The Museum of the City occupies the former Palace of the Captain-General on Plaza de Armas in Old Havana. Its rooms trace Havana’s past and Cuba’s colonial period, including the island’s fight for independence. Look for furnished living quarters, a decorated throne room and the colourful Hall of Flags, which displays Cuba’s original flag alongside flags used by the Spanish colonial government. The palace itself is part of the visit, with Baroque architecture and a courtyard to explore. A guided tour can help connect the collection to the building’s history.
The palace on Plaza de Armas
The Museum of the City is housed in the Palace of the Captain-General, on Plaza de Armas in Old Havana. The building served as the residence of the Spanish Crown’s highest representative on the island. It later housed US military governors from 1899 to 1902, and a museum has been here since 1968.
The palace occupies the west side of the square. Its Cuban Baroque design is part of the experience: even before you enter the galleries, the scale and decoration of the former colonial residence give a sense of the authority it was built to express.
Rooms that show colonial life
The museum devotes 40 rooms to Cuba’s Spanish heritage and the beginnings of Cuban identity. Some retain the character of the palace’s living quarters, with period furnishings. A richly decorated throne room was designed to display Spanish power. Ballrooms, offices, stables and administrative spaces show how the residence also functioned as a centre of government.
Together, the rooms offer a view of how wealthy and powerful people lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection includes historical objects such as cannons, carriages and personal belongings, set among the palace’s furnished interiors.
Flags and the struggle for independence
The exhibits follow Havana’s history and, through it, key parts of Cuba’s past, from the city’s founding to its role in the revolution. The Hall of Flags brings the colonial and independence stories into focus. It contains Cuba’s original flag as well as flags associated with the Spanish colonial government.
The museum also presents material on Cuba’s wars for national independence. Taken together with the former governors’ residence, these displays connect the island’s colonial administration with the later struggle to shape a Cuban identity.
Planning your visit
A guided tour can provide a fuller account of the building and its collections. If you plan to explore on your own, allow time for both the furnished rooms and the historical displays. Check for renovation work or closures before visiting, since these can affect what is open. The Hall of Flags is a popular stop, so an early arrival can help you see it before it becomes busy.
FAQ
Where is the Museum of the City in Havana?
It is in the former Palace of the Captain-General on Plaza de Armas in Old Havana.
What can you see at the Museum of the City?
The collection covers Havana’s history, Cuba’s colonial past and the struggle for independence. Highlights include furnished palace rooms and the Hall of Flags, which displays Cuba’s original flag.
Is the Museum of the City housed in a palace?
Yes. The museum occupies the former residence of the Spanish Crown’s highest representative in Cuba.
Is a guided tour available?
A guided tour is recommended for a fuller understanding of the museum’s rooms and collections.
