Beauty, Neglect, Opportunity: The Story of Cuban Modernism Told Through 10 Buildings

Midcentury Cuba produced some of the most stunning modernist architecture on the planet, but even today, the story of that architecture and its very future remains clouded by politics and neglect. Both before and after the revolution, Cuba produced extraordinary gems, but the architectural history of this period has been fragmented by tendencies within Cuba to ignore pre-1959 masterpieces and outside Cuba to minimize the Cuban Revolution’s architectural legacy. 


Modernism Week is proud to announce a unique lecture by legendary Cuban architectural historian Eduardo Luis Rodriguez that tells the full story of Cuban modernism through the lens of 10 exceptional structures. Rodriguez, who has dedicated his life to researching and analyzing this architectural period, will take us behind the scenes of the building of structures like the iconic Tropicana nightclub, the amazing, utopian National Arts Schools and finish with the story of Las Ruinas, a unique restaurant built among the ruins of a crumbling historic plantation house in Havana’s largest public park.

Rodriguez and a panel of international experts will finish with a discussion about the efforts of local activists that are working with Friends of Havana and other organizations to raise awareness of the need to safeguard the country’s extraordinary mid-century heritage, and how modernist architecture lovers outside of Cuba can help.

Following the presentation will be a wine reception in the adjacent garden.  An excellent opportunity to meet Eduardo Luis Rodriguez, guest panelists and Friends of Havana board members.  Funds raised by this event support Friends of Havana and their efforts to preserve the modernist architecture of Havana.

$25, $100 (includes reception)

Things to Know
This event is for ages 12 and older.
Ample free public parking is available in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The entrance to the Annenberg Theater is located behind the Annenberg Theater Box Office, adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum's North Parking Lot.
Handicap parking is available. This event is wheelchair accessible.
$25 is Symposium Ticket only: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 
$100 is Preferred Seating and Reception Ticket: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The organizer of this event is Friends of Havana.

Event Check-in Location 
Annenberg Theater,  Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
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Photo Credits: Archive of Eduardo Luis Rodriguez Photograph