Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana
La Habana
The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana, located in Cuba's capital, is a distinguished institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Cuban and international art. Founded in 1913 through the vision of architect Emilio Heredia, the museum has evolved into two main venues: the Palacio de Bellas Artes, which exclusively houses Cuban art spanning from the 17th to 19th centuries and contemporary periods, and the Palacio del Centro Asturiano, which features European paintings, sculptures, and ancient art. The Palacio de Bellas Artes, opened in 1954 and designed by architect Rodriguez Pichardo, includes rooms devoted to landscape, religious themes, and Costumbrismo scenes reflecting Cuban life. It also highlights works from the 1970s marked by Hyperrealism and symbolic imagery, featuring renowned artists such as René Portocarrero and Wifredo Lam. Outside the main entrance stands a modernist sculpture by Rita Longa, a celebrated Cuban artist. The Palacio del Centro Asturiano, originally built in 1927 by Manuel Bustos as a social club for Asturian natives and later used as the Supreme Court of Justice after the 1959 Revolution, now hosts the museum's universal art collections. This dual-site museum offers a comprehensive journey through Cuban artistic heritage alongside a rich selection of European masterpieces, making it a cultural cornerstone in Havana.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and to check opening hours in advance. Purchasing tickets ahead of time can help streamline entry, and discounted rates may be available for students and seniors. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the Cuban art collections and the architectural significance of both museum buildings.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is split between two historic buildings: the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Palacio del Centro Asturiano.
- •A modernist sculpture by renowned Cuban artist Rita Longa stands at the main entrance of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
- •The Palacio del Centro Asturiano was originally a social club for immigrants from Asturias, Spain, before its integration into the museum.
- •The museum's Cuban art collection spans from the 17th century to contemporary works, including prominent artists like René Portocarrero and Wifredo Lam.
History
The museum was founded on February 23, 1913, largely due to Emilio Heredia, its first director and a prominent architect.
It experienced several relocations before settling on the site of the former Colon Market.
In 1954, the Palacio de Bellas Artes was inaugurated, designed by Rodriguez Pichardo to exclusively display Cuban art.
The Palacio del Centro Asturiano, constructed in 1927 by Manuel Bustos as a club for Asturian immigrants, was repurposed after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, serving as the Supreme Court of Justice before becoming part of the museum complex.
Place Guide
Palacio de Bellas Artes1954
This building exclusively houses Cuban art collections, featuring rooms dedicated to landscapes, religious themes, and Costumbrismo scenes depicting Cuban life from the 17th to 19th centuries. It also showcases 20th-century works, including Hyperrealism and symbolic imagery from the 1970s onward.
Palacio del Centro Asturiano1927
Originally built in 1927 as a social club for natives of Asturias, Spain, this building now hosts the museum's universal art collections, including European paintings, sculptures, and ancient art.
Contact
Phone: (07) 8633763
