Discussion #4: Finca Vigía Museum- Sabby Clemmons

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The Finca Vigía Museum also known as the Hemingway House was designed and lived in by the American classics author Ernest Hemingway. The house is located a little distance outside of Havana and is known for its beautiful view of the city from the terrace. In the historical house, Hemingway endured two of his four marriages, a divorce, and wrote two very successful novels, "For Whom the Bells Ring" and "The Old Man and the Sea." Throughout his time at Finca la Vigía, Hemingway made friends, a very important one being the fisherman Gregorio Fuentes who served as the first mate of Hemingway's yacht, Pilar. In addition to making lifelong friends during his frequent and lengthy stays at the estate, Hemingway cared for many cats and dogs, leaving behind a sort of pet cemetery for all of his beloved creatures who lived with him there. 


Despite the Cuban Revolution, Hemingway remained amiable with Castro and the Cuban government and was granted several exceptions to stay in Cuba as a resident. It wasn't until the Bay of Pigs that Hemingway had to flee to unfortunately never return due to his mental health struggles and untimely death.


Seeing the important figures who lived and were involved with this house (and visitors such as Katharine Hepburn, Ava Gardner, etc. ), it is no wonder why the house has been transformed into an attraction that many tourists come to see. Additionally, when the Cuban government fell the U.S. tried to place the house on the most endangered buildings list until the Cuban government could make repairs. Apparently, Hemingway tourism is very popular in Cuba. Options include driving to his favorite spots around Havana in a classic 1950s car, visiting the first hotel he stayed at where he found great writing inspiration (there is also a yearly contest given to the person who looks most like him), and Hemingway's favorite bar, Floridita, where he'd order daiquiris. 


Hemingway's Yacht at Finca la Vigía 


Dining Room of the House 


View of Havana from the House 


Hours and Admission: 

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 5 pm

Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm

Closed Sunday

125 CUP per person


Personally, I would think it's worth it to visit the 10-acre property due to its rich history and cultural significance to the literary world (especially for Americans). If not for its relevance, the view alone might be a convincing factor. The only drawback might be the more remote location of the museum, it is slightly outside of the city hub. The museum has also been given several awards from TripAdvisor and other traveling sites. 


For more information about the house visit their website: https://www.hemingwayhavana.com/en/history 


Sources: 

  • https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-contradictions-of-hemingways-house-in-cuba 

  • https://www.hemingwayhavana.com/en/history  (most helpful, all pictures taken from this site)

  • https://www.pbs.org/video/hemingways-home-cuba-finca-vigia-kkrss5/ (Highly recommend watching this video)

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