Casa de África
A vibrant museum celebrating the profound African contributions to Cuban culture, art, and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Casa de África
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant museum celebrating the profound African contributions to Cuban culture, art, and history.
"An incredible collection and tribute to our African contributions to Cuba."
🗣️ Hire a Spanish-speaking guide
Essential for understanding exhibits. The price is reasonable and greatly enhances the visit.
⏳ Allow ample time
The museum can feel overwhelming; take your time to absorb the rich collection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Orisa and Their Significance
Second Floor
Explore the profound world of Orisa, understanding their deep cultural and spiritual importance in Cuba. A truly magical learning experience.
African Contributions to Cuba
Throughout the museum
Discover the incredible art and history showcasing the vital contributions of African heritage to Cuban culture and society.
Cuban Space Trade History
First Floor
Gain detailed insights into the historical space trade in Cuba, a fascinating aspect of the African diaspora's influence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Language Barrier & Value
Navigating the Collection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Hire a Spanish-speaking guide
Essential for understanding exhibits. The price is reasonable and greatly enhances the visit.
⏳ Allow ample time
The museum can feel overwhelming; take your time to absorb the rich collection.
✨ Focus on key floors
The first and second floors offer particularly detailed and engaging information.
💰 Affordable entry
The low entry fee makes it an accessible cultural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Hire a Spanish-speaking guide
Essential for understanding exhibits. The price is reasonable and greatly enhances the visit.
⏳ Allow ample time
The museum can feel overwhelming; take your time to absorb the rich collection.
✨ Focus on key floors
The first and second floors offer particularly detailed and engaging information.
💰 Affordable entry
The low entry fee makes it an accessible cultural experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Casa de África for its incredible collection and tribute to African contributions to Cuba, particularly highlighting the detailed information on space trade and the significance of Orisa. While some find the museum a bit disorganized and note the lack of English descriptions, the affordable price and helpful staff make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in Afro-Cuban heritage.
"Without a guide, there is no point in visiting this museum for someone who doesn't speak Spanish. Of course, it is easy to guess what the exhibits were used for, but also it would be great to hear about the bigger picture. The museum is quite messy, but for this price (120 peso) you can always take a look."
Jagoda Strojanowska
"I visited Case De Africa in June along with my wife.
I thoroughly enjoyed the museum. I begin to feel a bit overwhelmed while visiting the museum and the staff were very helpful.
I look forward to visiting the museum again during my time in Havana."
Brendon Joyner-EL
"What an incredible collection and tribute to our African contributions."
Dr. Rae La Roche, Ph.D.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa de África is located in Old Havana. You can reach it by taxi or on foot if you are staying in the vicinity. Many visitors find walking through the historic streets to be part of the experience.
Public transport in Havana can be challenging. Taxis (including classic American cars) are a more reliable and common way to reach the museum from different parts of the city.
For first-time visitors, consider combining your visit with a walk through Old Havana. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere and easily locate the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is quite affordable, around 120 Cuban pesos, making it a budget-friendly cultural outing.
Generally, advance booking is not required for Casa de África. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the museum.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daytime hours on weekdays. It's advisable to check locally or confirm with your accommodation for the most current times.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the general admission price is already very low, making it accessible for most travelers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Without a guide, it can be challenging as most exhibit descriptions are in Spanish. Hiring a Spanish-speaking guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Visitors particularly enjoy the first and second floors, which detail Cuban space trade and the significance of Orisa. The entire collection is a tribute to African contributions to Cuba.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the museum thoroughly, especially if you plan to hire a guide or take your time absorbing the information.
Some visitors find the museum a bit messy or disorganized in its layout, but the staff are known to be very helpful in assisting visitors.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon entry regarding permission for taking photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within Casa de África itself. However, being located in Old Havana, numerous restaurants and cafes are within walking distance.
The surrounding area offers a variety of Cuban cuisine, from traditional dishes to more contemporary options. You'll find paladares (private restaurants) and state-run eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can be inconsistent. It's advisable to look for signs or ask museum staff for clarification before taking pictures to avoid any issues.
The vibrant art and artifacts themselves are the main photographic subjects. Focus on capturing the details of the exhibits that resonate with you.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience with children, a Spanish-speaking guide could be beneficial to translate and explain concepts in a way that younger minds can grasp. Alternatively, focus on the vibrant colors and forms in the artwork, turning it into a visual scavenger hunt for interesting objects.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value without breaking the bank, consider skipping a formal guide if you have a good grasp of Spanish or are content with a visual exploration. However, if understanding the nuances is crucial, pooling resources with other travelers to hire a guide could be a cost-effective solution.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Orisa
Exploring this aspect of the museum provides a deeper context for understanding the African diaspora's enduring cultural impact. The detailed information, especially on the second floor, allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the syncretism that occurred when African traditions met Catholicism in Cuba. It's a journey into the heart of Afro-Cuban spirituality.
The Significance of African Contributions
Beyond the spiritual and artistic, the museum also touches upon the historical context, including aspects like the space trade in Cuba. This highlights the complex economic and social exchanges that occurred, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of African heritage with Cuban history. The exhibits aim to provide a comprehensive narrative, moving beyond superficial representations to offer a more authentic and respectful portrayal of this vital cultural heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit