Private Havana: Murals & Mosaics: Community Projects Tour

About this experience

Meeting Point: La Gargola Guesthouse, 82 Calle Cuba (between Cuarteles and Chacon streets), first floor (up the stairs, blue door)
Contact: +53 533 381 21 / info@havanaurbanadventures.com

What's included

• Local English
• speaking guide
• Transportation to all included activities
• Lunch
• Special drink

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. At Meeting Point
3. If you need to contact your local guide on the day of your tour, please call the local phone number listed on your voucher or at the very bottom of this email
4. Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour

What to expect

Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour: Art is an important part of Cuban culture, and local artists have long used their works to express themselves amid political upheaval, economic struggles and cultural changes. This Havana tour explores the works of some of the country’s most renowned artists, who are using art projects to support and revitalise their communities. We’ll start our Havana art tour with a walk through Barber’s Alley, an alleyway that’s home to a fantastic street art project, as well as various independently owned pubs and restaurants. It used to be that Cubans weren’t allowed to own their own businesses, but today, under new regulations, budding entrepreneurs are opening up shops in areas such as this alley. As we wander, you’ll hear the story of local man Papito, who is the founder of this particular community project. Once a barber, Papito was concerned about the at-risk youth in his neighbourhood and wanted to give them the means to make a living and stay out of trouble. So, he gave them the opportunity to become barbers and hairdressers, by creating a school for the community. We’ll visit his house, which is still a barber shop, but also a museum with an exhibit on traditional hair services. In addition to opening his school, Papito is also known for changing the face of “the ugliest street in Havana.” He encouraged his neighbours to help revitalise the alleyway by opening local private businesses that could bring revenue into the community. Papito recruited a popular young local artist, Yulier P., to paint the alleyway, featuring lots of artwork inspired by hairdressers. We’ll then hop into a taxi or private bus (depending on the size of our group) and head to the eye-popping Fusterlandia in the Jaimanitas neighbourhood. This community project is by a successful local artist, Jose Fuster, who began decorating the houses in his neighbourhood with pieces of ceramic tiles. The project began in the ‘90s, during a serious economic crisis in Cuba, and what started as a few tiles has turned into one of the most intricate mosaic displays you’ll see anywhere. Inspired by the Spanish muralist Gaudi, Fuster is today considered the “Cuban Picasso,” and the displays he has created at Fusterlandia are truly mind-bending — Instagram alert! You’ll get to hear Fuster’s story and visit his intricately designed mosaic house and art gallery, and perhaps even meet a member of his family. Lastly, we’ll drive to Muraleando in the Lawton neighbourhood. This cultural program features a group of local artists and is directed by Manuel Mario Diaz Baldrich, with different workshops and activities for children, teenagers and the elderly. Locals can sign up for sessions covering music, dance, theatre, painting, ceramics and sculpture out of recycled materials. Take a look around and you’ll find wall murals around the neighbourhood from locals and visiting artists — even a piece by “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz! After touring the community with one of the residents, we’ll enjoy some live music by a local band along with a traditional Cuban lunch and a special local drink. Our tour will end back where we started, but before you go, be sure to ask your local guide for other tips on things to see and do in Havana.

Things to note

• This private tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers

Terms & conditions

For more information, please see our full booking conditions and Privacy Policy
Urban Adventures Day Tours - Special Booking Conditions: No deposit is required; full payment is due at booking for standard tours, while private tours require payment upon itinerary confirmation
Child rates apply at travel time, not booking time - proof of age must be shown on the tour day or the difference between adult and child rates is payable
Standard tours: cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a refund or credit
Custom (Create Your Own) trips: refund minus unrecoverable costs up to 48 hours prior; within 48 hours, 100% credit only
Multi-City Pass: a no-show without 24-hour cancellation notice may void the pass and cancel future tours without refund
Cancellations by the company (Force Majeure): refund minus unrecoverable costs
Amendments: customers must cancel and rebook at the new price; custom itinerary changes require 14 days' notice plus a $75 USD administrative fee per change
Prices exclude tips, personal items, and local taxes/fees