Museum of Decorative Arts
Explore a lavish neoclassical mansion, once home to a wealthy family, showcasing opulent French-influenced decor and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Museum of Decorative Arts
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a lavish neoclassical mansion, once home to a wealthy family, showcasing opulent French-influenced decor and art.
"A beautiful European-style house with incredible preserved art pieces and passionate guides."
✨ Guided Tour Recommended
Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the mansion's history to life.
💡 Be Prepared for Natural Light
Some areas may rely on natural light, so visit when windows offer good illumination.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neoclassical Mansion Interior
Throughout the mansion
Explore opulent rooms adorned with French-influenced styles like Rococo, Baroque, and Regency.
Art and Furniture Collection
Various rooms
Admire a diverse collection of art, furniture, and figurines from different cultures and countries.
Garden Statues
Garden
Stroll through the garden featuring beautiful statues scattered around the grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's a Mansion, Not a Traditional Museum
Lighting and Guided Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Guided Tour Recommended
Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the mansion's history to life. +1
💡 Be Prepared for Natural Light
Some areas may rely on natural light, so visit when windows offer good illumination.
🏡 Focus on the Architecture
The mansion's interior and decor are as impressive as the artifacts themselves.
⏳ Allow About an Hour
It's a relatively small museum, perfect for a focused visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Guided Tour Recommended
Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the mansion's history to life. +1
💡 Be Prepared for Natural Light
Some areas may rely on natural light, so visit when windows offer good illumination.
🏡 Focus on the Architecture
The mansion's interior and decor are as impressive as the artifacts themselves.
⏳ Allow About an Hour
It's a relatively small museum, perfect for a focused visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Museum of Decorative Arts to be a beautiful, well-preserved mansion showcasing opulent European-influenced decor. While some find it smaller than expected and note dim lighting, the knowledgeable and passionate guides are frequently highlighted as a major asset, making the historical insights truly shine.
"Not what you’re expecting. It’s the former home of an extremely wealthy Spanish- Cuban family, decorated in a variety of French-influenced styles: rococo, baroque, regency, etc. If you’re seeking a true museum, with a good variety of objets and helpful signage, you’ll be disappointed.
When I visited, the museum was not turning on any lights, so the only illumination was from the windows.
The guides were quite emphatic that the family wasn’t Jewish, despite the prominent placement of a star of David in the entryway. I wonder…"
Dan Richman
"Beautiful old mansion with beautiful furniture and art. Pretty grades with statues spread around the garden. Well worth an hour to spend in the museum."
armando vilaseca
"It's one of the well organized museums in Havana; and the furniture is varied from different cultures & countries. It's rather small though and over-hyped for some reason by all the tourism sites & blogs out-there. It's still a nice place to visit. I found the interior of the mansion more interesting than the artifacts though."
Wadih Antoun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on a regular road in Havana. Taxis are a common and convenient way to reach it. Ask your driver for the 'Museo de Artes Decorativas'.
While on an unassuming road, it's a well-known spot for guided tours. Your guide will likely know the exact location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check locally or with your accommodation. Generally, it's open during daytime hours.
Admission fees are typically reasonable. It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival.
Advance booking is usually not required for general entry, but guided tours might have limited spots. It's good to arrive a bit early.
Guided tours are often included or available for a small additional fee. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Taking a guided tour is highly recommended to understand the history and significance of the mansion and its contents.
Photography policies can change. It's best to ask permission from staff before taking pictures, especially with flash.
As it's a historic mansion, accessibility might be limited. There are stairs, and some areas might be challenging for those with mobility concerns.
The museum features a variety of art, furniture, and figurines reflecting French-influenced styles and pieces from different cultures.
Crowd levels can vary, but it's generally considered less crowded than major tourist attractions, especially if you visit during off-peak hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, there are no dining facilities within the museum itself. You'll find food options in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The surrounding areas of Havana offer a range of paladares (private restaurants) and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate interiors, detailed furniture, and the garden statues offer excellent photo opportunities. The natural light can be beautiful for capturing the ambiance.
Flash photography is often prohibited in museums to protect delicate artifacts. Always check signage or ask staff.
Morning hours, when natural light streams through the windows, can be ideal for capturing the mansion's beauty.
Social
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