Havana’s National Museum of Fine Arts

Do you want to get a crash course in Cuban history? Then start by examining the objects it has created: the Cuban Art collection spans from the Colonial Period to the present day. The collection includes sculptures, engravings, paintings, photographs, and videos by pioneering Cuban artists such as Ana Mendieta and Wifredo Lan.

Across the courtyard in the Universal Art building, you’ll find a delightful collection of artwork. The main collection starts with Flemish and Italian Renaissance art, and closes with select 19th century Spanish and French paintings. The smaller, but priceless “Conde de Lagunillas” collection also includes a handful of pieces from Sumerian and Egyptian Antiquity.

In addition to the main exhibitions, the National Museum of Fine Arts has two rooms for temporary displays. During flagship events such as the Bienal de La Habana (Havana Biennial) expect extra exhibits from Cuban and international artists whose works focus on issues related to Latin America and the developing world.

Guided tours

If you’re looking to go deep into the history of the pieces on display, the museum offers guided tours in both English and Spanish. On the other hand, for the more casual art fan, written information is provided alongside the works displayed, so feel free to wander through the exhibitions at your own pace and absorb the sense of expression and adventure that resonates throughout the buildings.

The Museum Library

Home to fascinating texts related to Cuban and international art, the National Museum of Fine Arts’ extensive library is open to visitors at no extra cost.

Now, at this point, we know what you’re thinking: heading to a library probably wasn’t top of your list of things to do on a Caribbean island. However, we’d be lying if we said the vast shelves weren’t worth a quick browse. You really couldn’t ask for a more well-preserved narrative of the museum’s evolution.

Music at the Museum

​​A small yet sophisticated concert hall located in the Cuban Art building plays host to events from Friday to Sunday. This venue is renowned for supporting youth musicians and up-and-coming projects. It specializes in Jazz and Cuban Trova, but you can expect the odd stage play and even European operatic Bel Canto.

To get your hands on tickets just head to the venue an hour before showtime. If you’re lucky enough to be in town at the right moment, on special dates throughout the year, more prominent events are held in the prestigious surroundings of the museum's courtyard. Information about all of the venue's events can be found on the National Museum of Fine Arts website.

The Museum Cafe

The museum’s cafe can be found on the first floor of both buildings. It provides cozy and enjoyable spots to regroup after appreciating the eclectic exhibitions. Take a moment to sip an aromatic Cuban coffee and relax in the cafe’s elegant surroundings, while observing the city’s beehive-like activity through its large crystal windows.

The Gift Shop

Some of us can’t resist the temptation of starting a collection of our own. When heading out of the museum, make sure you drop by the gift shop. Here, you’ll find books about many of the artists on display, in addition to high-brow souvenirs and knickknacks.

The Museum is located on Agramonte street, on the corner with Belgica Avenue. It’s a very short walk from the Capitolio Nacional, one of Old Havana’s most recognizable landmarks. It is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. It closes at 2:00 pm on Sundays, and it’s closed on Mondays. Enjoy!

Written by Gabriela Rey.

Published October 2022