San Carlos Institute

San Carlos Institute is a museum and cultural building in Key West with Cuban-influenced architectural design that houses a library, art gallery, theater, and educational spaces. The facility on Duval Street offers various exhibition rooms and performance venues for visitors.

The institute was founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles seeking refuge during the Ten Years' War on the island. After damage to earlier locations, the building was rebuilt at its present site around 1890.

The institute bears the name of a Cuban national hero and serves today as a space where visitors encounter Cuban art exhibitions and theater performances. The spaces host regular cultural events that reflect the artistic heritage of the Cuban community.

Visitors can explore exhibitions and attend various cultural events offered throughout the year. Language classes and workshops are also available if you want to engage more deeply with Cuban culture.

The building served as a key gathering place for Cuban independence fighters and remains a symbol of the exiled community. This history gives it profound symbolic importance that goes beyond its role as a museum.

Location: Monroe County

GPS coordinates: 24.55528,-81.80280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05