Experience The Colorful & Artistic Side Of Havana In Cuba

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is renowned for its 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture in the heart of the historic city. It is also known for its beautiful, classic cars, often seen driving its streets. Meanwhile, history is preserved in Havana’s museums, particularly the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, an old fort turned maritime museum.

Other fascinating architecture is seen in the Plaza Vieja (Old Square) of the city and its baroque Catedral de San Cristobal.

Naturally, most people think about the iconic cigars to be enjoyed in the city. However, Havana is also renowned for its many artistic and colorful locations that are a pleasure to see and explore.

Here we cover just two of the city’s artistic locations, both a must-see on a visit to Havana.

Stroll the colorful Callejon de Hamel in Havana

Located in the heart of the city, Callejon de Hamel is a narrow alley, beautifully filled with murals and street art. Sculptures also line the alley, crafted from found objects, including bathtubs, pinwheels and hand pumps.

The alley is the incredible work of one Salvador Gonzáles Escalona, a self-taught Cuban artist, who, back in 1990 decided his street was too dull. He then started producing original and colorful artworks for over 20 years, in Cuba and beyond. In fact, his work has also been seen in the US, Norway, Italy and Venezuela.

Callejon de Hamel stretches around two city blocks and is a marvel of mosaics, unique sculptures and paintings. Among the best are a bench, crafted from old bathtubs, and a throne, said to bring visitors good luck when sitting there.

Once the alley caught on with tourists, it became popular and has also transformed into a backdrop for local rumba dancers and musicians to entertain residents and visitors alike. Even better, the alley also features a local children’s art program. Likely best of all, while the surrounding streets in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood had a dangerous reputation, after Salvador beautified his alley, the neighborhood now has a reputation for being safe.

John Lennon Statue, Havana, Cuba

Our second favorite artistic place to explore in Havana relates to a major cultural music icon. However, this is not one of Cuban birth, but rather from Liverpool, England. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the music of the Beatles, and particularly John Lennon, was banned in communist Cuba. The powers that were deemed his music to be “ideological divisionism” with a decadent, American influence.

Despite this, young Cubans did find out what they were missing and listened to smuggled tapes of the Beatles’ music quietly, behind closed doors. However, 20 years after the death of John Lennon, Fidel Castro decided that the Beatle should be celebrated as a hero. Castro then unveiled a beautiful, bronze statue of the musician in what is now John Lennon Park.

The statue is the work of celebrated Cuban sculptor, José Villa Soberón. At the foot of the sculpture, a marble plaque reads (in Spanish): “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

But that isn’t all. On Castro’s request, once the statue was complete it was unveiled and filmed while making a documentary about Lennon. Meanwhile, in 2000, a Lennon tribute concert was held in the park. At the time, Castro said that he, too, was a dreamer, who had seen his dreams become reality. These days, Cuba considers Lennon both a victim and a rebel, after he was also harassed by the US government.

These days, the famous Beatle is still immortalized in his own park, ideally placed for a selfie to share with your friends.