Museum of Colonial Art
Discover Cuban art and colonial history in a stunning 1720 mansion, a gem of early Havana architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potentially open, fewer crowds
Museum of Colonial Art
Best Time
Potentially open, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cuban art and colonial history in a stunning 1720 mansion, a gem of early Havana architecture.
"A must-visit for its focus on Cuban artists and the beautiful 18th-century mansion."
💰 Understand the Fee Structure
The 600 CUP fee likely includes a mandatory guide. Tipping your guide is expected and appreciated for their effort.
🗣️ Brush up on Spanish Basics
While guides try their best in English, knowing some Spanish will enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Mansion Architecture
The entire building
Explore an elegant 1720 mansion, a prime example of early colonial domestic architecture with a beautiful courtyard.
Cuban Art Collection
Exhibition rooms
Discover revolutionary art, pre-revolution pieces, and older paintings celebrating Cuban landscapes and beauty.
Governor's Balcony View
Second-floor balcony
Overlook the bustling plaza from a historic balcony, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding the Entry Fee & Guide
Timing Your Visit for Art & Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Understand the Fee Structure
The 600 CUP fee likely includes a mandatory guide. Tipping your guide is expected and appreciated for their effort.
🗣️ Brush up on Spanish Basics
While guides try their best in English, knowing some Spanish will enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Guided Tours
Ropes block off rooms, making a guide essential for access and explanations. They manage the pace of the tour.
🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture
Don't just focus on the art; the 1720 mansion itself is a historical gem worth admiring.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Understand the Fee Structure
The 600 CUP fee likely includes a mandatory guide. Tipping your guide is expected and appreciated for their effort.
🗣️ Brush up on Spanish Basics
While guides try their best in English, knowing some Spanish will enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Guided Tours
Ropes block off rooms, making a guide essential for access and explanations. They manage the pace of the tour.
🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture
Don't just focus on the art; the 1720 mansion itself is a historical gem worth admiring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors have mixed feelings about the Museum of Colonial Art. While some praise its focus on Cuban artists and the beautiful 1720 mansion, others find the mandatory guide and fee to be a bit much. The art collection is appreciated for its historical and cultural significance, but the overall experience can depend heavily on the guide's English proficiency and the visitor's expectations.
"Unfortunately, in had an underwhelming experience here. For 600 pesos, you enter the place but from the beginning, one person accompanied you all around the complex, and eventually, you are obliged to tip that person, who cannot even speak English. It is an old method of milking more money out of people. The place has a number of ordinary items and not visiting it would not be a big deal."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
"My favorite museum in Havana, Only exhibits Cuban artists which is perfect this way Cuban art gets center stage. Much revolutionary arts, pre- revolution y art before the revolution as well as older paintings of landscapes and the beauty of the Cuban countryside."
armando vilaseca
"A mansion built in 1720 by the governor of Cuba Don Luis Chacón. Overall cool exhibitions. There is a balcony on the second floor where you can overlook the plaza. A staff walked us from room to room. Rooms are blocked by rope. She removed the rope let us in, and explained the displays of each room. The entrance is free but the staff asked for a donation at the end."
Wensi F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Old Havana, a walkable area. You can reach it by taxi or on foot if you are staying nearby. Many visitors find it convenient to combine with other Old Havana attractions.
While direct public transport to the museum's doorstep might be limited, you can take local buses to the general area of Old Havana and then walk. Taxis are a more direct option.
Wandering on foot is the best way to soak in the atmosphere of Old Havana. Consider visiting nearby plazas like Plaza Vieja or Plaza de Armas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is reportedly around 600 CUP. This fee often includes a mandatory guided tour.
Yes, it appears a guide is mandatory. Rooms are often roped off, and the guide escorts visitors through the exhibits.
Based on visitor experiences, it seems a guide is required to access the exhibition rooms, as they are protected by ropes.
Advance booking is generally not mentioned as a requirement. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
The museum may be open on Sundays, but hours can vary. Some reviews suggest it closes around 1:30 PM, so it's best to confirm locally.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features Cuban art, including revolutionary pieces, pre-revolution works, and older paintings of landscapes and Cuban countryside.
The museum is housed in a mansion built in 1720 by Don Luis Chacón, the governor of Cuba, and is a notable example of early colonial domestic architecture.
Photography policies can vary, but given the delicate nature of the items, it's advisable to ask your guide or look for signage regarding photo restrictions.
While it offers historical and artistic insights, the guided tour format and delicate exhibits might be more engaging for older children or adults.
A guided tour typically lasts around 30-60 minutes, depending on the guide's pace and your engagement with the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have dining facilities. However, Old Havana is filled with restaurants and cafes offering Cuban cuisine.
You can find traditional Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja, Moros y Cristianos, and various seafood options. Many paladares (private restaurants) offer authentic experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The elegant courtyard and the second-floor balcony overlooking the plaza are prime spots for architectural photography.
Given the delicate nature of the colonial artifacts, photography inside the exhibition rooms might be restricted. Always check for signage or ask your guide.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is good for both architectural shots and exhibit details. A wider lens can capture the courtyard effectively.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cuban Expression
Visitors often highlight the museum's commitment to showcasing art that reflects different facets of Cuban life and history. Whether it's the bold statements of revolutionary art or the more subtle depictions of rural life, the collection offers a comprehensive narrative. The intimate setting of the colonial mansion further enhances the experience, allowing for a more personal connection with the artworks. It’s a place where the art tells stories of Cuba’s past, present, and its enduring spirit.
A Glimpse into Colonial Havana
Walking through the museum, visitors are transported back in time. The layout, the materials used, and the overall design speak volumes about the lifestyle and architectural trends of the 18th century. The second-floor balcony provides a particularly striking vantage point, allowing visitors to overlook the surrounding plaza and imagine the bustling life of colonial Havana. The mandatory guided tours, while sometimes a point of contention, are essential for understanding the historical context of both the building and the artifacts within.
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