Museo Histórico Provincial Palacio de Junco, Matanzas

Discover the Museo Histórico Provincial de Matanzas in Cuba, housed in the emblematic Palacio de Junco

Museo Histórico Provincial Palacio de Junco, Matanzas
© Museo Histórico Provincial Palacio de Junco

The Museo Histórico Provincial (Provincial History Museum), housed in the Palacio de Junco (Junco Palace) which adorns the elegant Plaza de la Vigía, is the physical headquarters to the entire history of Matanzas. The building dates back to 1838 when it was owned by one of the richest inhabitants of Cuba, Vicente del Junco y Sardiñas, and became the Museo Histórico de la Provincia de Matanzas (Historical Museum of Matanzas) in 1980 after a reconstruction process.

Museo Histórico Provincial Palacio de Junco
© Museo Histórico Provincial Palacio de Junco

Previously, this museum had been changing its location within the city as the numerous collections increased and there was no space to exhibit it all. On the three floors of the Palace, it was finally possible to exhibit the collections to the public. At that time it filled fifteen permanent exhibition rooms, as well as having another transitory room, which has turned this location into a prestigious Methodological Center, and into the cultural nucleus of the city where many events were held.

In the seventeen rooms that the museum currently exhibits, you can travel through the entire history of Matanzas. You will discover valuable Cuban archaeological pieces (work instruments, vessels, ritual objects...), the historical and economic evolution of the city dominated by the sugar and slave industry, testimonies of the social and political struggles that took place on the island in the 19th and 20th centuries, statues of the most important personalities, and decorative art samples that allow you to imagine the way of life and taste of different times and social classes. Another feature that makes this museum unique and a must-see is the existence of the only documented mummy in the country.

As for the building that houses such a large amount of cultural heritage, the Palacio de Junco, with its blue façade and the arches that characterize it, is one of the symbols of the city. Together with other monuments in the Plaza de la Vigía, such as the Teatro Sauto (Theater), it makes up one of the most typical and beautiful postcard-like spots in the city of Matanzas.

More Information:

Location:

Calle Milanés 83.

Opening hours:

From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Ticket price:

2 CUC.

Telephone:

(+53) 45 243195 / (+53) 45 243464.

Interactive map:

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