The cradle of Cuba's independence, on Duval Street.
The San Carlos is one of Florida's most beautiful and historic landmarks, founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles of Key West as an educational, civic, and patriotic center.
Where Martí united the exile community
The San Carlos is a multi-purpose facility that serves as a museum, library, art gallery, theater, and school. Located in the heart of Key West's historic district, it is considered to be the cradle of Cuba's independence movement.
It was at the San Carlos that José Martí united the exile community in 1892 to launch the final phase of his campaign for Cuba's independence. Martí so loved the San Carlos that he called it "La Casa Cuba."
"I can't deliver from my heart, as I wanted to, all the tenderness, the just pride, the gratefulness that in the name of our country, we all owe to the Cuban immigrants of Key West."
José Martí, in a letter to José D. Poyo, December 20, 1893
Explore the San Carlos
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Exhibits
Permanent and traveling exhibits on Cuba's history and the Cuban-American community in Florida.
See the exhibits
Theater
Our charming historic theater seats 360 and is available for performances and events.
Rent the theater
History
Destroyed by fire, felled by a hurricane, condemned, and restored. The San Carlos has always risen again.
Read the story
Welcome
A letter from the President of the Board on what the San Carlos means to the Cuban people.
Read the letter