Napoleonic Museum
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Napoleonic Museum

4.7
·75 reviews·Havana, Cuba

Discover a unique Napoleonic collection housed in a stunning 19th-century palace in Havana, featuring artifacts and Napoleon's death mask.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal experience

CrowdLow
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Napoleonic Museum

Napoleonic Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a unique Napoleonic collection housed in a stunning 19th-century palace in Havana, featuring artifacts and Napoleon's death mask.

4.7
(75 reviews)

"A fascinating place to visit with a spectacular collection of Napoleon’s belongings and furniture."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Google hours might be off; it often closes by 3 PM. Confirm locally!

Bag Storage Required 🧳

You'll likely need to store bags before entering. Plan accordingly.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Napoleon's Death Mask

Napoleon's Death Mask

A poignant artifact offering a direct connection to the legendary emperor.

19th Century Palace Architecture

19th Century Palace Architecture

The building itself

Admire the stunning architecture and beautifully decorated rooms of this historic Havana gem.

Secluded Garden Oasis

Secluded Garden Oasis

Museum garden

Escape the city bustle in this charming, hidden garden, a true treasure.

Napoleonic Era Artifacts

Napoleonic Era Artifacts

Explore a remarkable collection of furniture and artifacts from Napoleon's time.

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Planning Your Visit

Uncover Napoleonic History in Havana

Discover a unique collection of Napoleonic artifacts in Havana's stunning 19th-century palace. Explore beautifully decorated rooms and a secluded garden. A must-see for history buffs!

Navigating Your Visit

Check current opening hours as they may differ from online listings. While entry is often free or low-cost, tipping staff is appreciated. Bag storage is usually required.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Potentially free entry, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Did You Know There is a Napoleon Museum in Havana?

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Google hours might be off; it often closes by 3 PM. Confirm locally!

Bag Storage Required 🧳

You'll likely need to store bags before entering. Plan accordingly.

reddit.com

First trip to Cuba May 10-13.

Tip the Staff 🙏

Friendly and knowledgeable staff appreciate tips, especially if entry is free.

History Buff's Delight 📜

A must-visit for Napoleon fans or lovers of antique furniture.

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Google hours might be off; it often closes by 3 PM. Confirm locally!

Bag Storage Required 🧳

You'll likely need to store bags before entering. Plan accordingly.

Tip the Staff 🙏

Friendly and knowledgeable staff appreciate tips, especially if entry is free.

History Buff's Delight 📜

A must-visit for Napoleon fans or lovers of antique furniture.

Stunning Views 🏙️

Enjoy great views over Havana from the museum.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(75 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the Napoleonic Museum's stunning palace architecture and its surprisingly rich collection of artifacts, including Napoleon's death mask. The secluded garden offers a peaceful escape, and the friendly staff enhance the experience. While entry fees can vary, many find it a worthwhile and fascinating visit.

"It seemed bizarre to find a museum about Napoleon in Havana (I still need to investigate how that came about), but the building is absolutely stunning and in good shape and would be a reason by itself to visit! The secluded garden is also a little treasure in the busy city. Nicely decorated 19th century rooms and different artefacts from the Napoleonic era.

There was not an entrance fee but we were probably the only visitors (April 2022). We were however asked to store our bags in the storeroom and could not take them in the museum. The staff was friendly and helpful, and as in many places, provided us with hand sanitizer. There appeared to be another floor that was not open during our visit. There was a small antique looking elevator, but I'm not sure if it was operational."

M. W. van Tol

"Fascinating place to visit. It was free on the day that I went (Saturday) but a tip for the wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable staff there will no doubt be appreciated. I don't think that the opening hours are correct on Google, pretty sure that it closes at 3pm. Definitely worth a visit"

Helen McMahon

"The entry is 3 cuc. The collection is really beautiful hence it’s worth a visit if you are a Napoleon fan or if you just like antique furniture etc. plus you have a great view over Havana!"

jeremie30#

What People Like

Stunning palace architecture
Impressive artifact collection
Secluded garden oasis

What People Dislike

Inconsistent opening hours
Bag storage requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located near the University of Havana. You can reach it by taxi or a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby, as suggested by travelers.Reddit It's a good addition to a historical walking tour of the city.

Yes, it's situated in a relatively central area of Havana, making it accessible for tourists staying in or near the capital.Reddit

Many visitors combine a visit to the museum with exploring the nearby University of Havana or other historical sites in the city. It's a great stop on a historical itinerary.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees can vary. Some visitors reported it being free on Saturdays,Reddit while others mentioned a small fee of 3 CUC.Reddit It's best to check upon arrival.

Advance booking is generally not required. Visitors have reported being able to enter without prior reservation, sometimes being the only ones there.Reddit

Yes, visitors are typically asked to store their bags in a storeroom before entering the museum.Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent. While Google might list certain times, it's often reported that the museum closes around 3 PM.Reddit It's advisable to confirm locally.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum boasts a stunning collection of Napoleonic artifacts, including furniture, personal items, and Napoleon's death mask.Reddit The building itself and its decorated rooms are also a major draw.Reddit

Yes, you can experience the highlights in about an hour if you're short on time.Reddit However, you might want to linger longer to appreciate the details.

Absolutely! The museum features a beautiful, secluded garden that offers a peaceful escape.Reddit You can also enjoy great views over Havana from within the museum.

There is an antique-looking elevator mentioned by visitors, but its operational status might be uncertain.Reddit Be prepared to use the stairs if needed.

It's a unique collection outside of France, showcasing a significant array of Napoleonic belongings and furniture,Reddit offering a fascinating glimpse into that era.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. While some visitors may have taken photos, it's always best to check for signage or ask staff before using your camera or phone.

The stunning architecture of the palace, the beautifully decorated 19th-century rooms, and the tranquil garden are all excellent subjects for photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Napoleonic Museum can be an engaging stop for families, especially if children have an interest in history or unique artifacts. The stunning palace building itself can capture a child's imagination, and the idea of Napoleon's death mask might spark curiosity. The secluded garden offers a safe space for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy a moment of calm away from the city's energy.

Keep in mind that the museum requires bag storage, which is usually manageable for families. The visit can be kept relatively short, around an hour, making it suitable for shorter attention spans. Consider framing the visit as a treasure hunt for historical items to make it more interactive for younger visitors.

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, the Napoleonic Museum is an absolute must-see. The collection is described as spectacular and significant, offering a deep dive into the Napoleonic era with artifacts rarely seen outside of France.Reddit The chance to see Napoleon's death mask up close is a particular highlight.

Beyond the artifacts, the museum's setting in a beautiful 19th-century palace adds another layer of historical immersion. Exploring the decorated rooms and understanding the context of the collection within this grand setting provides a rich, multi-faceted historical experience. The knowledgeable staff can also offer insights that enhance your understanding.

📸 Photography Lovers

Photographers will find the Napoleonic Museum a visually rewarding destination. The architectural grandeur of the 19th-century palace provides a stunning backdrop, with its ornate details and beautifully preserved interiors. The collection of antique furniture and artifacts also offers unique still-life photography opportunities.

Don't miss the secluded garden, which provides a charming and tranquil setting for photography, offering a contrast to the museum's indoor opulence. While photography policies should always be confirmed with staff, the visual appeal of the museum's spaces and exhibits makes it a highly photogenic location.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unexpected Napoleonic Collection

It might seem unusual to find a museum dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte in Havana, Cuba. The origins of this collection are a fascinating historical footnote, with many artifacts finding their way to the island through various historical circumstances. The museum houses what is described as the second-best array of Napoleonic items outside of France,Reddit making it a significant cultural repository.

Visitors consistently praise the quality and beauty of the collection, which includes furniture, personal effects, and the iconic death mask of Napoleon. The museum is housed in a stunning 19th-century palace, which itself is a reason to visit. The architecture and the meticulously decorated rooms transport you back in time, offering a rich visual experience alongside the historical artifacts.Reddit

Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers a tranquil escape with its secluded garden. This hidden gem provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city streets. Combined with the historical significance and the architectural splendor, the Napoleonic Museum offers a surprisingly rich and rewarding cultural experience for any visitor to Havana.

Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips

Planning your visit to the Napoleonic Museum involves a few practical considerations. While many visitors report that entry is free or very inexpensive (around 3 CUC),Reddit it's wise to be prepared for potential fees. A common practice in Cuban museums is the requirement to store personal bags before entering the exhibition halls,Reddit so factor in a moment for this upon arrival. This ensures the preservation of the delicate artifacts.

Pay close attention to the opening hours, as they can be inconsistent and may not always align with online listings. Several visitors have noted that the museum often closes by 3 PM,Reddit so aiming for a morning or early afternoon visit is recommended. The staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable,Reddit and a small tip is always appreciated, especially if you've enjoyed a free entry experience.

For those interested in photography, the museum's opulent interiors and the charming garden offer numerous picturesque opportunities. However, always check for signage or inquire with staff regarding photography policies before snapping pictures to ensure you comply with museum regulations.

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