Varadero Museums

(Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba)

Varadero isn't exactly the place for history and culture, although it does have two interesting museums - the Museo Municipal and the Casa de la Cultura los Corales.

Luckily, the nearby towns of Matanzas and Cardenas have more to offer and Havana, almost a museum in its own right, is around two hours' drive away on good roads. Havana offers everything from an ancient fortress-cum-museum to colonial gems containing artefacts from Cuba and worldwide.

Municipal Museum of History (Museo Municipal)

Address: Calle 57, Varadero, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 022 663 189
Set in one of the few important historic buildings in Varadero, the Municipal Museum of History holds a number of rooms displaying items related to the history of the town, as well as the pre-Columbian peoples of the region. Visitors are treated to some collections of antique furnishings, while upstairs are some excellent views of the beachfront and coastline.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Casa de la Cultura los Corales

Address: Varadero, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 05 612 562
The Casa de la Cultura los Corales focuses on unique Cuban designs in art, as well as traditional handicrafts, and is something of a cross between a museum and an art gallery. Lectures and traditional performances regularly take place here, and work by local craftspeople is always for sale, being perfect for Cuban souvenirs.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Havana Club Rum Museum (El Ron Havana Club Museo)

Address: Avenida Del Puerto, Havana, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 07 862 4108
Cuba is famous for its rum, and this Havana museum, set in a charming old mansion, is the place to learn all about the iconic spirit. A recreation of a traditional distillery, its visitors are taken through the entire process, beginning with the making of the casks to a sampling session of the actual distillery's best-known brands.
Open hours: tours by arrangement
Admission: charge

Cardenas Museum of the Battle of Ideas

Address: Cardenas, Cuba, CU
This unique state museum is located in nearby Cardenas and focuses on the consolidation of nationalism in Cuba through the case of Elian Gonzales. This young Cuban boy was washed ashore in Florida in 1999, aged just five, after an unsuccessful migration attempt, resulting in a fierce custody battle between Cuba and the US involving the Mafia.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Oscar Maria de Rojas Museum (Museo Oscar Maria de Rojas)

Address: Cardenas, Cuba, CU
Located in an imposing colonial mansion a short journey from Varadero, the Museo Oscar Maria de Rojas resides in nearby Cardenas, where it tells of the history of the town. Visitors will discover some extensive displays of art works, antiques, weapons and traditional artefacts, all in a stunning setting just a relatively short drive away.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge