1. WHAT IS THE FABRICA DEL ARTE CUBANO (F.A.C)?
The Fabrica del Arte Cubano is the ingenious idea by the Cuban singer songwriter X Alfonso to create a cultural space where up and coming Cuban talent can perform and display their work whilst at the same time being affordable for Cubans to visit and experience something different.
At the Fabrica del Arte you will find art exhibitions, theatre, dance, film and live music. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor.
2. WHERE IS THE FABRICA DEL ARTE LOCATED?
It is located on Calle 26 on the corner of Calle 11, Vedado in Havana Cuba in an old olive oil factory, next door to the bar / restaurant El Cocinero so look out for the tall chimney.
The factory is spacious with a modern feel to it, ideal for presenting photography exhibitions, art installations and paint works.
3. HOW DO GET TO THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?
The most economical way to get to the Fabrica del Arte is to take one of the Cuban collective taxis or almendron down Linea and get off just before the tunnel at around Calle 24 and walk a couple of blocks up to the Fabrica del Arte.
Or you can take an almendron down Calle 23 and get off on the corner of Calle 26 and walk down 5 blocks until you find the entrance to the Fabrica del Arte.
If you can’t get an almendron then take a private Cuba taxi all the way to the Fabrica del Arte.
4. IS IT SAFE TO WALK TO THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?
One evening I tried to flag down an almendron from Calle 23 and Calle D in Vedado at around 9pm but most of the collective taxis were full and wouldn’t stop for us. We decided to walk for around 20 minutes down Calle 23. It was dark especially when you start to come away from Calle 23 and walk down the side streets, but the Fabrica del Arte is located in a residential area, often with people on the street. It wasn’t the first time I walked in and around this area. I generally feel safe and have no problem walking around the area but it is always sensible to remain street wise and avoid walking around with valuables. Check out my blog "Is Cuba Safe?".
5. IS IT EASY TO GET A TAXI FROM THE FABRICA DEL ARTE BACK TO MY CASA OR HOTEL?
There are taxis outside the Fabrica del Arte ready to take you back to your Casa or hotel in Havana. This is a convenient door to door option but expect to pay higher prices than normal. Alternatively if you are not willing to pay the taxi prices outside of the Fabrica del Arte, you can do as I do and walk to Linea and wait by the tunnel exit and waive down a private taxi or an almendron.
I have managed to get an almendron from Linea to Centro Habana at 12.30pm so it can be done, but if you are not familiar with Havana and how the almendrones work these are the things you need to bear in mind before taking an almendron from the Fabrica del Arte late at night to your Casa or hotel:
6. HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRANCE FEE AT THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?
At the Fabrica del Arte you will find art exhibitions, theatre, dance, film and live music. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor.
2. WHERE IS THE FABRICA DEL ARTE LOCATED?
It is located on Calle 26 on the corner of Calle 11, Vedado in Havana Cuba in an old olive oil factory, next door to the bar / restaurant El Cocinero so look out for the tall chimney.
The factory is spacious with a modern feel to it, ideal for presenting photography exhibitions, art installations and paint works.
3. HOW DO GET TO THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?
The most economical way to get to the Fabrica del Arte is to take one of the Cuban collective taxis or almendron down Linea and get off just before the tunnel at around Calle 24 and walk a couple of blocks up to the Fabrica del Arte.
Or you can take an almendron down Calle 23 and get off on the corner of Calle 26 and walk down 5 blocks until you find the entrance to the Fabrica del Arte.
If you can’t get an almendron then take a private Cuba taxi all the way to the Fabrica del Arte.
4. IS IT SAFE TO WALK TO THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?
One evening I tried to flag down an almendron from Calle 23 and Calle D in Vedado at around 9pm but most of the collective taxis were full and wouldn’t stop for us. We decided to walk for around 20 minutes down Calle 23. It was dark especially when you start to come away from Calle 23 and walk down the side streets, but the Fabrica del Arte is located in a residential area, often with people on the street. It wasn’t the first time I walked in and around this area. I generally feel safe and have no problem walking around the area but it is always sensible to remain street wise and avoid walking around with valuables. Check out my blog "Is Cuba Safe?".
5. IS IT EASY TO GET A TAXI FROM THE FABRICA DEL ARTE BACK TO MY CASA OR HOTEL?
There are taxis outside the Fabrica del Arte ready to take you back to your Casa or hotel in Havana. This is a convenient door to door option but expect to pay higher prices than normal. Alternatively if you are not willing to pay the taxi prices outside of the Fabrica del Arte, you can do as I do and walk to Linea and wait by the tunnel exit and waive down a private taxi or an almendron.
I have managed to get an almendron from Linea to Centro Habana at 12.30pm so it can be done, but if you are not familiar with Havana and how the almendrones work these are the things you need to bear in mind before taking an almendron from the Fabrica del Arte late at night to your Casa or hotel:
- you need to feel comfortable walking from the Fabrica del Arte to Linea on a quiet street in the dark
- there are fewer almendron services in operation late at night
- it is difficult to get an almendron if there are 2 or more of you travelling together
- you could be standing around in the dark for some time before finally getting an almendron to stop for you the almendrones in Havana only operate specific routes so first check with the driver to see whether he is going somewhere close to where you are staying in Havana
- think about where the almendron is going to drop you off, it is not a door to door service so only take this option if you are happy to walk in the dark down side streets to get from the drop off point to your Casa
6. HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRANCE FEE AT THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?
The entrance fee is 50 MN per person (August 2016). You can pay in CUC. The Fabrica del Arte operate a no cash system so when you pay your entrance fee the door attendant will give you a card. Everytime you get a drink or food at the bar it will be noted on your card. You pay for anything you have consumed on your way out at the cash desk.
If you lose your card you will have to pay a 30 CUC fee.
EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES
Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.
To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:
