Palace of the Captains-Generals / Havana City Museum, Havana

The Museum of the City of Havana is housed in the old Palace of the Captains General (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales), a prominent Cuban Baroque-style mansion that occupies the entire western side of the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) in Havana. Constructed in the 1770s, this grand edifice served as the residence for the Spanish governors of Havana and later transitioned to the city's town hall in the post-colonial era. Its architectural significance and historical relevance have earned a place within the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for "Old Havana and its Fortification System."

The Palace's design is quintessentially Cuban Baroque, characterized by thick walls, an arcade with arches supported by columns, and floors made of a distinctive paving material. The first story features a limestone façade, sourced locally and embedded with marine fossils, showcasing small balconies and stained-glass windows that align with the columns below. The courtyard, adorned with trees and peacocks, features a white marble statue of Christopher Columbus dating back to 1862.

Inside, the museum's ground floor and mezzanine display a collection of art and artifacts that narrate Havana's storied past. Among its treasures are the "La Giradilla" statue, the Cenotaph from the Parroquial Mayor Church, and relics from the Espada Cemetery, including Jean Baptiste Vermay's tomb.

The museum's exhibits extend to a range of subjects, reflecting on Cuba's historical narrative through antique furniture, photography, horse-drawn carriages, and military attire. Notably, it houses Cuba's inaugural flag and the boat used by Antonio Maceo in 1896. The Salón del Trono, or Throne Room, is another highlight, showcasing a throne that was prepared for an anticipated royal visit from the King of Spain that never transpired.

Tip:
Make sure that you buy a ticket that shows all the exhibits.