An old episcopal palace still preserving the atmosphere of an 18th-century cloister holds the museum devoted to perfumes.
Perfumes have always been a predilection with Cubans. From the times grandmothers filled chests and wardrobes with aromatic mint leaves and vetiver, and families gathered in the inner courtyards under the fragrance of tropical trees, perfume was a pleasurable respite in a climate where summer is perennial.
Hence, perfume has its museum, in a Sevillian courtyard with a fountain, a well and a grapevine.
The collections comprise a varied sample consisting of 19th- century perfume bottles found in archaeological excavations, different lines of perfume and toiletry from the early 20th century up to the present.
There is a collection of French perfumes featuring the world famous Molinard line.
The collection of Cuban perfumes includes the products of former rival industries: Gravi, Sabates and Crusellas, with its most famous line: Palmolive.
Suchel is the national perfume and toiletry firm par excellence after 1960. Its complete production, from the early eaux de toilet that Were exported to Europe, to the excellent perfumes and soaps of the present are also on display and visitors will have an opportunity to sample them and buy them at the museum shop.
Collections:
- 19th-century perfumes.
- International 20th-century perfumes.
- 20th-ceniury Cuban perfumes and
toiletry.
Address: Calle Oficios e/ Obispo
y Obrapia,
Habana Vieja
Open: Tuesday to Saturday: 14:30
to 21:45.
Sundays: 09:00 to 13:00.
Closed Mondays