The Havana museums definitely
have some interesting choices among them, and the Museo
de la Revolucion is one of the more intriguing.
Found at Calle Refugio 1, it is just one of the featured
attractions in the Old Havana district, if not just for
the building in which it is housed. Previously the
Presidential Palace, the Museo de la Revolucion (Museum
of the Revolution) took on its new role after Fidel Castro
managed to oust then President, Fulgencio Batista.
This is part of what makes the museum’s building
so interesting. Once the home to the fallen leader,
it would become none other than a museum to pay homage
to the revolutionary party that was responsible for removing
him.
The ornate, neo-classical edifice housing the Museum
of the Revolution was finished in 1920. Carlos Maruri,
a Cuban architect, was partly responsible for its design,
as was a Belgian architect by the name of Paul Belau.
Interestingly enough, Tiffany & Company of New York,
was responsible for much of the Palace’s decor.
Definitely resembling a palace that you might find in
Europe, the Museo de la Revolucion employs architectural
elements of French, Spanish and German influence.
As Cuba worked its way through the first half of the 20th
century, there were increasing issues concerning U.S.
interests and those of the native peoples . When the Spanish-American
War ended in 1898, the United States assumed control of
Cuba, and from there, it would help establish the U.S.-backed
dictators that ruled the country for decades. As
Fidel Castro was planning his coup, with the help of Che
Guevara, General Fugencio Batista would first have to
contend with other assaults on his office. Castro
himself had made a past attempt on the President’s
residence in the past. March 13, 1957 saw a university
student uprising in which a group of angry youths attempted
to assassinate Batista, and student riots were becoming
increasingly popular. Failing in their endeavors
every time, many students would be captured, often times
only to be tortured or killed. Batista’s strong-handed
retaliations only served to increase civil unrest.
In 1959, after sailing from Mexico
to Havana aboard the motor launch yacht named Granma,
Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, among others, were successful
in pushing Batista out, and the former President would
then immediately flee the country. Behind the Museum
of the Revolution lies one of the more curious exhibits
here. Housed in a glass enclosure is none other
than the famed Granma. Revolution-aiding tanks and
vehicles are also strewn about, as is part of a American
U2 spy plane. Inside the museum, the exhibits are
dedicated to both the Cuban Revolution, and the War of
Independence that was waged against Spain.
You can take a guided tour if you would like more insight
into what is displayed, and entrance into the museum is
not at all expensive. Those interested in Cuban
history will appreciate these exhibits, as they pertain
to such important times. You can easily spend more
than an hour here, and while you are in Old Havana, you
will want to visit a few of the other great Havana museums.
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), is surely worth a stop in Old Havana, and here you can view works from both Cuban and international artists. The Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City) ,which is found at the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana, is another example of a museum whose building alone is an exhibit. Cuba’s colonial-era is the focus here, and the well-appointed museum rooms are dazzling, to say the least. Some of the best Havana hotels are found in Old Havana, and this historic district is surely a Havana tourism favorite. You can also find old Spanish fortresses, like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza in Old Havana, and the famed Malecon runs part of its stretch where Old Havana meets the sea. It’s truly a dynamic and intriguing neighborhood capable of leaving a mark on even the most seasoned traveler.
