El Palacio de los Torcedores by Punch Joe

[El Presidente]

El Palacio de los Torcedores by Punch Joe

Located in 345 San Miguel St. between Marqués González and Lucena Sts.

Literally, the Palace of the cigar rollers. And it is indeed since the now restored building is a thing of beauty. Re-inaugurated last June 2013, the building treasures information and pictures about the tobacco industry and it was built in 1925 with the financial help of the rollers of Havana.

It was first conceived as the traditional meeting place, where social activities would take place for the workers of the tobacco industry but it also served as a printing plant for the rollers newspaper and the main venue of the People’s University Jose Marti and later, Lazaro Pena, leader of the worker’s union established here his office being himself a roller.

The building has a large room with many pictures going from the history of the Cuban community and the leaders of the Union during the 20’s and 30’s in the ground floor. The first floor is still under renovation. Lithographic designs and papers can be found there hanging on the walls in frames. Some very rare and authentic, others are just a printing copy.

Once is ready and in full operation, the site can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday. People told me they have a humble cigar band collection and some lithographic works of the Cuban émigrés in Key West along with original pictures of such factories. Can’t wait!

A new place to visit while in Havana.

[CaptainQuintero]

Wow, now that is a gorgeous facade, thanks Jose!

[Blakes]

Beautiful.

[Ryan]

Can't wait! Thanks Punch Joe, great stuff again.

[NJP]

Very cool. Imagine a building with all the great current rollers in one spot.

[garbandz]

Interesting,the cars in all pictures look the same age........

[laficion]

That Is one beautful building, Thanks José.