The Top Art Galleries In Havana Cuba

Subjected to the same political, social and economic complexities that permeate every aspect of life in Cuba today, contemporary Cuban art is an exquisite convergence of ideas, internal struggles, aesthetic principles, marketing interests, and available materials, resulting in unique forms of expression. Nowadays, it’s not hard to see the work of established Cuban artists in some of the main art circuits in the U.S. and Europe, but if you are visiting Havana, a tour of the city’s leading art galleries is an excellent opportunity to see a lot of it in its natural environment.

1. Cuban Art Factory (FAC)

Unlike more traditional art galleries in Havana, where people contemplate art solemnly, Cuban Art Factory (FAC) is a place to enjoy visual arts in combination with other forms of art (live music, performances, dance) and enjoyment (food and drinks). This art space is the uncontested new center of cultural nightlife in Cuba and one of the 20 places that you shouldn’t miss in Havana.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), Calle 26, Vedado, Havana, Cuba, +53 7 8382260

http://instagram.com/p/BQiMdeYBs6q/

2. Villa Manuela

Art Gallery

Since its foundation in 2004, Villa Manuela has been an important gathering point for artists, art critics, and lovers of contemporary Cuban art. Attached to Cuba’s National Association of Writers and Artists, this art gallery promotes the works of the members of that organization. Add that to the fact that the gallery doesn’t have a license to commercialize art, and you’ll find unique shows featuring a varied selection of styles and artists from different generations. Art shows are held monthly, amounting to approximately 10 shows per year.

3. Factoria Habana

Art Gallery, School

Factoria Habana, installed in a spacious loft, is a relatively new art gallery in Old Havana. Its very interior structure and design seek to convey the center’s factory-like dynamic approach to art—a place that brings together art production, marketing, and the training of new generations of critics, curators, architects, urban planners, designers, and all kinds of artists. Among the most famous shows held at this gallery was Work in Progress by Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld in 2016.

5. Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales (CDAV)

The Center for the Development of the Visual Arts (CDAV) promotes innovative works that explore new areas of artistic creation by both established and emerging artists. The center organizes two big art events every year: an exhibition with the works by the winners of their yearly art competition (Salon de Premiados), and the Contemporary Cuban Art Salon. Its location on one of the corners of the Old Square—one of the main tourist centers in Old Havana—makes it very accessible for out-of-towners.

Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales, 352 San Ignacio, Old Havana, Cuba

http://instagram.com/p/BU0M5y_lyv6/

6. Servando Art Gallery

Art Gallery, Museum

The Servando Art Gallery, devoted to the promotion of works by emerging artists, is a good place to visit for those staying in Vedado and one of the main attractions near the John Lennon Park. Located to the left of the Charles Chaplin Cinema, on the corner of 23 and 10 streets, the gallery hosts shows that remain on display for approximately three weeks. Their list of exhibitions includes some of the most talented young Cuban artists at the moment, including Lazaro Saavedra, Alejandro Campins, and Luis Enrique López-Chávez.

7. Fototeca de Cuba

This institution devoted to preserving and promoting Cuban photography holds regular photography exhibitions by both Cuban and foreign artists, generally lasting from one to two months. There are shows year-round, but the most important event organized by the Fototeca is a yearly colloquium that takes place in November. Founded in 1986, the Fototeca treasures the most valuable photography archive in the country, with important pieces on display in its permanent exhibition halls.

Fototeca de Cuba, Mercaderes, Old Havana, Cuba, +53 7 8622530

http://instagram.com/p/izfLIfQIG8/

8. Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center

Art Gallery, Cathedral

Founded in 1983 with the goal of promoting visual arts produced in developing countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean, the Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center is one of the main cultural institutions in the country. It’s internationally renowned as the organizer of one of the main visual arts events in Cuba and the region: the Havana Art Biennial. Housed in an old colonial construction next to the Havana Cathedral (close to La Bodeguita del Medio), this cultural complex includes different exhibition spaces, bookstores, and projection halls, among other amenities.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.