On your next visit to Havana, the Museum of Revolution needs to make your travel list. As one of the most culturally significant attractions in the capital city, you’ll be sure to learn a lot. This iconic museum is located in the former Presidential Palace, built between 1913 and 1920 and housing many Cuban presidents. The building is absolutely stunning, with the interiors designed by Tiffany’s of New York and the famous Salón de Los Espejos, also known as the hall of mirrors, designed to look like the Palace of Versailles.
The museum was created to tell the story of the Cuban Revolution, just after the 1959 victory against the Batista dictatorship. The decision was made after the shocking horrors of the expelled dictatorship and the heroic sacrifices that were made. The story was so horrific that they felt collecting the evidence and showing the story was the right thing to do.
The museum was somewhat of a floating room since 1969, moving from building to building before finally settling in the former Presidential Palace in 1974. This was part of an initiative by the government as they were trying to re-purpose buildings to be more purposeful and valuable. For example, barracks used for torture were turned into schools, and mansions used for the extremely wealthy were used for daycare centres. And the Presidential Palace was in this refurb too; after 40 years serving as the headquarters for the Cuban presidency, it was to be a museum. So, if you like your history a little grizzly, this is the place for you.
The building itself
Let’s talk about the actual building, which some call Cuba’s version of the American White House. At least for the first half of the 20th century, anyway. The building is a symbol in Havana as the meeting ground for presidents to meet important world leaders and visitors.
Some interesting facts
- It was initially supposed to be the HQ of the Havana Governor’s Office, but First Lady Mariana Seva thought it suited a president’s office better.
- The inauguration took place on the 31st of January 1920 and was, at that time, one of the tallest buildings in Cuba.
- The ground floor was filled with admin facilities such as a telephone plant, a stable and a power plant.
- The president’s office was on the first floor and sat amongst the most important rooms in the building, such as the Hall of Mirrors, the Council of ministers’ central office and the stunning yellow marble Golden Hall.
- The president’s residence was situated on the second floor, and the force in charge of the president’s protection and safety was all located on the top floor.
- The iconic dome that sits on top of the building was added later. It’s plated with vibrant tiles that shimmer when the light hits it.
The interiors of this vital building are simply stunning. From the Carrara-marble staircase, the jaw-dropping lobby that twinkles and sparkles to the Cuban motifs, luxurious furniture, and the most relevant Cuban artists such as Leopoldo Romanach and Armando Garcia Menocal. The building is worth a visit just to take in its sheer beauty.
Discover the museum
The Museo de la Revolucion is located near Parque Central in Old Havana, so it is incredibly easy to find. The museum is considered incredibly important for people, visitors, and locals alike, to understand how Cuba came to be the place it is today.
The collections in the museum are filled with historical artefacts dating back to Spanish colonisation during the 15th century. Many of the core displays depict Cuba’s struggle to bring an end to the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista during the 1950s.
So as you can imagine, the museum’s content can be a little gruesome, but it’s important to understand the suffering that was endured, to understand Cuba’s history and journey. The story needs to be told, however gory that may be. So be warned, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
The story behind the museum
The rebel movement was led by Fidel Castro and some other opposition groups to put a stop to the awful conditions that the Batista government had put the Cuban people under. The museum is full of objects that have been preserved from the war against Batista between 1953 and 1959 to explain the story of what happened. From the dictatorial regimes’ torture and murder towards opponents to the weapons, planes and vehicles that were used.
Some of the torture equipment will make your skin crawl with objects like tweezers and shackles for pulling nails off prisoners to gas torches to burn their backs. Be aware that this is one graphic display.
Whilst the shocking level of detail may seem a little much, it’s crucial to understand these details to really understand the full story and these essential cultural leaders.
What you can see inside: The highlights
On the museum’s second floor, you start with the colonial period in the 15th century before moving on to the American Intervention in the War against Spain, which happened in 1898. Before moving on to the Republican period of 1902 -1952. This makes it the ideal place to start your historical journey through Cuba at the museum.
At the end of the above, you’ll see the display of pieces from the Fidel Castrol July Movement. From the very first armed attack against the regime, the trial that followed, the imprisonment, exile, and return. As well as the final war in the Sierra Maestra mountains.
One of the most popular attractions is the sculptures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, who were leaders in the Rebel Army.
The house itself is even part of this particular story. In 1957, the Presidential Palace was attacked by an anti-dictatorship group called the Revolutionary Directorate, which was aiming to assassinate the dictator in his home. This attack failed, and the attackers were killed. Today you can still see the bullet holes in the main stairway, and there is a delivery truck in the outside exhibit of the vehicle that was used to storm the building.
On the first floor, you make your way through 1959 onwards, covering the early years of political, social and economic transformation. Through the back doors, leads visitors to the Granma Memorial. The main feature here is the Granma Yacht which took 82 people from Yucatan to Oriente, despite being so small. One of the most impressive pieces is the flame that is always burning as a tribute to the Eternal Heros of the Motherland.
Opening times and cost
Entrance is approximately CUC$5
Opening are hours approximately: 9.30 am – 4 pm
For more information on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com.
