms in what is now the City Museum. The tours begins with a visit to the old Council Chamber and the palace quarters and concludes in the rooms that depict the War of Independence from Spain and the early years of the Republic.
Address Calle Tac
Phone: +53 7 612876

National Capitol

Name: National Capitol
Description: Built in 1929 as the seat of the Senate and House of Representatives, its dome dominates the Havana skyline. This building is very similar to the US Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Inside is a statue of Athena, the biggest indoor bronze effigy in the world. There is also an enormous gallery called the Sal
Address Paseo del Prado, entre Dragones y San Jos
Phone: +53 7 620353

Casa de Las Am

Name: Casa de Las Am
Description: Casa de Las Americas was founded shortly after the Revolution for the promotion of Latin American and Caribbean arts and culture. Multidisciplinary in nature, its annual program includes talks, workshops and prizes in literature, painting, photography, musicology and engravings. The galleries in the main building exhibit one of the finest art collections in Latin American. There are also three separate exhibition rooms and a specialized library. Contact the centre for exhibitions and events timetable.
Address Calle 3ra. esq. a G El Vedado La Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 552706

Ernest Hemingway Museum

Name: Ernest Hemingway Museum
Description: The Ernest Hemingway Museum offers a plethora of information about the writer's life during the time he spent in Cuba, with many of his personal possessions on display. Along with the pieces of furniture and personal objects, there are also a number of works of art exhibited in the spirit of the famous saying: "First one must persevere".
Address Finca Vig
Phone: +53 7 910809

National Sports Museum

Name: National Sports Museum
Description: Located close to Revolution Square in front of the national bus terminal, this museum was built in 1991 for the Pan-American Games that were held in Cuba. The permanent collection includes medals, trophies, sporting clothes, equipment as well as photographs. Special objects include Che Guevara's rifle 1967; the chess set, chair and clock that belonged to Capablanca; Ramon Fonst's early 20th century foils; Kid Chocolate's dressing gown and boxing gloves; Javier Sotomayor's trophy and running shirt and Felix Savon's boxing gloves. The Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on themes such as the Olympic Games, Women in Sport and the Pan-American Games.
Address Avenida Boyeros esq. a Bruz
Phone: +53 7 814696

Postal Museum

Name: Postal Museum
Description: Bordering Revolution Square, this museum is an instructive way to spend a couple of hours. The displays provide an insight to the history of the postal service both in Cuba and the rest of the world aided by an extensive philatelic collection. Visitors can also see old writing materials and valuable documents such as the accounts books that belonged to the first administrator of the Cuban postal service dating back to 1765. The collection also includes a "Penny Black" (the first postage stamp in the world) as well as the world's first airmail.
Address Avenida de Boyeros frente a la Estaci
Phone: +53 7 705193

Vintage Cars Museum

Name: Vintage Cars Museum
Description: This museum exhibits vintage cars and horse-drawn carriages dating from the late 18th and early 19th century. There is also a collection of tractors and steam engines.
Address Oficios No. 13 La Habana - 10100

Music Museum

Name: Music Museum
Description: This museum exhibits typical Cuban musical instruments, some of which date back to the early nineteenth century, including Afro-Cuban musical traditions and rhythms. There is also a large collection of traditional and modern instruments from both Cuba and elsewhere, including woodwind, horn, string and percussion instruments. Among the latter are tribal drums used in religious ceremonies.
Address Capdevila No. 1 La Habana - 10600
Phone: +53 7 619846

Chinatown

Name: Chinatown
Description: Havana has an active Chinese community with a good number of restaurants specialized in traditional Chinese cuisine. These private, family-owned establishments are excellent in both quality and price, offering quick service to their customers. Patrons can enjoy a full meal, apart from some of the more exotic choices on the menu, including a bowl of soup, fried rice, the main course and a beverage for an average of CUC 4.
Address Calle Cuchillo no. 10 (

Callej

Name: Callej
Description: This project dates from 1990 and highlights the importance of African influence on Cuban culture. It began as an initiative of sculptor and painter Salvador Gonzales, who painted a mural allegoric to Afro-Cuban culture together with a group of friends. The idea was to reclaim a public space as a forum that would serve as a cultural and didactic platform within the community. Every Sunday at noon, a rumba session is held with the participation of important groups such as
Address Callej

Christ of Habana

Name: Christ of Habana
Description: The statue of Christ blesses the city from the other side of the bay, much like another well-known effigy of Jesus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This marble sculpture is the work of Jilma Madera and was erected in 1958, on a hill that offers the perfect place to watch the sunset. Tourist can access the statue either by road by crossing the bay in a boat. A 24-hour snack bar operates close to the statue's base.
Address Loma de Casablanca La Habana 10100

Havana Scale Model

Name: Havana Scale Model
Description: This scaled-down replica of Havana is surpassed in size only by the one in New York City. It reproduces 144 square kilometers of the city, with buildings made out of cedar wood and streets of colored paper and sponges. A team of architects, designers and model constructors worked on this project for many years. The group meticulously measured, photographed and recorded every detail of the city, including its trees, pavements, lampposts, traffic lights and much more.
Address Calle 28 N
Phone: (537) 332661

City Wall

Name: City Wall
Description: The Havana Wall is a magnificent relic of the extraordinary colonial past of this colorful city. Originally intended as a defense against pirates and corsairs. The wall encircled the city as impenetrable barrier. Its doors were closed at certain hours. However, the wall could not stop Havana from extending beyond this boundary. In 1603 the construction was partially demolished. The following sections can still be seen at
Address La Habana Vieja La Habana 10100

San Carlos de La Caba

Name: San Carlos de La Caba
Description: The construction of the largest colonial military fortress in the Americas concluded in 1774. At the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, it became Ernesto "Ch
Address Carretera de La Caba
Phone: (537) 637063

San Salvador de la Punta Castle

Name: San Salvador de la Punta Castle
Description: This small fortress situated at the western entry point to the harbor, played a crucial role in the defense of the city during the early colonial period. Built in the 16th century, this construction is a typical example of the architecture that characterizes this part of town. The fortress, which currently houses old artillery pieces and other relics of the past, was completely restored, including the original moat.
Address Malec

Los Tres Reyes del Morro Fortress

Name: Los Tres Reyes del Morro Fortress
Description: Construction of the Morro Castle, the fortress located at the entrance to the harbor, began in 1589 and concluded 1630, with the objective of warding off attacks by pirates and enemy fleets. It has since become one of Havana's most emblematic monuments. In 1762, during the seize of Havana by the British, the castle was defended by Luis Velasco, who was in command of the garrison and preferred to die rather than surrender. The lighthouse (45 m high) was added in 1845 and is now considered the distinctive symbol of Havana.
Address Carretera de La Caba
Phone: (537) 637063

Santa Clara de Asis Convent

Name: Santa Clara de Asis Convent
Description: This is one of the oldest Spanish colonial convents on the island. The building is currently the venue of the Centro Nacional de Restauraci
Address Calle Cuba N
Phone: (537) 612877

Cristobal Colon Cemetery

Name: Cristobal Colon Cemetery
Description: This cemetery is famous throughout Latin America because of its beauty and magnificence. Founded in 1876, it holds nearly a million graves. Prominent Cuban sculptors such as Ramos Blancos, among others, embellished many of the headstones. Afro-Cuban religious practices are common throughout the island and this cemetery is no exception. It is not uncommon to find rag-dolls and fruits lying next to the graves as offerings to the gods. There is also a popular local legend about la Milagrosa or Miraculous Lady, who died in childbirth along with her infant and whose tomb is now a shrine for believers.
Address Calle 12 esquina a calle 23 Vedado La Habana 10400

Botanical Garden

Name: Botanical Garden
Description: This is one of the most agreeable spots on the island. The Botanical Gardens offer a marvelous collection of plants from all around the Caribbean, and particularly from Cuba. The Japanese Garden replete with fountains and waterfalls is a favorite among tourists and a perfect place to stop and rest. The facility includes a cafeteria, toilets, etc. The trip ends with a visit to the ExpoCuba Exhibition Center, followed by a delicious traditional Cuban lunch at the Don Cuba restaurant.
Phone: (537) 544108

Arms Square

Name: Arms Square
Description: This beautiful square is located close to the Havana Cathedral and is lined on all sides by marble benches. The many lamps that light the square are powered by gas, just like in times long past. During the day, second-hand booksellers frequent the square and at night, many people come attracted by the surrounding restaurants and bars.
Address La Habana Vieja La Habana 10100

Emilio Bacard

Name: Emilio Bacard
Description: Established by Emilio Bacard
Address Calle P

House of Diego Vel

Name: House of Diego Vel
Description: The mahogany panels of the balconies and stonewalls are an indication of the age of this old house. Although it was restored, it still preserves part of the original roof, some walls, doors and the furnace where gold and silver was once smelted. In the central patio, there is still the well for storing rainwater. Visitors can also see the peepholes at the foot of the windows through which the inhabitants could look out without being seen. It is currently the site of the Colonial History Museum with one of the best furniture collections in the country.
Address Calle F

Moncada Barracks (Ciudad Escolar 26 de Julio)

Name: Moncada Barracks (Ciudad Escolar 26 de Julio)
Description: On July 26, 1953, this military garrison was the scene of a famous revolutionary action against the tyrannical Batista regime. Despite its failure, the attack sparked the will of many young Cubans to struggle for their freedom. A plaque on the front wall commemorates another daring assault carried out on the November 30, 1956, by the 26 of July Revolutionary Movement. The former garrison is now a museum that covers the period from the Spanish conquest to the guerrilla movement in the Sierra Maestra Mountains.
Address General Portuondo y Avenida Moncada, Santiago de Cuba 90300

Our Lady del Cobre Shrine

Name: Our Lady del Cobre Shrine
Description: Many visitors to Santiago also visit the sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cuba, in the outskirts of the city. Some come to keep a promise while others bring offerings that are added to the hundreds of objects that have been dedicated to the Virgin, among which is Hemingway's Nobel Prize medal. According to the legend, an effigy of the Virgin Mary was found floating on the waters of the Bay of Nipe. The shrine was built in 1926, when the Catholic Church canonized the virgin.
Address Carretera al Cobre - Palma Soriano Km. 27 El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba 22222

Morro Castle

Name: Morro Castle
Description: This impressive fortress guarded the entrance to the bay against English pirates and corsairs. It is worth bordering the bay just to see this old castle built in 1643, which offers a spectacular view of the harbor and Sierra Maestra Mountains. It was also a prison and tomb for Cuban patriots in the 19th century. The complex includes the Pirate Museum.
Address Carretera del Morro Santiago de Cuba 91100
Phone: (5322) 691569

Santa Ifigenia Cemetery

Name: Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
Description: This cemetery is one of the most famous on the island, since the remains of revolutionary hero Jose Mart
Address Calzada Crombet, Reparto Ag
Phone: (5322) 632723

Parque C

Name: Parque C
Description: At the beginning of the 16th century the area now occupied by this park formed the perimeter of the Plaza de Armas (main city square) and around it were the principal buildings of the colonial settlement such as the church, town hall and Governor's House. Today, it continues to be one of the main squares in Santiago, where many people come down to the park in the afternoons or evening to sit.
Address Aguilera esq. a General Lacret Santiago de Cuba 91100

Varadero Municipal Museum

Name: Varadero Municipal Museum
Description: The Municipal Museum exhibits pieces that narrate the history of the city. Personal effects, objects, documents, maps, and testimonies of Varadero's historical moments, people and patriotic figures that helped shape the town are displayed in the museum. The architecture of building alone is reason enough for a visit. Here you can admire the traditional architectural style of the city, based on vibrant colors of wood and other materials that seem to burst out from the surrounding lush tropical gardens.
Address Calle 57 y Playa Varadero, Matanzas

Los Corales Culture House

Name: Los Corales Culture House
Description: The Corales Cultural Canter promotes all forms of artistic expression, with a special focus on local artists. There is also a small exhibition space for children and adults. Every Friday night, the group Proposiciones (Propositions) gathers to present musical and dance groups. Professional instructors offer Cuban dance lessons. The center also houses the Arte, Sol y Mar gallery which exhibits and sells works by Cuban artists and organizes events such as the Salon de Paisajes (Landscape Salon) that takes place every November.
Address 1ra. Avenida y calle 35 Varadero 42200
Phone: (535) 612562

National Museum of the Struggle against Counterrevolutionary Bandits

Name: National Museum of the Struggle against Counterrevolutionary Bandits
Description: This museum is located in the former convent and church of San Francisco de As
Address Calle del Cristo, esq. a Boca Trinidad 90100
Phone: (53) 419 4121

Torre Manaca Iznaga Museum

Name: Torre Manaca Iznaga Museum
Description: Pedro Iznaga built an extensive hacienda in the middle of the San Luis Valley with the fortune he made from the slave trade. He also erected a 44-meter high watchtower close to the main house, from which he could control the slaves who were more than willing to escape. The tower marked the hour by the tolling of a bell and gradually became the symbol of this legendary region. From it, visitors can see a panoramic view of Trinidad.
Address Km 16, carretera de Sancti Sp

Valley of the Sugar Mills

Name: Valley of the Sugar Mills
Description: This valley is literally a natural museum because it harbors the ruins of 12 sugar-mills from the 19th century. Visitors can see the bell towers, mills, barracks and instruments used for work and for torturing the slaves, amid aging trees and winding paths. At the San Luis Valley, renamed the Valley of Sugar-Mills, one can see vestiges of aboriginal culture, colonial architecture and sites were important battles were fought during the 19th century Wars for Independence, which marked the fall of this sugar emporium. During the first half of the19th century, greatly favored cities such as Trinidad were exporting up to one million arrobas (approximately 12 kilos) of sugarcane. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.
Address Km 8, carretera de Sancti Sp

Canch

Name: Canch
Description: The tavern takes its name after a drink prepared in the region made from lemon juice, honey and aged Havana Club rum, served in glazed pottery. This combination blends with the magic of a place, which seems frozen in time and that has charmed all those who visit it for decades. This was the drink of the Mambises (name given to the members of the Liberation Army). La Canch
Address Calle Real, entre calles Boca y San Jos
Phone: (53) 419 4345

Historical Quarters of Trinidad

Name: Historical Quarters of Trinidad
Description: When the sugar mills of the Valle de Los Ingenios stopped generating profits in the mid 19th century, Trinidad became a dark provincial town. Its inhabitants had no choice but to retain the elaborate wooden balustrades, stylish furniture and the elegant architecture of their homes. A tour of this part of the city is a journey back to 19th century, with paved cobble stone streets fringed by the 18th century buildings. Restoration work has further pronounced this impression since murals; palaces and mansions have been restored to their former magnificence.
Address Trinidad 90100

Plaza Mayor

Name: Plaza Mayor
Description: Trinidad's beginning is similar to that of most cities founded by the Spaniards- the principal buildings were erected round a central square. From 1514 onward, this square has undergone multiple changes until it finally took on its present appearance. During the 19th century, the Cathedral as well as the mansions and palaces of the leading families of Brunet, Padr
Address Cristo esquina Desenga

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Cuba Turistic Guide: Museums