Overview
Learn the sequence of events in the life of a Cuban through art to understand Cuba today.
We felt so fortunate to have found this company. In all our travels we search and are often unsuccessful in finding guides that can explain history through visual art but such is this experience.
This Tour Includes:- Private transportation
- English speaking guide
- Historic tour of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana
- Additional visits to a handful of artists' studios or cultural centers
- One hour for lunch (not included)
This experience is for those interested in knowing more about Cuban society far beyond the tourist point of view. Exceptionally diverse, Cuban Artists have turned to art to communicate social problems and political uncertainty. Above all else, Cuban Artists use their work to celebrate life and Cuban culture.
Your first stop is the National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana. This is a museum of fine arts that exhibits Cuban art collections from the colonial times up to contemporary generations. There are now two impressive buildings belonging to the Museum, one dedicated to Cuban Arts and one dedicated to the Universal Arts. Begin with concentration in the Palace of Fine Arts, which is dedicated exclusively to housing Cuba Art collections. Walk with your guide through centuries of history and learn about the artists and their expressions of life which span the 17th and 19th centuries. Works devoted to landscape, religious subjects and the Costumbrismo narrative scenes of Cuban life become alive with the narrative from your guide. Gallery devoted to the 1970s is marked by a preponderance of Hyperrealism and the latest generation of Cuban artists whose works all reflect the strong symbolic imagery that has been prevalent in recent decades. The most notable works are those of René Portocarrero and Wifredo Lam. A modernist sculpture by noted Cuban artist Rita Lonja stands outside the main entrance. It is the knowledge of our guides that will create the atmosphere for you as they weave a story that is easy to understand, all in the artworks on display.
The balance of your day will include visits to some of the many notable Cuban artists who have shown their work internationally. If you prefer, you can have a mix of young new artists along with the experienced professionals who have built their reputation. Your guide is able to introduce you to many of the artists shown in the Fine Arts Museum's Cuban Art section. Your guide will follow your lead of your interests when arranging your studio stops.
One more piece of Cuban culture - time for lunch during your day. The paladors are many and varied, with surprising menus, crafty chefs, and some with wonderful views. This is not the Cuban you expected but yet it is exactly what you thought.
- Food, beverages, gratuities are not included.
- Admissions to museum and cultural centers are not included.
- Your guide can facilitate a purchase of art or sculpture and arrange for shipping.
- Please note the availability of private guides in Havana is limited so please book in advance.
- We use the best vehicles available to us which are often taxis. Please understand that given Cuba's history there isn't a large fleet of "modern" vehicles to choose from. Depending on your group size multiple vehicles traveling in unison may have to be used.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 9 hours
