San Carlos Institute

Historical landmark · Key West

San Carlos Institute

Historical landmark · Key West

1

516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Photos

San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null
San Carlos Institute by null

Highlights

Cuban heritage center with museum, art, and theater  

Placeholder

516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 Get directions

institutosancarlos.org

Information

Static Map

516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 Get directions

+1 305 294 3887
institutosancarlos.org
thesancarlos

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 31, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@afar

"Cuban History The San Carlos Institute was founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles who came to Key West to campaign for Cuba's freedom from Spain . The original building was elsewhere and burned to the ground. The present building was erected in 1890. The interior was restored recently and the hand painted floor tiles and those in the main staircase area are works of art in themselves. The museum has exhibits and displays of pictures and historical articles of Cuban life in the 19th century and up until today. Stand outside and look at all the angles and balconies of this building. It's a real piece of architectural history there in Key West. Admission is free; the museum is open from Friday - Sunday from 12 - 6."

The Best Things to Do in Key West
View Postcard for San Carlos Institute

Alexis Rodriguez

Google
This place is truly remarkable, it has a great collection of items from the Republic of Cuba and its connection to Key West, Florida and the USA. Some of the building materials came from Cuba, It is an important museum that I think exposed the true history of the fruition of the Cuban nation, and true democratic roots of the people of Cuba. The building is in need of repairs so if you visit please consider donating to its restoration or make a donation from their website so that it can continue for future generations.

Anthony VanDaley

Google
Amazing historic Cuban theater with interesting relics from Cuba. Very cool. And they have a photo booth

Phillip “Sethwillkaye” Kaye

Google
Nice little museum about the history of the building, Cuba and key west

Kelly McKay

Google
I happened upon this location because of the architecture. Even though located directly on Duval St, it's easy to overlook but there is a National Historic Places Registry plaque on the outside that grabbed my attention. I stepped inside and the most delightful people within the heritage center greeted me! Lovely Cuban heritage center with museum, beautiful tile work, original details, and theater. Definitely worth a stop! Free entry but there is a donation box near the door.

Simon D

Google
Great historic building with rooms dedicated to the Cuban martyrs and the cigar workers. The institute is non-profit and they rent out their nice intimate theatre for shows. Free entry for the building. Worth the detour if interested in Cuban or Key West history.

José Alberto González Cáceres

Google
It is a historic building in particular for Cuban migrants. This property was related to large national hero of Cuban independence struggle in colonial times, especially with the apostle of Cuba José Martí and the father of Cuban homeland Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. We were served with special affection.

Cecile Freemond-Brown

Google
we visited twice during our visit to Key West. I love history and Alejandro Pascual is full of so much information. He is a gem of Key West. The artifacts and the movie gave a lot of information. Everyone I ran into(it was rainy and chilly)I told to go to San Carlos Institute if they had any interest in Cuban History! We will definitely visit again! Thanks again Alejandro! I am enjoying Varadero!

Joshua Morell

Google
A must for visitors of Key West who love history. The guide/greeter was very informative. The documentary & imagery presented taught me a lot about cuban history.

John M.

Yelp
The musical Bum Farto was great. All the performers were very talented and entertaining. This place will definitely be on the list every time we are in key west. Also the bar service was fast and friendly. The theatre it self was very nice and cozy atmosphere. It was out on by the key west international dance company.
google avatar

Caroline S.

Yelp
If you are a history buff, cigar smoker, Cuban independence enthusiast or really anyone in between this place is AMAZING! Full of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, posters, stamps.... all kinds of primary sources it was so good. The employee at the front desk, Alex, is very knowledgeable about both the building and it's history, as well as the history of Cuban independence and the role key west played in it, I learned so much! Highly recommend!
google avatar

Wendy A.

Yelp
First of all this place's entrance is FREE and I was impressed with the amount of information about The Cuban history and how they migrated to the USA. It was such an emotional time to be here.
google avatar

Ana M.

Yelp
This is a free museum, donations are suggested. The museum has cool history of Cuba and Jose Marti. The stuff is pretty cool but there's not much. Quality gets a A, but quantity gets a C. When I visited, the entire upstairs was shut down because of renovations. If you're in Key West and have the time you should take a look but don't make the drive just for this.

Armando P.

Yelp
A Cuban-American icon, The San Carlos Institute located at 516 Duval Street in the heart of Key West is MUST SEE and is awesome for history! Now a FREE museum (they accept donations and I always donate), it's a great find and arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in Key West. Cuba has a lot of tied history with the USA, especially in Key West. Here you will see artifacts, art, documents, and other historical Cuban and Cuban American pieces. Devote about 30 mins to an hour and you won't regret it.
google avatar

Sunflower F.

Yelp
One of the more historic location on Duval seeped in Key West and Cuban American History. Conveniently located on Duval in the middle of everything Key West! There is no charge for visiting but donations were excepted.