Casa De Asia (Museum of Asia), Havana
The Museum of Asia (Museo Casa de Asia), located in a Colonial building on Mercaderes Street in Old Havana, features cultural and historical connections between Cuba and Asia. This museum aims to showcase the diversity and wealth of Asiatic culture through its extensive collection of art pieces, including special emphasis on Chinese paintings and sculptures. It serves as a bridge recalling the cultural and commercial ties that have linked Cuba and Asia since the 17th century.
Among its notable permanent exhibitions, visitors can marvel at a Manila Galleon filled with merchandise, representing the historical trade routes that connected Asia with the Americas. The museum also displays an impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century Canton porcelain, and the "Treasures of the Orient" exhibition, which includes various decorative art pieces. Additionally, it houses collections donated by Fidel Castro, comprising gifts he received such as ivory carvings, antique weapons, traditional dresses, goldsmith works, and Chinese and Japanese furniture, all dating back to the 19th century.
The Museum of Asia is not only about static exhibits; it actively engages visitors with a variety of cultural activities. These include temporary exhibitions, workshops, and live shows, all designed to further immerse guests in Asian cultures. Furthermore, the museum boasts a well-equipped library, offering a wealth of information on Asiatic culture and history. With a significant collection of books, particularly on Asian economy and history, the library is an invaluable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Among its notable permanent exhibitions, visitors can marvel at a Manila Galleon filled with merchandise, representing the historical trade routes that connected Asia with the Americas. The museum also displays an impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century Canton porcelain, and the "Treasures of the Orient" exhibition, which includes various decorative art pieces. Additionally, it houses collections donated by Fidel Castro, comprising gifts he received such as ivory carvings, antique weapons, traditional dresses, goldsmith works, and Chinese and Japanese furniture, all dating back to the 19th century.
The Museum of Asia is not only about static exhibits; it actively engages visitors with a variety of cultural activities. These include temporary exhibitions, workshops, and live shows, all designed to further immerse guests in Asian cultures. Furthermore, the museum boasts a well-equipped library, offering a wealth of information on Asiatic culture and history. With a significant collection of books, particularly on Asian economy and history, the library is an invaluable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Havana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Casa De Asia (Museum of Asia) on Map
Sight Name: Casa De Asia (Museum of Asia)
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba
Create Your Own Walk in Havana
Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Palaces Walking Tour
Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.
Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.
Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.
Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.
Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour
Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.
The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour
Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.
Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Cuban Sweets and Pastries
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18 Uniquely Cuban Things to Buy in Havana
Rum, cigars and revolution have been, perhaps, at least until recently, the three most popular exports from Cuba. Luckily, with the embargo lifted (or soon to be lifted), those traveling to the U.S. might soon be able to pick up some of these (with the exception of revolution, perhaps) on their way...