Old Havana hosts an arts programme from 10 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 08:33 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Old Havana (Habana Vieja) will host an October arts programme at Casa Vitier García Marruz, with the first listed exhibition opening on 10 October 2026. The centre announced the programme on 2 October 2026, linking concerts, exhibitions, talks and workshops to Havana's historic centre.
Casa Vitier García Marruz sets October arts programme
The programme at Casa Vitier García Marruz begins with an exhibition by National Prize for Visual Arts winner José Ángel Toirac on 10 October 2026. A concert by the Orígenes string quartet is scheduled for 12 October, followed by a performance involving the Z-Saxos saxophone quartet and Schola Cantorum Coralina on 17 October.
The calendar also lists a performance by trumpeter Yasek Manzano on 20 October and an appearance by soprano Yoslainy Derrick with pianist Ramón Leyva on 24 October. Workshops connected with the Japanese Culture Week in Cuba are planned for 24 and 25 October, while specialist Pedro Landestoy is due to give the lecture La Odisea de Homero a Nolan on 30 October. The October programme details were reported by Prensa Latina.
October events connect with Havana's protected historic centre
Casa Vitier García Marruz is at the corner of San Ignacio and O'Reilly streets. The centre preserves the cultural and historical legacy of writers Cintio Vitier and Fina García Marruz and their family, giving the October programme a literary as well as visual and musical setting.
Havana was founded by the Spanish in 1519. Its historic centre retains Baroque and neoclassical monuments, narrow streets and five large plazas, including Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas and Plaza de la Catedral. UNESCO describes the protected property as covering 214 hectares and records its inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1982. The UNESCO heritage record places the programme within a district whose urban layout and architectural continuity are themselves protected.
Casa Vitier García Marruz sits within a living heritage district
The Office of the Historian of Havana coordinates conservation and rehabilitation in the historic centre. Its work covers a district with plazas, courtyards, arcades, balconies and fortifications, while Casa Vitier García Marruz adds a contemporary cultural venue to that historic fabric.
The relationship matters for visitors because the October programme is not a separate city event presented in a distant venue. Its named exhibitions, concerts, workshops and lecture are scheduled at a cultural centre inside the historic centre, where the surrounding streets and plazas form part of the wider World Heritage setting.
Visiting Old Havana: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The first listed exhibition at Casa Vitier García Marruz opens on 10 October 2026. Other listed programme dates run from 12 to 30 October 2026.
- The venue is at the corner of San Ignacio and O'Reilly streets. Some activities were still to be confirmed when the programme was announced, so the schedule may require checking before travel.
- The district is organised around historic plazas and narrow streets, with buildings featuring arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards.
- Cuba's official language is Spanish and its national currency is the Cuban peso.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Old Havana on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Old Havana
When does the October arts programme take place at Old Havana?
The programme at Casa Vitier García Marruz includes events from 10 to 30 October 2026, with some workshops scheduled for 24 and 25 October.
Where is Old Havana and how do you get there?
It is the historic centre of Havana, Cuba. Casa Vitier García Marruz is at the corner of San Ignacio and O'Reilly streets.
What is Old Havana?
It is Havana's historic centre, founded in 1519 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982.
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