Fusterlandia – An Artist’s Playground in Havana Cuba

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So, besides riding around in classic American cars and keeping a tally on how many Che tshirts you find…what is there to do in Havana, Cuba? One word: Fusterlandia.

Two words: Go there.

 

 

What is it? Basically, it’s what happens when an artist moves into a neighborhood without an HOA. Fusterlandia is a small community on the west side of Havana, though the neighborhood’s actual name is Jaimanitas. The entire district is decorated with murals, ceramic mosaics, and colorful quirky sculptures. But how did such a fun place come to be, and in such a random part of the city? I’ll give you the shortest little snippet of backstory.

 

 

The mastermind behind the art is José Fuster. Well, his full name is actually José Antonio Rodríguez Fuster. But really, just call him Fuster. After visiting Europe and witnessing the public works of Gaudi in Barcelona and Brancusi in Romania (have any of you seen those??), Fuster wondered if he could bring his own imagination to life in Cuba. His home, which is now the main attraction in the neighborhood, started as a small wooden house. But instead of seeing an obstacle, Fuster saw a blank canvas. He started to embellish his house, little by little, with his first creations starting in the driveway (he had to ask his neighbor’s permission). And well, you can see he didn’t stop there. Fusterlandia is an ongoing project that is over 20 years in the making, but at first, not everyone was happy about it.

 

 

His neighbors were skeptical. Some of them thought he was wasting his time. Some of them thought he was crazy. But as Fuster continued and tourists started flocking from Havana to their quiet street, a few of the neighbors changed their mind. Fuster soon incorporated his art into his neighbor’s homes and businesses. His whimsical designs adorned bus stations and sidewalks. It has inspired other artists in the neighborhood to contribute as well.

 

 

There are lots of murals along the sidewalks and sculptures in the nearby parks, but you should probably start out your Fusterlandia trip with Taller-Estudio José Fuster, aka Fuster’s house. Literally, I do not have words that even compare to how surreal this place is. So here are some pictures.

 

 

There’s this cool pool! From the upper stories, you can see the mosaic at the bottom of the pool. But, I wouldn’t recommend swimming in it. Fuster’s artwork is reminiscent of some of his favorite artists, like Picasso and Gaudí. However, his Cuban roots shines brightly through his pieces. You can spot multiple Cuban flags, as well as families playing dominoes!

If you like collecting art, there is also a small studio set up on the first floor. You can’t take pictures inside the studio, but it’s just behind the heart cut out! Just a heads up, they ain’t cheap.

 

 

There’s also another little gift shop – and things are significantly more affordable for the average traveler. Just inside the room below, there are coasters, posters, printouts, wall decorations…you name it! Plus, there’s a fan inside so. That’s reason enough to take a look. It’s on the second story.

 

 

So how do you even get to Fusterlandia?

There are a ton of tours that make a stop here, but if you wanna go solo, then here’s how you do it from Havana.

One way is to get a taxi. From downtown Havana, that can range about 15-20CUC. You can also take the bus! If you go the bus route, get off at Avendia 5ta – you’ll know you’re there because even the bus stops are decorated haha. There is no entrance fee, but everyone loves to sell their work! Around town (close to Fusterlandia), there are a handful of shops selling knick knacks, cute bags, and souvenirs!

So what do you think? Would you take a visit to Fusterlandia? And have you ever been to a place surrounded with so much art?? Like in Barcelona, Romania, or even Slab City? If you had free artistic reign over your house…what would it look like? Mine would probably look a little something like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, hahaha.

 

“I will not stop dreaming. I want to develop a cultural movement in Jaimanitas beyond visual art; create a theater group, for example–the Ópera de la Calle (Street Opera) company, which is reviving the Cuban musical theater, was born here; arouse people’s creativity. Human beings are essentially creative. We are all creators, but you have to work hard.” – José Fuster

For more things to do, check out my complete travel guide for Havana!

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