San Carlos Institute

Historical landmark · Key West

San Carlos Institute

Historical landmark · Key West

1

516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

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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  

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516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 Get directions

institutosancarlos.org

Information

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516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 Get directions

+1 305 294 3887
institutosancarlos.org
thesancarlos

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

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@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."

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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.

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!

Elijah Orama

Google
Such an amazing and cool place in Key West. Definitely hard to spot since it blends in to the area. Learned a lot about the history of Cuba before communism. A hidden gem in the Keys.

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.

MaryeLois McC

Google
Only been once for the Christmas Special and the live music and laying dancing were breath taking. Lots of history there, too.

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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.