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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer student groups

Museum of the Revolution
Best Time
Fewer student groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Cuba's revolutionary past through military hardware and the iconic Granma yacht, set within a stunning former palace.
"See pieces of history that scream so much history, even with ongoing renovations."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Architectural Grandeur
Exterior
Admire the stunning architecture of the former Presidential Palace, even if the interiors are closed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Renovation Status
Focus on Outdoor Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommendations for a trip to Havana
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.
Any comrades have advice on best places to visit while in Cuba to take in some communist history?
Suggestions Needed - Havana
Budget-Friendly Entry
The entrance fee for the accessible parts is usually very low (around 200 CUP).
Bag Storage Caution
Be mindful of bag storage policies; some visitors have reported concerns about unattended items.
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Budget-Friendly Entry
The entrance fee for the accessible parts is usually very low (around 200 CUP).
Bag Storage Caution
Be mindful of bag storage policies; some visitors have reported concerns about unattended items.
Historical Context
Understand this is the 'Cuban version of history,' offering a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, if you are exploring Old Havana, the museum is within walking distance of many key sites like Plaza Vieja and the Capitolio Nacional.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The entrance fee for the accessible parts, like the outdoor vehicle display, is typically very affordable, often around 200 Cuban Pesos (CUP).
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.
Given the current situation with partial access, advance booking is generally not required. Tickets are usually purchased on-site for the accessible sections.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
The outdoor display of military hardware can be fascinating for children. However, the historical context might be more appreciated by older children and adults.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography of the outdoor military hardware is generally allowed and encouraged, offering a unique visual record of Cuba's revolutionary past.
The Granma yacht is displayed in a way that allows for clear photographs, capturing its historical significance as the vessel of revolution.
Morning light can be ideal for capturing the details of the vehicles and the building's architecture without harsh midday shadows.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
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.
Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the History
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.
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.
Navigating Renovations and Access
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit