La Casa De Africa
About La Casa de África
The Casa de África Museum first opened its doors on January 6, 1986, to provide visitors with a vast ethnographic collection of the African continent. Here more than two thousand pieces are exhibited, from monumental wood carvings to tiny pieces in ivory.
The building that houses the Casa de África of the Office of the Historian of the City was built in 1887 as a housing quarters on the upper floors and a tobacco warehouse on the ground floor along one of the most important arteries of the then Villa of San Cristóbal de La Habana (“Habana Vieja”) on Calle Obrapía.
Casa was founded as part of a larger program dedicated to divulging the realities of slavery in Cuba and its influence on society. The program was the basis for the creation of the Museum of the Slave Route at Castle San Severino, and the remains of the sugar mill Old Triunvirato, symbols of notable events that marked slavery in Cuba.
Today, Casa de Africa, is a defining hub for studies and community projects related to the African diaspora and the history of the African influence in Cuba and in the Americas. Casa De Africa offers:
- Museum and Gallery
- Cultural Activities
- Tours
- Scientific Study
- A Specialized Library
- Community Work
La Casa’s most significant event is the Scientific Workshop of Social Anthropology and Afroamerican Cultures, which is held annually to commemorate the anniversary of its founding. One of the fundamental objectives of this workshop is to pay homage to Don Fernando Ortiz and deepening the study of his work.
In addition, the event offers the opportunity for a space for reflection, in which the Africanists expose their research on the African continent and the transcultural processes that this influence generated, especially within the Caribbean area. Likewise, the doors open to visual artists, who find a suitable space to exhibit their works.
Address:
Calle Obrapía #157
e/Mercaderes y San Ignacio
Habana Vieja
Director of the Casa De Africa: Alberto Granado Duque
