Casa de África en La Habana
Address: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Casa+de+África/@23.1383918,-82.3504794,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x68877f7b9bf5b6f6?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjC6-Pane3mAhWIct8KHV2YASoQ_BIwGnoECA8QCA
Website: http://www.lahabana.com/guide/casa-museo-de-africa/
Hours:
Monday: Open 24 hours **
Tuesday: 9:30AM- 5PM
Thursday: 9:30AM- 5PM
Friday: 9:30AM- 5PM
Saturday: 9:30AM- 5PM
Sunday: 9:30AM -2PM
Phone: +53 7 8615798
Cost:* I am not sure, some said it was free but not many mentioned if there was a cost or not
Above is a video of Cuba’s ONLY female group presenting at Casa de Africa in Old Havana
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_oyWvG3sxk
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekBBFP677Zk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_oyWvG3sxk
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekBBFP677Zk
Casa de Africa, also known as the House of Africa, of the Havana Historical Center, plays a huge role in the contemporary African culture and art. It is actually the only museum in the world where one hundred percent of the African pieces that it treasures, is the product of solidarity and gratitude for the contribution of the Island. This would be a great place to visit because it you will see amazing architectural pieces that hold lots of value and history to each and every structure. The House of Africa was made to honor the memory and legacy of two of the greatest researchers of Afro-Cuban culture, José Luciano Franco and Fernando Ortiz, names that are always remembered during the Workshop sessions. The museum gives you the opportunity to go on a tour where you will physically see the influence of African culture, as well as be able to see several exhibitions that hold more than 2,000 objects, from valuable wood carvings to small ivory items. I would ask if you can take pictures just in case but this museum is a nice topic to write about in your final paper or to have in your photographic project.
Reviews on tripadvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147271-d3281502-Reviews-or5-Casa_de_Africa-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html#REVIEWS
“This museum gives an excellent overview of the African roots of Cuban culture. It's small, but packed with aesthetic and interesting exhibits. An hour spent here is an hour well spent. Staff are also very helpful and speak English.”
“For a wonderful exhibit of the African influence on Cuban culture, come to this small museum. There is beautiful artwork, lovely wooden statues, a variety of splendid instruments and gifts to the Castro family. “
Discussion Questions:
1. How are ways this museum benefits the Cuban community ?
2. What do you think about this museum holding valuable pieces that mean a lot to the African culture ?
Hi Brianda,
ReplyDeleteThis museum looks so interesting! I feel like you rarely see museums solely dedicated to the African communities of countries. Usually, there are exhibits focusing on them, but never an entire museum. Also, to answer your questions, I think the way this museum is benefiting the Cuban community is it is honoring the African roots a lot of them have. From what I learned in this class, earlier on in Cuban history, those who had African heritage or those who came from Haiti and other African countries as slaves were horribly discriminated against. I think this museum gives Cuba the chance to respect those people in a way they hadn't in history. However, I can understand how it may be controversial for Cuba to have valuable pieces that mean a lot to African culture, rather than the countries many of the pieces may have derived from. But, I don't think the situation is "black or white", I think there are a lot of gray areas making it hard to determine what the right thing to do is, because I truly believe having a museum like this is beneficial to the Cuban people. I think it comes down to whatever action best respects the beliefs of the people the museum is about.