Cienfuegos Museums

(Cienfuegos, Cuba)



Cienfuegos is not big on cultural attractions as such. There are, however, several museums that cover the revolution and the history of Cienfuegos quite well, including the Historical Museum (Museo Historico) and the Provincial Museum, which overlooks the Parque Jose Marti.

In addition, the Polivalente Sports Museum is a quirky place at a local boxing stadium in Cienfuegos, while the Hermanas Giralt Museum of Under Cover Operations is good for those who want to find out more about the days of the revolution.


National Museum of Naval History (Museo Historico Naval Nacional)

Address: Avenue 60 / Calle 21, Pueblo Nuevo, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 519 143
The Museo Historico is one of the top museums in the city of Cienfuegos and has innumerable exhibits that cover everything from archaeological finds from the Indians, to military memorabilia and colonial-era items. This naval history museum is located to the north-west of the city centre, near the waterfront, and resides in the former Distrito Naval del Sur headquarters. In 1957, this particular building was used by local sailors in an attempt to overthrow the Bastia government. However, the uprising was quite unsuccessful and today forms something of a theme for many of the exhibits.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Provincial Museum (Museo Provincial)

Address: Avenue 54 / Calle 27, Parque Marti, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 519 722
The Provincial Museum has one of the most enviable locales of any Cienfuegos attraction, residing right in the city centre and overlooking the Parque Jose Marti. The building itself has never looked better, having recently undergone extensive renovation work. Displays include facets of Franco / Cuban society dating back to the 1800s and a variety of miscellaneous items.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Polivalente Sports Museum (Polivalente Museo del Deporte)

Address: Avenue 48 / Calle 37, Pueblo Nuevo, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Although not in the most beautiful part of Cienfuegos, the Polivalente Sports Museum resides on the Paseo del Prado and is easily accessed, being right next to the popular Polivalente Sports Centre. The sports centre stages regular boxing matches and other events, while this small museum covers hockey and fencing, with lots of Cuban sports-related paraphernalia. Julio González Valladores, winner of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics boxing gold, is covered especially well. Of note, boxing matches are usually staged at the weekend.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Hermanas Giralt Museum of Under Cover Operations (Hermanas Giralt Museo de Operaciones Bajo Cubierta)

Address: Avenue 42, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 435 081
The Hermanas Giralt Museum of Under Cover Operations is not a must-see attraction, although perhaps is for those who want to learn about the history of Lourdes and Cristina Giralt. These young revolutionaries were Cienfuegos born and bred and were murdered in Havana under the Batista dictatorship in 1958. The 'museo' is not far from Punta Gorda and is worth a look if you are close by.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday
Admission: charge