Havana is world-class when it comes to interesting museums. We’re biased, but with more than 80 of them dotted about the capital, we think it’s fair to say that there’s plenty of variety for all curious minds! Revolutionary art? Check. History of rum? Check. A carbon copy of the Capitol Building in Washington DC? Check, check, check!

Whether you are visiting with like-minded peeps or going alone, Havana’s museums are great places to spend a bit of time soaking up Cuba’s fascinating history and traditions. Here are our top recommendations for an authentic experience:

 

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Address: Trocadero between Zulueta y Monserrate, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: 125 CUP (for 1 Collection)
Opening times: Thursday – Sunday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 2pm

Immerse yourself in Cuba’s rich art tradition through the centuries by visiting the Cuban Collection at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Showcasing art pieces and works from the 16th century to the present day, it is your best bet to learn about Cuba’s art trajectory through its paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and contemporary art installations. We highly recommend the installation dedicated to 20th-century and Revolutionary art.

 

Museo de la Revolución

Address: 4JRV+M87, Av. Bélgica, La Habana 10600, Cuba

A classic and unmissable spot for history buffs, this museum would be a must for any travellers wanting to learn more about the Cuban Revolution. However, it is currently closed for restoration and in classic Cuban style, it’s not clear when it will reopen! 

 

Museo de la Farmacia Taquechel

Address: Calle Obispo No. 155, Esquina Mercaderes y San Ignacio, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: Free
Opening times: Every day from 9am – 7pm

Established by Dr Francisco Taquechel Mirabal in the 19th Century, this townhouse-turned-museum was restored and reopened in 1996. Not a huge museum but more of a quick weird and wonderful stop, this pharmacy is frozen back in time! It’s worth visiting for the floor-to-ceiling mahogany shelves that hold an immaculate collection of 19th-century French porcelain apothecary jars and medical instruments. The best? The Pharmacy is still operating as a business so you can buy yourself some Cuban-made natural potions and creams – we recommend the antimosquito creams if you have any bites!

 

Museo de Artes Decorativas

Address: Calle 17, on the corner with Calle D and Calle E, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: 200 CUP
Opening times: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10.30am – 4pm

More than just a museum, the National Museum of Decorative Arts is a portal to a bygone era of Cuban history. This opulent mansion, designed by French architects in 1924 and commissioned by the wealthy Gómez family, offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of Cuba’s pre-revolution elite. The museum’s architecture and collection showcase the grandeur of European traditions across over thirty thousand pieces dating from Louis XV to Napoleonic times. You’ll also find Asian art spanning the 16th to the 21st centuries. Expect intricate rococo furniture, elegant Chinese screens, an art deco bathroom and an impressive collection of glassware and ceramics.

Museo del Auto Antiguo ‘El Garaje’

Address: San Ignacio esquina con Teniente Rey y Amargura
Admission: 150 CUP
Opening times: Tuesdays – Saturdays  9.30am to 4.30pm / Sundays until 1pm

A bit of a hidden gem (literally!), the Vintage Car Museum is a must-see for any car enthusiast. Located inside a warehouse next to Habana’s Port, it showcases a collection of 40 vintage cars and motorcycles that belonged to historic Cuban figures, like the Cadillac used by Ernesto Che Guevara when living in Havana or the 1959 Oldsmobile used by Major Camilo Cienfuegos. Expect to see unrestored, original Cadillacs, a Rolls Royce, a Packard and a modern Ducati alongside some Harley-Davidson.

Cubania Top Tip!
Want to experience what’s like to explore Havana in a classic vintage 50s car? Have a look at our sustainable Havana tours or get in touch for a bespoke experience!

 

Palacio de los Capitanes Generales

Address: 4JQX+WWM, Cuba Tacón, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: 150 CUP
Opening Times: 9am – 8pm (Sunday and Monday closed)

The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the General Captains) is located by the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana. Currently home to Havana’s City Museum, it was built in the 18th century on the very spot where Havana was founded and served as the home to Spanish Governors’ of Cuba between 1791 and 1898. It is a beautiful example of Cuban baroque architecture with ornate architectural features and over 40 rooms showcasing an eclectic collection of carriages, tableware, religious objects, and even military uniforms – a testament to the island’s rich and multifaceted past. We recommend spending some time admiring the view from the beautiful central courtyard – a peaceful spot in the heart of buzzing Havana!

 

Bonus! Have a look at our cycling tour of Havana’s palaces as curated by our expert Team – it’s free!

 

Museo del Ron Havana Club

Address: 4MP2+6W7, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: 1200 CUP (for the Classic Tour). Individuals can pay cash directly at the museum and groups need to book through a tourist desk with a voucher
Opening Times: 9am – 4pm (Closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday)

We couldn’t put together a roundup of the best Havana museums without the Rum Museum! Nestled in the heart of Old Havana in an elegant 18th-century colonial house, at the Havana Club Rum Museum you’ll learn all about the history and production of sugar cane as well as tasting some delicious 7-year-old Havana Club rum at the end! The tour lasts about 45 mins. Here are a few helpful tips for when you visit:

• Tours run every 15 min in different languages. Booking is recommended. 
• There are 3 options of rum tasting, the cheapest is for three samples of varying aged rums. 
• They have a shop but they don’t accept credit cards so remember to bring US dollars or Cuban Pesos (CUP) in cash if you want to buy any souvenirs 

 

José Martí Memorial

Address: 4JF7+38X, Calle Paseo y Ave. Independencia. Plaza de la Revolución, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: 10 CUP
Opening Times: From 10am – 4pm

The José Martí Memorial is a 138 mts high monument dedicated to José Martí, national hero, independence fighter and poet. This tower hosts a museum and an observation deck on the top floor which you can access to get an amazing panoramic view over Havana. The museum displays several rooms with José Martí’s letters, writings, and objects that tell the story of his life. You’ll also find an exhibition about the history of the Plaza de la Revolución, and a showcase of contemporary art.

Capitolio Museum

Address: 66 Cienfuegos, La Habana 10200, Cuba
Admission: 20 USD (please note you can only pay with card, as they don’t accept cash) and you need to bring your passport or a copy of it to be able to get in.
Opening Times: As it is the National Assembly Headquarters, it is only open for tourist visits from Tuesday to Saturday 1hr in the morning (between 10am – 11am) and 1 hr in the afternoon (between 2pm – 3pm). It is closed Sundays & Mondays.

If you are thinking that this building looks suspiciously similar to the Capitol Building in Washington DC, well, you are right! Recently reopened after substantial restoration, Havana’s Capitolio is a carbon copy of the US building – except it’s 1m taller… Deliberately! This neoclassical work of art was built in 1929 with added art nouveau features and it currently hosts a planetarium and three museums.

 

Fábrica de Tabacos “Partagas”

Address: 4JHH+PX, 813 San Carlos, entre Sitios y Peñalver, La Habana, Cuba
Admission: 10 USD
Opening Times : 9am – 1pm

Lastly, our list wouldn’t be complete without some cigar-rolling! We recommend visiting “Partagas”, one of the most iconic cigar factories in Havana. In there, you’ll learn all about the fascinating process of cigar rolling,  including top brands like Cohibas (Fidel Castro’s favourite) or Montecristos (Che Guevara’s choice). Cuban tobacco is famous for producing some of the world’s finest cigars (called “puros”) which are legendary! Loved by connoisseurs and celebrities worldwide, Cuban cigarmakers make the entire cigar themselves, unlike their counterparts in other cigar-making countries. It’s a fascinating process worth learning about. If you have a penchant for cigars, we recommend our Cuba Insight sustainable tour where you’ll meet farm workers and sit down to a sunset dinner with beautiful views across the valley.

 

Cubania Top Tip!

Please know that in Cuba there isn’t a general rule for museum schedules, so they all operate individually, hence why it’s so important to plan your visit. Saying that, most museums in Cuba tend to close on Mondays, although there are some exceptions like Hemingway’s house, which closes on Sundays instead of Mondays.

 

We hope you enjoy our roundup of the best museums in Havana – if you want to start planning a trip to this wonderful city, have a look at our Experience Havana sustainable tour or contact us for a bespoke, tailor-made trip!