The Venue

The venue 

The conference will take place in "The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana)",  San Rafael, e/Zulueta y Monserrate,  Habana , in the historical center of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana is a museum of Fine Arts that exhibits Cuban art collections from the colonial times up to contemporary generations. The most notable works of the latest generation of Cuban artists are those of René Portocarrero and Wifredo Lam.

Lunches will be organized in historic restaurants of Old Havana (a map of the area will be included in the Social Events section).

History

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean sea and, with over 11 million inhabitants, the second-most populous after Hispaniola. It is a multiethnic country whose people, culture and customs derive from diverse origins, including spanish, afric an andaboriginal Tainoand Siboney peoples. Havana, with 2.1 million inhabitants, isthe capital city, major port, andleading commercial centre of Cuba. Old Havana was founded by the Spanish in 1519 in the natural harbor of the Bay of Havana. It became a stopping point for the treasure laden Spanish Galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. In the 17th century it was one of the main shipbuilding centers. The city was built in baroque and neoclassic style.  

Culture

Havana, by far the leading cultural centre of the country, offers a wide variety of features that range from museums, palaces, public squares, avenues, churches, fortresses (including the largest fortified complex in the Americas dating from the 16th through 18th centuries), ballet and from art and musical festivals to exhibitions of technology. The restoration of Old Havana offered a number of new attractions, including a museum to house relics of the Cuban revolution. The government placed special emphasis on cultural activities, many of which are free or involve only a minimal charge.

Weather

Havana, like much of Cuba, enjoys a pleasant year-round tropical climate with average  temperatures ranging from 72 °F (22 °C) in January and February to 82 °F (28 °C) in August.