Whilst the thriving capital of Havana is renowned for its colonial architecture, American Cadillac’s, silky smooth rum, and authentic music, there’s far more than meets the eye when it comes down to the city’s art scene. If you’re curious about Havana’s rich history and culture, there’s a host of fascinating museums that pepper this famous city, each with a unique story to tell.
We’ve highlighted a few of the best museums in Havana to visit during your stay, whether you want to learn about the Cuban Revolution or simply sample a selection of the city’s best rums – yep, that’s right, there’s something for everyone.
Museo del Ron Havana Club (Rum Museum)
You can’t visit Cuba without sampling the local tipple, which is actually pretty easy to do considering the vast number of rum bars that dot the capital. If you want to go the extra mile while you’re here, a trip to the Museo del Ron Havana Club located in the heart of the capital is sure to enlighten you (and your taste buds).
Browse the museum’s artefacts, marvel over interesting facts, and learn all there is to know about the history and manufacturing of Cuban rum. In true Havana style, the museum is hosted in an 18th century palace and features a traditional rum-making process, plus a store housing a selection of local aged rums – sure to entice its thirsty visitors!
Museo de la Revolucion (Museum of the Revolution)
If your trip to Havana is inspired by tales of the 1959 Revolution, then be sure to have Museo de la Revolucion at the top of your itinerary. Crowned as one of the most famous museums in Cuba, history buffs will be in their element as they learn of Fidel Castro’s uprising – hosted inside a former Presidential Palace (designed by Cuban architect Rodolfo Maruri and Belgian architect Paul Belau) to replicate the Versailles Palace.
Dedicated to the history of the Revolution, exhibits include original documents and black and white photographs dating back to the time of the revolt; while there’s also a few pieces of pre-revolutionary memorabilia to marvel over, too.
Taquechel Pharmacy Museum
Calling all chemists! If you’re looking for something unique to do while in Havana, this family pharmacy house founded by Francisco Taquechel in 1898 was later converted into a fascinating museum in 1996 and is a perfect example of what Cuban pharmacies used to look like in the 19th and 20th century. The beautiful interiors include varnished Mahogany shelves, which showcase a line-up of flasks and French pothecary jars filled with herbal lotions and potions. Need to pick up a prescription? No problem, since Taquechel Pharmacy Museum remains as a working pharmacy today.
Finca Vigia
If you’re a fan of The Old Man and The Sea, then it’s likely you’ll be interested in where this classic novel was written, too. In 1951, Ernest Hemingway wrote his most famous book (and sections of For Whom the Bell Tolls) in the comfort of his home located in the San Francisco de Paula district of Havana – where he lived and worked for 10 years.
Finca La Vigia or Hemingway House is among the top places to visit just outside the bustling capital, where visitors can take a tour of the home, wander the tropical gardens and grounds, marvel over his fishing photographs, and admire the custom-made bed he once slept in.
Museo de La Ciudad (Museum of the City)
Well, if you’re looking to learn a thing or two about Havana, a visit to the Museo de La Ciudad is your best bet. Sprawling across the west side of Plaza de Armas in Old Havana, this grand museum – which is located inside the former Capitanes Generales Palace – was built in 1770, so you can admire its spectacular baroque architecture.
Wander the beautiful patio outside and the ornate statue of Christopher Columbus (whilst keeping your eyes peeled for free-roaming peacocks) before heading inside to browse ancient-old artefacts and exhibits that tell tales of Havana’s rich history. Most of the exhibits are military related, with uniforms and weaponry showcased, but you’ll also find antique furniture and a fascinating photography gallery exhibiting important events from Havana’s past.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
If you’re a fan of fine art, don’t miss the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Dedicated to Cuban Arts, this is one of the most outstanding museums in Havana, well two of the most outstanding if you account for the museum’s secondary building, Arte Universal, dedicated to Universal Arts in the International Gallery.
Browse unique pieces, modern collections, and preserved fine arts covering an extensive timeline from the colonial era to modern day (that’s 200 years of art). Discover the works of well-known artists, learn about Havana’s history via paintings and photography, or head to the Arte Universal and wander the overlooked Parque Central, where the art simply continues to flourish.
Museo del Chocolate (Chocolate Museum)
Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or you consider yourself a fully-fledged Augustus Gloop style chocolate fan, this drool-worthy museum-come-tasting room looks as though it’s been plucked straight out of Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.
This state-run museum café located on Calle Amargura in Habana Vieja’s invites chocolate fans to lap up the good stuff. If you’ve come here to learn (who are we kidding, right?) visitors can discover everything from the history of cacao to the lengthy production process, before heading to the café to sample the extensive menu, which, as you can imagine, features every type of chocolate-inspired treat ever made on earth. Will it be rich, white, dark, hot, cold, or truffled…
Museo de Arte Colonial
This one’s dedicated to the history and culture buffs. It may not be the most sought-after in the city (come on, it’s pretty hard to complete with a chocolate museum!) but Museo de Arte Colonial is a must-see if you’re interested in learning what Cuba used to look like for the rich and famous.
Housed in a yellow 17th century two-storey mansion on the southern side of the Plaza de la Catedral, this museum is a fine example of aristocratic life in Havana, complete with colonial furniture, antiques, marble sculptures, ornate porcelain, intricate multi-coloured glasswork, and even clothing and linens. When you’re not busy browsing the luxurious artefacts, admire the spectacular Neoclassical interior of the building itself, with detailed high panelled ceilings sure to impress.
For more information on Havana or any other Cuba holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba specialists.
