Presidential Palace / Museum of the Revolution, Havana

The Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolución) is housed in what was the "Presidential Palace" of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista. The building was the site of the Havana Presidential Palace Attack (1957) by the Directorio Revolucionario Estudiantil, and became a museum during the years following the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

The palace was designed by Cuban architect Carlos Maruri and Belgian architect Paul Belau (who also designed the Centro Gallego, presently the Gran Teatro de La Habana) and was inaugurated in 1920 by President Mario García Menocal. The building has Neo-Classical elements and was decorated by Tiffany Studios of New York City.

The museum's Cuban history exhibits are largely devoted to the period of the revolutionary war of the 1950s and to the country's post-1959 history. Portions of the museum are also devoted to pre-revolutionary Cuba, including the 1895-1898 War of Independence waged against Spain.

Why You Should Visit:
To get a well-done history lesson on the Cuban Revolution. Basic displays (photos, uniforms) are laid out chronologically with reasonable English descriptions. Admission also includes the "Granma" yacht and some of the vehicles used during the Revolution and in the different crises that arose in the '60s.
The building itself is very grand and an important part of Cuban history, which alone makes it worth the visit. Highlights include the Salón de los Espejos – a replica of the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles or the Salón Dorado (Golden Hall) which is made of yellow marble.

Tip:
Go early, wear good walking shoes and be discreet with your cell phone.
Be sure to go to the old ballroom and step out on the balcony for great views of the harbor.