Casa Bacardi

Located on Bresia Avenue on the UM campus is Casa Bacardi, a microcosmic dwelling that represents all that is Cuba, past and present.
Casa Bacardi, a new interactive cultural center highlighting Cuban history and culture is part of the Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies. According to organizers, the Bacardi Family Foundation donated $1 million to promote and update the building.
“This is a resource for students to learn about the culture and history of Cuba,” Jamie Suchlicki, director of ICCAS, said. “It also serves as an interactive cultural center that educates students and the public about Cuba in a post-Castro era.”
Among Casa Bacardi’s amenities are an exhibit area, cinema, music pavilion with more than 2,000 digital music selections from 19th and 20th century Cuban works and a Cuban info center that allows visitors to take quizzes that test their knowledge of Cuban history.
“I think Casa Bacardi is a very happening place,” Alejandro Cardenas, sophomore, said. “It’s a great place to hang out with friends and learn about aspects of Cuba that we may have not been aware of.”
Maria Urizar says that throughout the year, Casa Bacardi is host to a number of special events.
“We are always inviting special guests to present their books, give lectures and speak at luncheons,” Urizar said. “Depending on the type of event, we usually host between 90 and 100 attendants per event.”
All services at Casa Bacardi are free to students.
For information on exhibits or cinema show times, call 305-284-CUBA or visit www.miami.edu/iccas.