02

Feb
2022

Art, history and tasting. The three most interesting museums in Old Havana.

Posted By : Roxanna Alba/ 3301 0

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is undoubtedly the most visited tourist destination in the largest of the Antilles. Inside is its historic center that is an essential recommendation for any tourist arriving for centuries.

Many of the foreign visitors who arrive in Cuba, whether for a short time or a long time, happen to want to get to know the island in depth, but in a fun way and are overwhelmed by the thought that there is no way that in just one day they can find out for themselves the wonders about the art, history and tastings of this paradisiacal country.

But what if I tell you that, if there is an entertaining way to understand Cuba in one day, in which you will be satisfied, where you can get to your city and show off to your friends that you really know the island.

So, stay so you can not miss the three most interesting museums in which you would summarize all of the above.

1.National Museum of Fine Arts (Art)

The National Museum of Fine Arts is an exciting public museum, located in Havana. It occupies two buildings in the vicinity of Paseo del Prado, these are the Palace of Fine Arts, dedicated to Cuban art and the Palace of the Asturian Center, dedicated to universal art, and a third building dedicated to administrative functions.

As a whole, they house one of the largest collections of paintings and sculptures in all of Latin America. Currently, the collection is made up of approximately 47,600 pieces, of which 45,000 are part of the artistic heritage and another 2,000 are in the deposits of the institution, thus being considered one of the most important museums in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Its objective is to restore, preserve and promote the works that are part of Cuba’s heritage and is equipped with 24 rooms where collections of ancient art are exhibited, art rooms dedicated to masters of all time and rooms with transitory exhibitions.

The museum offers the public the possibility of accessing Cuban heritage and has a varied cultural agenda, which includes concerts, theatrical presentations, children’s shows, guided tours, audiovisual events, as well as a library with more than 120,000 volumes. It has a cafeteria service, shop and the possibility of renting the space for various activities.

2.Museum of the Revolution (History)

The Museum of the Revolution is housed in the former Presidential Palace, built between 1913 and 1920 and used by several Cuban presidents, the last of whom was Fulgencio Batista.

This monumental building located in  Havana houses one of the most interesting museums in all of Cuba and is a must-see, especially for anyone who is curious about the history of Cuba.

The museum exhibits various exhibitions and collections that show photographs, flags, documents, weapons and other objects related to the revolutionary struggle against Batista and the history of Cuba, in chronological order, ranging from the pre-Columbian culture of Cuba (on the top floor) to the current socialist regime. Of particular note are the exhibits on the 1953 Moncada assault and on the life of Che Guevara, which are shown in the lower rooms.

Its more than 30 exhibition halls hold around 9,000 pieces from different stages of the independence struggle. The exhibition rooms cover each stage of Cuban history.

The museum’s exhibits cover a long period of time, from the original peoples to the present day, including the independence wars against Spain. However, the content is mainly focused on the feat of the Cuban revolution that resulted in the establishment of the current socialist regime.

3.Havana Club Rum Museum (Tasting)

Havana Club Rum Museum, located on Avenida del Puerto, in Old Havana. Its main attraction consists of the explanation that visitors receive about the historical trajectory of Cuban Havana Club rum, which emerged in 1878 and is considered one of the hundred best in the world.

It is not necessary to be a drinker to enjoy this fabulous museum, since visiting it will allow you to fully immerse yourself in part of Cuban culture. The sugar cane needed to distill the rum turned colonial Cuba into a leading society at that time.

The museum has an interesting guided circuit, where the complex process of making rum with old machines is exposed. The circuit is available in Spanish, English, French, German and Italian and explains the entire process, from the elaboration of the white oak barrels, to its fermentation and aging, passing through a model where a sugar mill is reproduced in detail.

Count on good food, drink and you will enjoy excellent music, often live. Bartending classes are also offered on a wide range of world-renowned Cuban drinks, the orb, a special Havana Club tasting and the combination of liquor with tobacco and coffee.

In the Rum Museum you can delve into the history of the popular distillate, intertwined with the history and culture of the country itself.

Surprise yourself with the opportunity to explore the rum-making process, from freshly cut sugar cane to the reconstruction of a distillery and aging warehouses, enjoy contemporary Cuban cocktails and discover the full range of Havana Club.

All these institutions play an essential role in society for the preservation and dissemination of the high heritage values ​​that their collections treasure, as well as the national and international recognition they enjoy, as identity elements of Cuban history, culture and identity; being a must visit for nationals and foreigners, as well as scenarios of multiple events.

So now you know, when you visit us, don’t miss these three museums found in Old Havana, enjoy a pleasant day with your partner, family and friends and learn more about our beautiful Cuba.

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