Cuban Art Factory, or Fábrica de Arte Cubano, is an evening arts and performance venue in Havana, in the Vedado area. Set inside a converted factory, it brings together exhibition rooms, live music, dance, bars and a restaurant. Move between the galleries and performance spaces, then pause in one of the outdoor seating areas. The programme can range from reggae and rock to dance and DJ sets, so it suits a night out with room for art as well as music.
A factory turned arts venue
Fábrica de Arte Cubano, usually shortened to FAC, occupies a former oil factory in Havana’s Vedado area. Cuban musician X Alfonso led its conversion into a space for work across several creative fields. The programme brings visual art together with music, cinema, theatre, dance and fashion.
The industrial setting gives the venue room for separate galleries and performance areas. Exhibitions sit alongside stages, bars and places to eat, so a visit can move between looking at art and spending time at a show. FAC is designed for evening use rather than a daytime gallery visit.
What to see and hear
The exhibition spaces include photography and contemporary Cuban art. Installations and displays are spread through the building, giving you different works to see as you move between rooms. The programme changes, so the exhibitions and performances on a particular night depend on what is scheduled.
Live events have included music across genres such as reggae and rock, as well as dance performances and DJ sets. The venue has also hosted theatre, jazz, contemporary dance, fashion events and film screenings. Check the programme ahead of your visit if you have a particular performance or art form in mind.
Planning an evening
FAC is an evening destination and is listed as open from Friday through Sunday. The venue’s schedule and programme can change, so check current information before setting out. Advance tickets are recommended. Busy nights can bring queues at the entrance; arriving earlier can give you more time inside.
There are several bars and a restaurant, with food and drink stations around the venue. A ticket system records purchases as you order, with payment handled at the end of the visit. Keep the ticket safe throughout the evening. Outdoor areas with seating provide a place to take a break between exhibits or performances.
Getting there and setting expectations
The venue is on Calle 26 in Havana’s Vedado area. Taxi drivers outside may quote high fares, so agree on the price before travelling or consider another transport option. FAC is a large, multi-room space with exhibitions and performances happening in different areas. It works well if you want a night that combines art and entertainment; if you are looking only for a quiet gallery visit, the evening performance setting may not suit your plans.
FAQ
When is the Cuban Art Factory open?
Its listed schedule is Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the current programme before visiting, as operating periods can change.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended. Busy nights can have queues at the entrance.
What can you see at the Cuban Art Factory?
The venue has contemporary Cuban art and photography, along with a changing programme of music, dance, theatre, film and other performances.
Is there food and drink inside?
Yes. FAC has a restaurant and several bars, with food and drink stations around the venue.
