Santiago de Cuba’s Archdiocese Museum
The Excelencias Group invites you to discover the Archdiocese Museum of Santiago de Cuba that stands right in the heart of the Hero City. Just go upstairs by the side of the cathedral and you’ll find both history and religion in the same place.
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The Hispanic-Mudejar architectonic heritage is complemented, among other elements, by a distinguished coffering, leaning beams, tiles that shelter a one-of-a-kind place in the country: the Monsignor Enrique Pérez Serantes Archdiocese Museum, created in 1963.
The Holy Ecce Homo is one of the gems of the Museum, an oil painting on wood by Colombian artist Francisco Antonio. The figure of Jesus is tied to a column, after he was scourged. Painted in Cartagena de Indias, it was brought to the Island in 1610 and it’s considered the oldest religious pictorial artwork in Cuba. This piece is surrounded by a miraculous character according to precentor Juan Lizando y Luyando, who asserts that he has seen the painting perspiring blood. The Christ on this cedar board measures only fourteen inches. The first solemn Fiesta of the Holy Ecce Homo was organized in the 17th century.
According to Antonio López de Queralta, a museology specialist and director of the institution, the museum is trying to preserve, exhibit and restore the historic-religious heritage not only of the Catholic Church, but the Cuban people. That’s the reason why it’s so important. This is Cuba’s Primatial Cathedral and it was the starting point for many things that have to do with all churches, dioceses and archbishopric in the country.
Its walls showcase portraits of bishops and archbishops that have officiated at our city. You are moved when you stare at the original scores composed by Esteban Salas (1725-1803), first grand Cuban musician that, just as Alejo Carpentier said, “turned the Cathedral into a true conservatory”.
This magic place houses the first mass given in Free Cuba: the chasuble, stole and corporal bag, fabric with gold threads used in that celebration, which took place at El Cobre Sanctuary, on September 8, 1898.
The Archiepiscopal Seat of Saint Antonio María Claret is another relic. It was used during the Mass to crown the image of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre (1936), and the Pontifical coronation carried out by Pope Juan Pablo 2nd on January 24, 1998 in Santiago de Cuba.
The Crucified Christ of San Pedro de la Roca Castle (1838) is moving too. It stands out because of its size and carving, and it witnessed the prayers of condemned people. We also see one of the sides of the Corpus Cristi “Triumphal Carriage”, which was first seen in the streets in 1883.
That’s why the former Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, visited the place and expressed: “I’ve never seen so much wealth and history stored in such a little space ".
Aside the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba, right in the atrium, the Archdiocese Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m., an excellent invitation.
