Casa De Artes Y Tradiciones Chinas

Casa De Artes Y Tradiciones Chinas, Havana Province, Cuba: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Havana’s historic Barrio Chino, Casa De Artes Y Tradiciones Chinas (House of Arts and Chinese Traditions) stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Chinese community in Cuba. Since its founding in 1995, the Casa has served as both a guardian of history and a dynamic cultural hub, celebrating over 175 years of Chinese immigration and integration. Its multifaceted offerings—exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and guided tours—provide an immersive exploration of this unique cultural fusion, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Havana’s rich multicultural tapestry (Barrio Chino website; lahabana.gob.cu).

History and Cultural Significance

The roots of Casa De Artes Y Tradiciones Chinas trace back to the mid-19th century, when Chinese indentured laborers arrived in Cuba, predominantly to work on sugar plantations. Their community flourished in Havana, transforming Barrio Chino into Latin America’s largest Chinatown by the late 1800s. Despite demographic shifts and challenges in the post-revolution era, the Casa was established as a cultural center in 1995 to help preserve, document, and revitalize Chinese-Cuban heritage.

Since 2004, the Casa has operated under the Dirección de Patrimonio de la Oficina del Historiador de La Habana, safeguarding not only physical artifacts but also the intangible traditions of Havana’s Chinese community. Through its collections and programs, the Casa fosters intercultural dialogue and strengthens ties between Cuba and China (lahabana.gob.cu; barriochino.cu).

Essential Visitor Information

Location: Calle Salud #313 (sometimes listed as Calle Zanja #617), between Gervasio and Escobar streets, Centro Habana, Havana, Cuba.
Visiting Hours:
- Official hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary on holidays and during festivals).
- Alternate hours: Some sources cite Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Closed: Mondays and certain public holidays.
Admission: Free for most exhibitions and workshops; special events may require a nominal fee (typically 50–100 CUP). Donations are welcome.
Guided Tours: Available on request for both the Casa and the wider Barrio Chino. Advance booking is recommended.
Accessibility: The Casa is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly.
Languages: Programming is primarily in Spanish, with some activities and signage in Mandarin and English.
Contact & Updates: For the latest schedules, ticketing, and events, consult the official Facebook page or inquire at the entrance.

Exhibitions and Collections

Casa De Artes Y Tradiciones Chinas boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and historical documents chronicling the Chinese presence in Cuba. The permanent exhibition, largely donated by Havana’s Chinese community, features traditional arts, religious items, Cantonese opera costumes, and early records from Chinese societies. The Salón Manuel Chiang hosts rotating exhibitions, often coinciding with major Chinese festivals and cultural events (d-cuba.com; cubarte.cult.cu). The Casa’s library and the Registro Patrimonial del Barrio Chino de La Habana further support research and heritage preservation.

Educational and Cultural Programming

The Casa offers a vibrant spectrum of activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds:

Language Classes: Mandarin workshops for children, youth, and adults, fostering language and cultural literacy.
Traditional Arts & Crafts: Regular classes in calligraphy, painting, paper cutting, ceramics, and miniature making.
Martial Arts: Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan classes and demonstrations, in collaboration with the Cuban Wushu Federation.
Traditional Games: Sessions introducing classic Chinese games.
Film & Lecture Series: Screenings of Chinese films, public lectures on migration, medicine, and intercultural history.

Annual Festivals and Signature Events

Major Chinese festivals are celebrated with colorful public events, workshops, and performances:

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Lion and dragon dances, culinary fairs, and cultural exhibitions.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncake tastings, lantern-making, poetry readings, and lantern parades.
Dragon Boat Festival: Zongzi workshops, calligraphy contests, and (when possible) dragon boat races.
Qingming (Day of Clarity): Ancestor honoring and educational activities.
Festival of Overseas Chinese: Recognizing diaspora contributions.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The Casa is a focal point for community gathering, working closely with institutions like Casino Chung Wah, Instituto Confucio, and the Grupo Promotor del Barrio Chino. These partnerships facilitate cultural exchange, academic events, and competitions such as the Concurso Puente Chino. The center also participates in citywide events like the International Book Fair and runs educational outreach for local schools.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: Easily accessible by taxi, public bus, or on foot from Old Havana and Centro Habana. Major bus lines stop nearby.
Best Time to Visit: Major festivals offer the most vibrant experiences; weekdays are quieter for in-depth exploration.
Nearby Attractions: Plaza de la Catedral, Museo de la Ciudad, Capitolio Nacional, Paseo del Prado, and the iconic Barrio Chino gate at Dragones and Amistad.
Dining: Numerous Chinese-Cuban restaurants and cafes are nearby.
Photography: Permitted in most areas; restrictions may apply during performances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Casa’s visiting hours?
A: Generally Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some sources note Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Closed Mondays and certain holidays.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Admission to exhibitions and most activities is free. Some workshops and special events require a small fee.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours of both the Casa and Barrio Chino are available upon request.

Q: Is the center wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the Casa is accessible to visitors with mobility needs.

Q: What languages are used?
A: Programming is primarily in Spanish, with some signage and activities in Mandarin and English.

Q: How do I get tickets for special events?
A: Tickets can be purchased onsite or reserved via the official Facebook page. Early booking is suggested for popular events.

Visual Highlights

Exterior photo of Casa de Artes y Tradiciones Chinas (alt: “Casa de Artes y Tradiciones Chinas in Havana’s Chinatown”)
Iconic Barrio Chino gate at Dragones and Amistad (alt: “Barrio Chino gate, Havana”)
Lunar New Year festival inside the Casa (alt: “Lunar New Year festival at Casa de Artes y Tradiciones Chinas”)

For more images and virtual tours, visit the Barrio Chino website.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Plan ahead by checking the Casa’s event calendar and following updates on their official Facebook page. Advance registration is recommended for workshops and festivals. To further enhance your Havana experience, download the Audiala app for real-time updates, guided tours, and expert tips on the city’s cultural landmarks.

Summary and Call to Action

Casa De Artes Y Tradiciones Chinas is a vibrant gateway to Cuba’s Chinese-Cuban heritage, offering a diverse array of exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and festival celebrations. Its accessible, inclusive programming and central location make it a must-see for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers alike. Complement your visit by exploring nearby Havana attractions and engaging with the Casa’s online resources for the latest information.

Download the Audiala app today to access curated cultural content, event updates, and exclusive guides to Havana’s most distinctive historical sites.