This was one of Cuba's very first museums, set up by Emilio Bacardi, and built by architect Carlos Segrera. Housed within the museum is a valuable collection covering the period between the Spanish conquest and the Wars of Independence (from Spain). On the great entrance doorway there are some wonderful images of the goddess Minerva; while inside there is a large collection of weapons and mambi artifacts (pertaining to African rebel slaves). There is also a good exhibit.