Overview:

is an interactive and comprehensive museum in Havana dedicated to the study and preservation of Cuban biodiversity. The museum houses expositions on zoology, botany, and geology. The museum is located in a historic building in the heart of Old Havana, providing a captivating backdrop for its exotic and informative displays. This is a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational activities that invite visitors to discover the flora and fauna of Cuba, as well as its geological formations. The museum also features a library, restaurant, and gift shop, perfect for exploring Cuban culture and learning more about natural science. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Reptiles and amphibians exhibition: This exhibition showcases a diverse range of live reptiles and amphibians native to Cuba, including species of alligators, turtles, and snakes. 2. Taxidermy collection: This collection features mounted specimens of some of Cuba’s rarest birds, mammals, and reptiles preserved for educational purposes. 3. Marine life gallery: This gallery displays live and preserved species of Cuba’s marine life including whales, dolphins, and various fish species. 4. Earth sciences exhibitions: This exhibition features an array of minerals, fossils, rocks, and crystals plus interactive maps, models, and videos about Cuba’s biomes. 5. Butterfly house: This section of the museum houses an interactive butterfly house containing several species of live butterflies native to Cuba. 6. Botanical gardens: This attraction showcases a variety of tropical plants and flowers native to Cuba in an outdoor garden setting. 7. Planetarium: This feature of the museum showcases a wide range of stars and planets in a 3D theater for the educational and entertainment value of visitors. 8. Special Exhibitions: The museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions every year, featuring topics such as Cuban archeology, wildlife conservation, and endangered species. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The beginnings of the Museum of Natural Sciences can be traced back to 1794, when a Royal Cabinet of Natural History was established at the University of Havana. It was during this period that much of the region's natural resources were first catalogued and studied. In the 19th century, the museum was re-established as the Royal Museum of Natural History, a facility focused on the study of Cuba’s natural history, particularly its plants and animals. The museum housed various specimens, as well as a remarkable collection of books, pamphlets, and dissertations from European researchers. In 1903, the museum became the National Museum of Natural History, overseen by the newly formed Department of Public Instruction of the Interior Ministry. The collections of the National Museum were housed separately from those of the university, and most of its staff consisted of university students. In 1960, the museum merged with the Natural Science Institute to become the Museum of Natural Sciences. The museum now houses one of the most significant collections of Cuban natural history, and provides a range of activities focusing on education, research, and conservation of the region’s natural resources. It also houses a network of national and international field stations and research labs throughout Cuba. Notably, the Museum of Natural Sciences is characterized by its dedication to the preservation of Cuban biodiversity and environmental conservation. It has dedicated a substantial amount of resources to the research and conservation of endangered species, organizing national conservation projects and training local specialists in sustainable use and management of natural resources. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Museum of Natural Sciences was founded in 1951 by the Academy of Sciences of Cuba. 2. The museum is home to the world’s most complete collection of Cuban fossils, including the remains of the giant sloth, giant tortoise, and extinct mammals. 3. The museum houses over 1,300 specimens of Cuban flora and fauna, over 14,000 fish specimens, over 1,400 bird specimens, and over 6,000 insect specimens. 4. The museum also houses over 100,000 minerals and rocks in its mineralogy collection. 5. The museum includes a butterfly garden, a planetarium, and spaces for workshops and lectures. 6. The museum’s research focuses on Cuban biodiversity, and it provides resources to scientists from around the world. 7. The museum is open to the public and receives thousands of visitors who come to explore the museum’s exhibits and natural history attractions. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.