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Fusterlandia
Fusterlandia is the art project of José Rodriguez Fuster, who felt inspired after a trip to Europe where he had been admiring the work of Gaudi. He started by transforming his own house into a giant artwork, then proceeded to doing the same for his neighbors. Today the entire neighborhood is one big artistic wonderland just outside of Havana.
From Fuster’s studio…
Although the entire neighborhood has been turned into a tiled piece of art, it is easy to recognize Fuster’s house as the most colorful house in the street. You can enter and visit for free. On the ground floor, there’s a courtyard with a fountain and mosaic-covered walls.
From there, you can enter the house and climb up two floors. On the first floor, there is a small gallery where you can buy small souvenirs and original Fuster paintings. The roof offers a panoramic view over the entire neighborhood, which brings to mind an attraction park because of all the colorful and playful sculptures.
The fantastical imagery includes mermaids, enormous eyes, Santería saints, roosters, palm trees, hearts, fish, cowboys… and covers literally everything: gates, walls, benches, roofs, floors…
…to the entire Jaimanitas neighborhood
As Fuster became famous and his work grew widely appreciated, more than 80 neighbors let him use their houses as canvases. Put aside some time to wander through the surrounding streets of Jamainitas to observe how his artwork spills over to homes, offices, bus stops, fountains, benches…
Also pay attention to Cuban symbols such as the Cuban flag and Granma yacht.
What I like about the installation, is that people are constantly adding and repairing pieces to improve the community project. It has basically become a living artwork.
Practical information
- Visiting Fusterlandia is free, although donations are welcome.
- A taxi ride to Fusterlandia takes 25 minutes and costs about 20 CUC.
- Many people visit Fusterlandia while on a Classic American car tour, which costs about 30CUC and takes you to a selection of famous spots in the city.
- Buses do travel from Havana to the Fusterlandia area, but the system is a bit confusing, so make sure to inform at your casa particular
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