Trinidad Museums and Art Galleries

(Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba)

For a small albeit historic town, Trinidad de Cuba, known as Cuba's Museum City, has an impressive collection of museums, most of which display collections relating to the town's 500 years of history. All are set in fine examples of colonial architecture, within the UNESCO-listed old quarter.

Of particular interest is the Museo Romantica - crammed with antiques, the stunning Museo Municipal de Trinidad and, for a background to the Communist Revolution, the Museo de la Lucha Contra Bandidos.

Fight Against Bandits Museum (Museo de la Lucha Contra Bandidos)

Address: Fernando Hernandez Echerri 59, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 4121
This quaintly-named museum becomes even more quaint when you realise that the 'bandidos' were in fact the CIA-sponsored counter-revolutionaries who definitely weren't in favour of communism. Housed in a rebuilt church and convent, (another quaintness), it contains weapons, photos, belongings of the revolutionary warriors, maps and other paraphernalia, including part of a shot-down US spy plane. For some excellent town views, be sure to climb the tower.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museum of History (Museo de Historico Principal)

Address: Calle Simon Bolivar 423, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 4460
Housed in a fine mansion full of 19th-century artefacts, just a short stroll from the Plaza Mayor, this history museum gives full details of all the antique decorations and furnishings, as well as providing information about the Borrell family who lived here in earlier days. Visitors can climb its tower for a great view over the old town. It is worth noting that this particular attraction is popular with tour buses, and so an early morning visit is strongly advised if you would like to miss the crowds.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Romantic Museum (Museo Romantico)

Address: Fernando Hernandez Echerri 52, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 4363
Another stunning colonial mansion, the Museo Romantico is packed with 18th-century antiques and gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of wealthy slave-owners during the town's mid-colonial 18th-century period. Located within the Palacio Brunet, which dates back to the 1740s, the Romantic Museum was established in the 1970s. An onsite shop provide souvenirs in the form of photographs and English-language books.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Colonial Architecture (Museo de Arquitectural Colonial / Museo de Arquitectura Trinitaria)

Address: Plaza Mayor, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 3208
Situated in one of the spectacular colonial palaces lining the Plaza Mayor, once the home of the Sanchez Iznaga family, the Museum of Colonial Architecture is dedicated to the famous characterful architecture of colonial Trinidad. The mansion itself was built in 1738 and restored in 1836, and today contains many notable 18th-century artefacts. Easy to find, the Museo de Arquitectural Colonial lies on the south-eastern side of the square and formerly served as the private residence of the Iznaga family, known for both their affluence and influence.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Archaeology and Natural Sciences (Museo de Arqueologia y Ciencias Naturales / Museo de Arqueologia Guamuhaya)

Address: Calle Simon Bolivar 457, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 3420
Yet another fine colonial mansion houses the town's Guamuhaya Archaeological Museum, with its collections of pre-Columbian cultural relics and displays of local Cuban fauna and flora. Visitors to the Museo de Arqueologia y Ciencias Naturales will find an assortment of stuffed animals and skeletons, as well as a recreation of a period kitchen from the 19th century. This is possibly worth a look if you are passing this way, but doesn't come highly recommended.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Municipal History Museum (Museo Historico Municipal)

Address: Calle Simon Bolivar 423, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 4460
This vast and fascinating exhibition is to be found housed within the magnificent Cantero Palace, where it tells all about the founding and development of Trinidad, one of the seven Cuban towns established by Diego Velazquez in the 16th century. The collection is simply outstanding and includes many period art works, together with exhibits relating to the indigenous history of Cuba, the sugar cane industry and the fight for independence in the region. This cultural attraction is definitely a don't miss.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Trinidad Art Gallery (Galeria de Arte)

Address: Calle Simon Bolivar / Calle Ruben Martinez Villena, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
The town's art gallery resides on the south-westerly side of the Plaza Mayor, on the corner of the Calle Simon Bolivar and the Calle Ruben Martinez Villena. Visitors will be treated to a series of art works, such as paintings, ceramics, hand-made jewellery and detailed embroidery. A courtyard provides further interest and a pleasant outdoor space.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free