Cuba's oldest museum was founded in 1899 by Emilio Bacardí Moreau, the former Santiago mayor whose rum-making family fled to Puerto Rico after the Revolution. It is just a few metres from the Parque Céspedes, in the heart of the city. The museum has an excellent collection of Cuban art, as well as some European works, some items from the wars of independence and an archaeological hall that features a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, two Peruvian skeletons and a shrunken head. It houses the most important painting gallery in Cuba, displaying an enviable collection of colonial painting dating back two centuries.

This venue is one of the symbols of Santiago de Cuba, where traditional rhythms such as the trova, bolero and son were born. Situated very close to the Parque Céspedes, it is the meeting place for 'trovadores', both old and new. Considered one of the most important cultural institutions in Cuba, it preserves a musical movement that is deeply-rooted in the traditions of Santiago and forms an integral part of the city's life.

The spirit of one of the Caribbean's most vibrant street parties, Santiago's annual July carnival, is recalled in photos and newspaper clippings, floats, costumes, and musical instruments. Late afternoons here give a better sense of what carnival is like; stop by at 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday for a performance by music and dance troupes. The short spectacle of colorful costume, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and stirring song might have you planning your next trip to coincide with the main event. 

The Granjita Siboney Museum is located in the road to Playa Siboney Beach, in the province of Santiago de Cuba. It is the former encampment from where the youngsters that took the Moncada Headquarters, the second military fortress in the city of Santiago de Cuba, on July 26th 1953 left. In the 7 exhibition rooms of this museum you’ll also discover the historic house, the previous preparations to the famous assault, the development and the consequences it had for Cuba. It exhibits valuable documents and personal objects of some of the intrepid young rebels. Among its most valued objects are the semiautomatic M-1 with folded butt used by the revolutionaries during the assault, sports rifle, uniforms, documents, photographs.