Arts & Entertainment in Cuba
Cuba is known for its Caribbean beaches and rich culture. Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is the island's mecca for arts and entertainment. Cuba has many museums and entertainment venues that reflect everything from early 16th century expeditions to the present culturally diverse makeup of Spanish, African, French and indigenous heritage. Travelers can experience Cuba's rich culture and history simply by visiting these entertainment locales.
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Napoleon Museum
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One of the most historic museums, the Napoleon Museum has Florentine-style architecture showcasing Napoleon Bonaparte artifacts. Inside the museum, tourists can see the various authentic personal belongings of Napoleon and how different artifacts reflected the Bourbon monarchy. Original artwork and period piece replicas adorn the museum, showcasing over 7,300 artwork from the First Empire. According to ArtasonStamps.org, the museum features "paintings, sculptures, furniture, decorative arts, arms, textiles, medals, and a library with precious books in French, Spanish, Italian and English languages."
Napoleon Museum
Calle San Miguel No. 1159 esq. a Ronda
Havana, Cuba
cuba-museums-guide.com
National Museum of Decorative Arts
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The National Museum of Decorative Arts visually recreates the 19th and 20th century European and Asian applied arts, ceramics, china wares, furniture, paintings and sculptures. The museum was built in 1927 by a wealthy Cuban aristocrat by the name of Jose Gamez Mena. Besides the array of European and Asian style art, Mena used lavish decor adorning the property and created a botanical indoor garden with giant bronze dogs guarding the entrance. Decorative Arts also features original antiques from Louis XVI to Ming Dynasty-inspired vases.
The National Museum of Decorative Arts
Calle 17 No. 502
Havana, Cuba 10400 -
National Museum of Music
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The National Museum of Music was first designed in 1905 by merchant Francisco Pons as a lavish home. Once a home of the Pérez de la Riva family, the property was seized by the Cuban government in the mid-1900s. In 1981, the home was restored and claimed as the Music National Museum. The museum combines artifacts and antiques reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance to African cultural art and music. Folk instruments, preserved scores of country hymns, and old-fashioned music machines are exhibits that make up the museums eclectic collection. Cuban music and instruments dating back to the 16th century are showcased throughout the museum.
National Museum of Music
Calle Capdevila No. 1 E.
Aguiar and Habana
Old Havana, Cuba 10400
Tropicana Nightclub
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The Tropicana Nightclub in Havana is entertaining spot for tourists to experience Cuban and Latin-style music and dance. According to the World Travel Guide, the "nightly open-air cabarets are a throwback to the decadent days before the Revolution." The Tropicana features Cuban folklore musicality and rhythm. The nightclub is a historical landmark as well. In the fifties, Tropicana was one of the few nightclubs to showcase big name stars such as choreographer Rodney Neyra and performers like Josephine Baker, Celia Cruz, Tongolele, Xavier Cugat and Los Chavales.
Tropicana Nightclub
Calle 72
Havana, Cuba 10400
cabaret-tropicana.com
Teatro Nacional
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Teatro Nacional is a large modern building, decorated by Cuban works of art. Teatro Nacional has two main stages--the Sala Avellaneda and the Sala Covarrubias--for various performances. Tourists can enjoy special musical performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, which according to Travel Maps of the World, performs regularly at the Teatro Nacional. Dance performances such as the National Ballet of Cuba, jazz concerts and comedy shows are also fun acts at the Teatro Nacional.
Teatro Nacional
Paza de la Revolación
Paseo Y 39
Havana, Cuba 10400
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- Photo Credit cactus-cuba image by Norberto Lauria from Fotolia.com
