The San Carlos Institute is a Cuban heritage center founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles, who came to Key West to plan the campaign for Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Cuba is only 90 miles from Key West and in the 19th century Cubans made up a third of the Key West population.

It was at the San Carlos Center that Jose Marti’ united the exile community in 1892 to launch his campaign for Cuba’s Independence and where he dubbed the building ‘La Casa Cuba”

Founded as a center to promote language and culture of Cubans living in Key West, the San Carlos Institute became one of the first schools in the nation to teach both in English and Spanish.

Located directly on Duval Street, there is a National Historic Places plaque on outside of the building.

This gorgeous building was constructed in 1924 in a classical Spanish mission style.

The interior is spackled with tile work from Cuba and Seville, Spain,  Italian marble and statues of Cuban luminaries.

The San Carlos is a multipurpose facility that serves as a museum, library, art gallery,  theater and school.

The San Carlos is open Sunday through Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Admission is free.