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Museum of the Revolution

3.9
·109 reviews·La Habana, Cuba

Explore Cuba's revolutionary past through military hardware and the iconic Granma yacht, set within a stunning former palace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer student groups

CrowdLow
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Exterior

Museum of the Revolution

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer student groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Cuba's revolutionary past through military hardware and the iconic Granma yacht, set within a stunning former palace.

3.9
(109 reviews)

"See pieces of history that scream so much history, even with ongoing renovations."

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Opening Status

Always check current renovation status before visiting to manage expectations.

Outdoor Exhibits are Key

The vehicle display and Granma Memorial are often accessible and historically significant.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Revolutionary Vehicle Display

Revolutionary Vehicle Display

Outdoor Exhibit

See iconic tanks, jeeps, and aircraft that played a role in Cuba's history. A powerful visual testament to past conflicts.

Granma Memorial

Granma Memorial

Near Main Building

View the Granma yacht, the vessel that carried Fidel Castro and revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba.

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Exterior

Admire the stunning architecture of the former Presidential Palace, even if the interiors are closed.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Renovation Status

The main building has been under renovation for an extended period. Confirm if the primary exhibits are accessible before your visit to avoid disappointment. The outdoor vehicle display and Granma Memorial are often still open.

Focus on Outdoor Exhibits

Even if the main museum is closed, the outdoor display of military vehicles and the Granma Memorial offer a significant historical experience. These areas are typically accessible and provide a tangible connection to Cuba's revolutionary past.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer student groups
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Outdoor exhibits are still accessible
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations for a trip to Havana

Confirm Opening Status

Always check current renovation status before visiting to manage expectations. Reddit

Outdoor Exhibits are Key

The vehicle display and Granma Memorial are often accessible and historically significant. Reddit

reddit.com

Any comrades have advice on best places to visit while in Cuba to take in some communist history?

reddit.com

Suggestions Needed - Havana

Budget-Friendly Entry

The entrance fee for the accessible parts is usually very low (around 200 CUP). Reddit

Bag Storage Caution

Be mindful of bag storage policies; some visitors have reported concerns about unattended items. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Opening Status

Always check current renovation status before visiting to manage expectations. Reddit

Outdoor Exhibits are Key

The vehicle display and Granma Memorial are often accessible and historically significant. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Entry

The entrance fee for the accessible parts is usually very low (around 200 CUP). Reddit

Bag Storage Caution

Be mindful of bag storage policies; some visitors have reported concerns about unattended items. Reddit

Historical Context

Understand this is the 'Cuban version of history,' offering a unique perspective. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(109 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Museum of the Revolution interesting, particularly the outdoor display of military vehicles and the Granma Memorial, which offer a tangible connection to Cuba's revolutionary past. However, frequent closures due to renovations of the main building can be a significant disappointment, limiting the full museum experience for many.

"Interesting museum but not more than that. When I was there, the main building was under renovation. So I visited the annex part only. If you like to see old American jeeps, missiles and tanks... this is the place. Can be seen in less than one hour."

Oliver K

"Still closed for renovation as of November 2023 but the building itself has stunning architecture and you can visit the nearby Granma Memorial for CUP 200 (~$0.77)"

B F

"Still closed for the main exhibition. The part where all the vehicles stand is still open for 200cup. But you have to leave your bag kind of kind of unattended and not locked away at the „ticket office“, we left for that!"

Tjark Lüneberg

What People Like

Outdoor military hardware
Granma Memorial
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Main building renovations
Limited access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Museum of the Revolution is located in Old Havana, making it easily accessible by taxi or on foot if you are staying in the historic center. Many visitors combine a visit with exploring Old Havana's streets. Reddit

Parking in Old Havana can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use taxis or public transport, or to be prepared for a potentially difficult search for street parking. Reddit

Yes, if you are exploring Old Havana, the museum is within walking distance of many key sites like Plaza Vieja and the Capitolio Nacional. Reddit

From Vedado, taking a taxi is the most convenient option. You can also look for local buses that head towards Old Havana, though this may be less direct. Reddit

While official guided tours within the museum might be limited due to renovations, many walking tours of Old Havana include a stop or overview of the museum's exterior and historical significance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, especially due to ongoing renovations. It's crucial to check locally or confirm with your accommodation for the most up-to-date information. The outdoor exhibits and Granma Memorial are often accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

The entrance fee for the accessible parts, like the outdoor vehicle display, is typically very affordable, often around 200 Cuban Pesos (CUP). Reddit

As of late 2023, the main building has been under renovation, with only the annex or outdoor exhibits typically open. It's essential to verify the current status before your visit. Reddit

Given the current situation with partial access, advance booking is generally not required. Tickets are usually purchased on-site for the accessible sections. Reddit

The Granma Memorial is often included with the general admission for the accessible parts of the museum, or has a nominal separate fee, typically around 200 CUP. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can still explore the impressive outdoor display of military vehicles, including tanks and jeeps, and visit the Granma Memorial, which houses the yacht used by Fidel Castro. The building's exterior architecture is also noteworthy. Reddit

If only the outdoor exhibits are open, a visit can be completed in less than an hour. If the main exhibition were fully open, it would likely take 1-2 hours. Reddit

The outdoor display of military hardware can be fascinating for children. However, the historical context might be more appreciated by older children and adults. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, photography of the outdoor exhibits is permitted, but it's always best to check for any specific rules inside accessible areas. Reddit

The Granma Memorial commemorates the Granma yacht, on which Fidel Castro, his brother Raúl, Che Guevara, and 79 other revolutionaries sailed from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 to launch the Cuban Revolution. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most photogenic elements are the imposing military vehicles displayed outdoors, the historic Granma yacht, and the grand facade of the former Presidential Palace. Reddit

Yes, photography of the outdoor military hardware is generally allowed and encouraged, offering a unique visual record of Cuba's revolutionary past. Reddit

The Granma yacht is displayed in a way that allows for clear photographs, capturing its historical significance as the vessel of revolution. Reddit

Morning light can be ideal for capturing the details of the vehicles and the building's architecture without harsh midday shadows. Reddit

Try capturing the building from the front plaza to get the full scale of its grandeur, or from the sides to highlight its architectural details. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those deeply interested in 20th-century revolutionary history, the Museum of the Revolution is a must-visit, even with partial closures. Focus on the outdoor military hardware and the Granma Memorial for a tangible connection to the events. Consider it a key stop for understanding Cuba's national narrative. Reddit

Be prepared to engage with the 'Cuban version of history' and appreciate the context. If the main building is closed, the exterior architecture of the former Presidential Palace is also a significant point of interest. Reddit

Budget Travelers

The Museum of the Revolution offers excellent value, with very low entrance fees for the accessible sections (around 200 CUP). This makes it an affordable way to experience a significant historical site in Havana. Reddit

Even if the main exhibits are closed, the outdoor displays and Granma Memorial provide a rich historical experience without additional cost. It's a great option for travelers looking to maximize their cultural immersion on a budget. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the History

The Museum of the Revolution, housed in the opulent former Presidential Palace, is a cornerstone for understanding Cuba's revolutionary narrative. It presents the official Cuban perspective on key historical events, particularly the struggle against Batista and subsequent developments. Visitors can expect to see artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the revolutionary process, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the socialist era. Reddit

While the main building has faced prolonged renovations, the accessible outdoor exhibits offer a tangible connection to this history. The collection includes a variety of military hardware – tanks, jeeps, and aircraft – that were instrumental during various conflicts and the revolutionary period. These displays provide a stark visual representation of Cuba's military past and its resilience. Reddit

It's important for visitors to approach the museum with an understanding that it showcases a specific, state-sanctioned historical account. For those interested in Cuban history, it offers a unique and often eye-opening glimpse into the nation's revolutionary spirit and its interpretation of historical events. Reddit

Navigating Renovations and Access

A significant challenge for visitors to the Museum of the Revolution has been the ongoing renovation of the main building. This has meant that access to the primary exhibition halls has been limited or unavailable for extended periods. Travelers planning a visit should always confirm the current status of the renovations before arriving to manage expectations. Reddit

Despite the main building's closure, the museum complex often still allows access to its outdoor exhibits and the Granma Memorial. These areas provide a substantial historical experience, featuring a collection of military vehicles and the iconic yacht that brought Fidel Castro and his comrades to Cuba. The Granma Memorial, in particular, is a poignant reminder of the revolution's origins. Reddit

Visitors who find the main museum closed are still encouraged to visit the accessible parts. The outdoor displays offer a powerful visual narrative, and the Granma Memorial is a significant historical landmark. The architectural beauty of the former Presidential Palace itself is also worth appreciating from the exterior. Reddit

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